By Crystal Luong
News Assistant
Under the spotlight of Raitt Recital Hall, Pepperdine President Dr. Andrew K. Benton answered the inquiries of students on a variety of topics concerning the student body and the direction of the university Feb. 12.
Only 14 students were in attendance.
The session opened with Benton speaking about his personal history at law school and interests in history, and transitioned into more serious subject matter.
The focus at the start of student concerns was on campus safety and the cooperation of the university and the Malibu Sheriff’s Department. Benton discussed university policies and his firm stance against substance and alcohol abuse.
“About Public Safety values, there’s a fine line. I want Public Safety to be liked, but at the same time, be respected by students,” Benton said.
He also discussed his concern for vehicle codes and laws to be enforced on campus.
“We need to step up security on campus,” Benton said. “Colleges and universities are considered to be soft-targets. We still need to be more cognizant of who’s on our campus at all times.”
According to Benton, the most positive aspect of the direction of the university is the “positive tension of good academics and being true to the roots” that founder George Pepperdine had in mind for the school.
Benton also addressed getting criticized for being “too churchy,” but he maintained that he understands the original intentions of Pepperdine.
Student questions were also directed toward the diversification and qualifications of the university faculty. Among the concerns raised were in regards to the hiring of new faculty and developing connections between students and faculty. Benton explained his personal process for selecting new staff and how it is necessary for them to reflect the Christian mission of the university and to lead a life of service rather than just speaking about it.
Benton also recognized that the Convocation series raises many questions from students. He sees Convocation as a community event that students will appreciate later on in life, if not during their time at Pepperdine.
“I am a supporter of Convo, but a critic to the content at times now,” he said. “I think it has lost any serious, sacred element, but those working are trying to regain it,” he said.
With respect to inquiries on university finances, Benton did not view the recent university endowment loss as a cause for extreme concern.
“The endowment is doing fine. It’s the nature of things, stock goes up and it goes down,” Benton said.
His goal for the university endowment is for it to be valued at $1 billion by 2012.
As the student body continues to diversify, Benton said, “The ideal student body will come here with eyes wide open . . . a developing faith, and a searching heart.”
February 13, 2003