The Intercultural Affairs Office is seeking the fill the post of director, a position left open after Don Lawrence’s sudden departure.
Students first learned about Lawrence’s departure through a message on Facebook that he sent out to a group of students.
In a phone interview Lawrence said he “had four great years with Pepperdine and had no regrets.”
Regarding the reason of his departure, “Leaving Pepperdine was a personal decision that I made,” Lawrence asserted.
Lawrence leaves behind a legacy of four years, during which the ICA Office developed a strong presence on campus, emphasized by the creation of intercultural student organizations as well as intercultural events. Beginning this academic year, ICA will have a $50,000 budget that will be used to help intercultural clubs build a community and educate the student body.
ICA not only saw a growth from five to 17 intercultural groups, but they were also empowered through advancement measures like annual meetings with President Andrew K. Benton. Furthermore, Lawrence helped spur the creation of monthly heritage celebrations in the Waves Café.
“I had a great time. I think everyone agrees that ICA made progress. I hope Pepperdine maintains what we have created,” Lawrence said.
Student reactions to Lawrence’s departure were mixed.
While some students expressed excitement about the future of the ICA Office, others expressed their gratefulness forthe years Lawrence dedicated to ICA.
“I’m disappointed to see this,” said senior Michael Chesnut, co-chair of the Native American Student Organization. “Although I’m not sure of the reason of his departure, as the current co-chair of the Native American Student Organization, I felt like he genuinely cared about campus diversity and worked hard to achieve it.”
Pepperdine alumnus Matthew Miller, a member of Pepperdine’s unofficial LGBT group ReachOut, expressed similar sentiments.
“We are grateful for the many years of service of Don Lawrence at Seaver College. His efforts further increased the profile of the Intercultural Affairs Office and strengthened the foundation on which Pepperdine can further meet the needs of their diverse student body. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Even those who worked most closely with him were surprised by his departure.
“I was really shocked,” said alumnus Ashley Watson, former president of the Black Student Association. “Don has been a friend and mentor to me since freshman year.”
“I’m not sure what’s going on behind the scenes but it has left a lot of students very confused,” Watson said.
In regard to the future of ICA, Associate Dean of Students Tabatha Jones Jolivet asserted, “Promoting diversity is central to the University’s Christian mission, and at Pepperdine, we affirm that diversity not only enriches the educational enterprise, but is critical to it.”
Continued Jolivet, “Providing educational programs and supporting ethnic student organizations through the Intercultural Affairs Office is an important part of our ongoing commitment to creating a campus environment where we learn from each other and everyone is valued for their unique contributions to our community.”
Currently ICA is in the midst of finding a new director.
“Any time there is an open position in Student Affairs, we conduct a national search to find the most qualified candidate who demonstrates not only professionalism and knowledge of the field, but also a passion for working with students and advancing our Christian mission,” Jolivet said.
The reason for the departure remains unknown. When reached for comment the administration cited an unavailability to “comment on private personnel matters.”