Pepperdine School of Public Policy

08/06/2026

Pepperdine is preparing local government leaders to navigate the future of AI!

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership recently hosted an intensive, two-day workshop: Applied AI in Local Government: Practical Skills for Public Sector Leaders at Pepperdine’s Drescher Graduate Campus in Malibu.
Led by Dr. Peter Pirnejad, Dr. Prof. Dr. Jonathan Reichental, and Chris Shepard, local government professionals worked through lab sessions to master AI tools including ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini.

From streamlining staff reports and data analysis to improving public communications, leaders left equipped to implement responsible AI practices in their municipalities with a focus on keeping ethics, compliance, and human oversight at the forefront.

🖇 Read how the School of Public Policy is equipping local leaders with AI skills: https://www.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/davenport-institute-at-pepperdine-university-hosts-ai-skills-training-for-local-government-leadership.htm

07/22/2026

We are excited to welcome Christopher Thornberg, founder of
Beacon Economics, as our newest fellow!

Thornberg brings deep expertise in economic forecasting, labor, real estate, & policy to expand our data-driven research on state policy issues.

Read the full announcement:

SPP Newsroom highlights the latest news about students, faculty, alumni, and upcoming events from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy.

05/10/2026

Celebrating the women who shape our stories, strengthen our communities, and support us every step of the way 🤍

This Mother’s Day, we honor the mothers and mother figures who have encouraged our students to lead with purpose, pursue meaningful work, and serve something greater than themselves. Your love and guidance make a lasting impact far beyond this moment.

Happy Mother’s Day from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy 💐

04/20/2026

Last Friday, we celebrated the Pepperdine School of Public Policy Class of 2026 at commencement — a milestone that represents hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service.

Our commencement speaker, Commissioner Clarence Carter, said it best:

"Today is not just a transition from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy to the next stage of your life; it is the passing of a baton from one generation of public servants to you. And here is the truth about that baton: it is heavier than it looks. It carries the weight of expectations of individuals, family, and communities who need better outcomes, not just better intentions. It carries the urgency of challenges that are becoming more complex, not less . . . But it also carries something else, possibility."

To the Class of 2026: the weight of that baton is real — but so is your capacity to carry it with excellence.

Onward, Class of 2026. 🎓

04/16/2026

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy is proud to announce Daniel Klein (MPP '12) as our 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, who will be speaking to our 2026 graduating class tomorrow. 🎓

Daniel is the CEO of Jewish Silicon Valley, a nonprofit connecting, supporting, and advocating for the Jewish community across Silicon Valley. His career spans Capitol Hill policy advising, leadership roles at AIPAC and Israel Bonds, six years in the biomedical industry, and now mission-driven nonprofit leadership.

"In an era where moral clarity can be rare in leadership, receiving an honor rooted in ethical integrity is deeply meaningful. I remain committed to leading with purpose and dedicated service to both the Jewish community and the broader public," stated Klein.

We are proud to honor Daniel as this year's graduates prepare to carry forward the same values of principled leadership and public service.

🔗 Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/4dTjBhY

Pepperdine Alumni

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP) is proud to announce Daniel Klein (MPP ’12), chief executive officer of Jewish Silicon Valley (JSV), as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus.

04/14/2026

How does policy help us move from isolation to connection? 🤝

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy recently hosted a conference to tackle the policy implications of loneliness. By bringing together voices like Tim Carney and Grace Olmstead, we took a deep dive into the importance of "placemaking" and how we can design our communities to be more resilient and connected.

Throughout the day, our speakers shared the latest social science research and discussed community-driven solutions through the lens of local government and nonprofit work. It was a powerful reminder that loneliness is no longer just a private struggle—it is a public policy challenge.

04/05/2026

He is risen!

Wishing you a blessed Easter as we reflect on the hope and promise of new life through Christ.

03/26/2026

From the lessons of the past to the responsibilities of the future. 🎖️📖 For Christian Mayer (MPP '25), service isn't just a career path—it’s a legacy. Drawing inspiration from his family’s history and the timeless wisdom of the greats, he’s dedicated to a life of service in the U.S. Army. Honor, duty, and a commitment to something bigger than oneself.