In a significant leadership transition, Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School is preparing to welcome its 10th dean, Deborah Crown, following the conclusion of Deryck J. van Rensburg’s tenure this summer. Crown, who currently serves as the dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and holds the position of professor of management, is set to officially assume her role in the fall of 2022. During this interim period, David Smith, the associate provost for online programs and a professor of economics at the Graziadio Business School, will take on the responsibilities of the interim dean.
This leadership change is met with great anticipation and enthusiasm as the Pepperdine community looks forward to the impact that Dr. Deborah Crown will make on the Graziadio Business School. Her strong Christian faith and demonstrated commitment to servant leadership align seamlessly with Pepperdine’s core values and Christian mission, making her an excellent fit for this prestigious institution.
Deborah Crown brings an impressive wealth of experience in higher education administration, spanning nearly two decades. Her tenure as the dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College has been marked by remarkable achievements, including a nearly 150% increase in overall fundraising during her five-year leadership. She also successfully secured critical grant funding for the school’s Centers of Excellence. Crown’s dedication to enhancing academic programs and improving student learning technologies for in-person, hybrid, and online programs has consistently been at the forefront of her leadership.
Prior to her roles in administration, Crown’s career was grounded in education and academia. She embarked on her teaching journey at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, where she began as a professor and ultimately rose to become the Miles-Rose Professor of Management and coordinator of the management PhD program. Throughout her academic career, Crown has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing her outstanding contributions to teaching, research, mentoring, and service. Her leadership in the business community and her unwavering commitment to incorporating social responsibility into her teaching and research have earned her accolades and respect from her peers and colleagues.
Crown’s expertise extends beyond the classroom and lecture halls. She has been actively engaged as a reviewer for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognized accrediting body for business schools. Furthermore, her insights and perspectives have been featured in national media outlets such as CNN, ABC News, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, and Entrepreneur.
In terms of her educational background, Deborah Crown holds a bachelor of science in psychology from North Central College, a master of science in business administration from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a PhD in business administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Pepperdine University’s Provost, Jay Brewster, extends a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Dr. Crown. He emphasizes her genuine passion for Christian higher education and her proven track record as an academic leader. The Pepperdine community eagerly anticipates the positive and transformative impact that Deborah Crown will bring to the Graziadio Business School and the broader university environment.
In the landscape of academia and higher education administration, the appointment of a new dean is a pivotal moment. It marks not only a transition in leadership but also an opportunity for the institution to chart a new course, build upon existing strengths, and set ambitious goals for the future. The selection of Deborah Crown as the 10th dean of the Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School is a testament to her outstanding credentials and her alignment with the institution’s values and mission.
As the incoming dean, Deborah Crown brings a distinguished record of accomplishments in the field of higher education. Her previous role as the dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College serves as a testament to her leadership abilities. Under her guidance, the Crummer Graduate School of Business achieved significant milestones, including a remarkable increase in overall fundraising by nearly 150% during her five-year tenure. This achievement underscores her effectiveness in resource mobilization and her capacity to secure critical grant funding for the school’s Centers of Excellence.
Furthermore, Crown’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in her dedication to enhancing educational programs and adopting innovative technologies to enhance student learning. Her experience in overseeing in-person, hybrid, and online programs positions her as a forward-thinking academic leader who can navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
Crown’s journey in academia extends back to her early teaching roles at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Over the years, she not only excelled as a professor but also took on leadership roles, eventually becoming the Miles-Rose Professor of Management and coordinating the management PhD program. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring students has been recognized through numerous awards, highlighting her profound impact on the academic community.
In addition to her accomplishments within the academic sphere, Deborah Crown has made significant contributions to the broader business community. Her commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices is evident in her research and teaching. She has been a vocal advocate for integrating these principles into business education, shaping the values and perspectives of future business leaders.
Crown’s expertise has not gone unnoticed by the academic community. Her role as a reviewer for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious accreditation body, reflects her commitment to maintaining high academic standards. She has played a crucial role in evaluating and ensuring the quality of business education programs, contributing to the continuous improvement of business schools worldwide.
As Deborah Crown assumes the role of dean at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, her appointment holds great promise for the institution. Her academic prowess, leadership acumen, and dedication to Pepperdine’s Christian mission position her as a transformative leader who will shape the future of the Graziadio Business School.
The appointment of a dean is a significant milestone in the life of any academic institution. It represents an opportunity to build upon existing strengths, set new goals, and define a vision for the future. In the case of Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, the selection of Deborah Crown as the 10th dean signifies a commitment to excellence and a bright future ahead.
Pepperdine University President Jim Gash expressed his confidence in Dr. Crown’s ability to make a positive impact on the Graziadio Business School and the entire university community. Her strong Christian faith and dedication to servant leadership align seamlessly with Pepperdine’s values and mission. This alignment ensures that her leadership will not only be effective but also grounded in principles that prioritize the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Deborah Crown’s extensive experience in higher education administration equips her to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing academic institutions today. Her successful tenure as the dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College demonstrated her ability to drive fundraising efforts, secure grant funding, and elevate academic programs. These achievements reflect her capacity to lead and her commitment to advancing the mission of the institutions she serves.
Moreover, Crown’s dedication to improving student learning experiences, whether through in-person, hybrid, or online programs, underscores her commitment to academic excellence. Her forward-thinking approach aligns with the evolving landscape of higher education, where adaptability and innovation are paramount.
Crown’s journey in academia, from her early teaching roles to her professorship, highlights her passion for education and mentorship. Her impact on students’ lives and her contributions to the academic community have earned her recognition and respect. Her teaching philosophy, rooted in ethical business practices and social responsibility, reflects her commitment to shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Beyond her contributions to academia, Deborah Crown has actively engaged with the broader business community. Her advocacy for integrating social responsibility into business education underscores her commitment to ethical business practices. By instilling these values in her students, she prepares them to make a positive impact on the business world.
Crown’s role as a reviewer for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) further demonstrates her dedication to maintaining the highest academic standards. Her participation in evaluating business education programs ensures that institutions worldwide uphold rigorous quality benchmarks.
As she assumes the role of dean at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, Deborah Crown brings with her a wealth of experience, a commitment to academic excellence, and a passion for servant leadership. Her appointment marks a new chapter in the school’s history, one that holds the promise of continued growth, innovation, and adherence to Pepperdine’s Christian mission.
In conclusion, the appointment of Deborah Crown as the 10th dean of the Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School is a significant moment for the institution. Her qualifications, leadership experience, and alignment with Pepperdine’s values position her as a transformative leader who will shape the future of the Graziadio Business School and leave a lasting impact on the university community.