Associate Dean of Students Tabatha Jones models balance, service and excellence.
SABRINA JENDLY
Staff Writer
Many students at Pepperdine may not recognize Tabatha Jones if they were to walk by her on campus. Yet, all students are affected by her decisions. She is the associated dean of students, meaning that she oversees the six areas of Students Affairs: Student Activities, Intercultural Affairs, Seaver Career Center, Pepperdine Volunteer Center, Campus Recreation, Chapel and Convocation.
Operating closely with the leaders of each of these divisions, the Student Activities team works “to create programs and activities outside of the classroom that enhance student learning and development,” Jones said.
As one of her co-workers, Chris Van Velzer, Student Organizations coordinator, said, “Tabatha juggles more balls in Student Affairs than just about any one else besides Mark Davis. What’s amazing is how well she manages to keep that all in the air at once.”
Being in Student Affairs means that Jones gets to frequently interact with Seaver students, in particular student leaders and freshmen. She specifically appreciates her job because of this opportunity to interact with the youth of Pepperdine. She said she also enjoys the opportunity to teach a freshman seminar each fall.
“I love so much about what I do. In addition to the obvious -– loving students – I love that my job allows me to use my God-given talents and strengths to help transform that lives and hearts of young people,” Jones said. “My work is very meaningful to me.”
Despite the heavy juggling, co-workers praise Jones for the balance and inspiration she brings to the table. Larisa Hamada, coordinator for the Intercultural Affairs office admitted that Jones is not your typical boss who dumps assignments on your desk. Rather, Hamada said Jones has proven to be a very supporting boss who will participate in trying to solve things with you.
“Tabatha has a more egalitarian, collaborative approach … She’s a good role model,” Hamada said.
Raised in Houston and Austin, Texas, Jones came to study at Pepperdine for her undergraduate and graduate studies, receiving a bachelor’s degree in humanites and an master’s degree in Christian thought. As the daughter of two teachers, of which her father, Dr. Ira Jolivet, is a teacher in the Religion Division at Seaver, Jones was drawn to work at Pepperdine because of its mission.
“When I first began working for the university full-time, I was the assistant to the dean of students. I fell in love with Student Affairs and decided to pursue a career in the field,” Jones said. “What I love most about Pepperdine is its desire to be intently Christian and excellent in all areas at the same time.”
As the mother of a 13-year-old daughter, she also manages to squeeze in one of her favorite pastimes in her busy schedule, cycling.
“Everyone who knows me well knows that I am an indoor-cycling enthusiast,” Jones said. “Most weeks, I cycle four to five times a week. I can’t get enough of it.”
Jones, who is also a spiritual female figure on campus, said she hopes Seaver students use their present academic opportunity to make a difference in our community and fully enthrall in the opportunities to make a difference as a Seaver student.
“I challenge you to live out your calling through service to others by using your God-given strengths,” Jones said.
Even though Jones said she likes so much about Pepperdine, there are some things she would change.
“I would have a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf right on campus,” Jones said.
10-31-2005