NICOLE ALBERTSON
News Assistant
For the past year, the Senior Administration has undergone a transformation after President Andrew K. Benton renamed three top administrators to new positions. Those administrators are Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gary Hansen, Vice President of Advancement and Public Affairs Keith Hinkle and Senior Vice President for Investments Jeff Pippin.
The most recent, and final change, occurred in August when Marnie Mitzie, formerly the managing director of the Center for the Arts, joined the team guiding Pepperdine as Chief of Staff. President Andrew K. Benton reformatted his administration to redistribute the workload and make himself more available for external work with the alumni network, fundraising benefits and sponsor donations. One year after the extensive readjustment of the Senior Administration, Benton is stepping out of his comfort zone and starting a new chapter in his Pepperdine career. He recently took the time to discuss the result of these changes with the Graphic.
You have been working within the new system for one year now. What benefits have you noticed so far?
“One of the great things was to watch the team work together, make decisions, to act very independently from me. And I didn’t plan it that way, but it worked beautifully, because they resolved conflict and they made great decisions to move the university forward. Their independence really strengthens the university. We have a very strong and empowered senior management team.”
Why did you decide to change your administration in August 2006?
“I really believe in a chapter theory of management. I think corporations grow in chapters. I think churches are lived out in chapters. I think people have careers that are lived out in chapters. And I have been president one way for seven years; could I have continued to do it that way? I sure could. But I think I need to get outside of my comfort zone and take on new challenges. I don’t know how long I’ll have the privilege of being president. But I do know that at the end of the day, the thing I must do is I must do is strengthen our relationship with alumni. I must encourage new donors to come and support the institution.”
What are you doing now that you have instated your new administration?
“I have been President [for] seven years, and I think the question is now that I begin another chapter, how should I spend my time? I can spend my time internally and do valuable things. But I think I must get out and make new friends for the university and be involved in the new fundraising campaign that’s not too far down the road.”
Are you feeling more comfortable with your new administration?
“I am working with some of the best people in the world and they are leading Pepperdine University. And that’s a really good feeling. No hidden agenda. I have no question about loyalty. I have no question about sincerity.”
Are there going to be any more changes coming up this year?
“Hiring a chief of staff was a big change for me. I work with wonderful people, but I know that I need to let go of detail. And I’ve got to get out more. I now feel free to go out and meet people and do good things for the university. And still I teach a class that keeps me involved with student and roots me here Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Dean of Seaver College David Baird is going to retire at the end of this school year. How are you planning to find a new dean to replace him?
“We will do a national search and will work with the faculty committee. The Faculty Committee will choose their candidates and will present their candidates to me for decision. And we hope to have that decision in term two, the winter months. We haven’t begun the nomination process. It will be a great job because of men like John Wilson and David Baird who have really strengthened Seaver College and caused it to grow and expand. We are going to have some wonderful men and women from across the United States express interest in it.”
This year Pepperdine students are benefiting from a new security program that sends e-mails and text messages to students in an emergency situation. Are there any new changes that students will see this year?
“We are on a constant search to find a better way to do things. And sometimes we learn about them through our professional association. Sometimes, sadly, we learn about them through experiences like Virginia Tech. I can virtually promise you there will be changes in the coming year. I am hoping to become very responsive to the Student Programming Board and some of the things they want to. I love partnerships. Anyone who has worked with me for very long knows, that if you come to me to say “can we do this?” I will say, “I will meet you half way. This is my part. What is your part?” I love challenges and I love partnership. And so particularly if presented with those, students can expect change.”
09-06-2007