International Programs Associate Dean Search Committee held an open forum for faculty, staff and students to decide whether the position of Associate Dean would be appointed to Dr. Fiona Stewart, interim associate dean of International Programs and associate professor of Italian. The forum was hosted in the Black Plaza Classroom 189 on March 26.
The public forum was used to assist the search committee in the judgment of Stewart’s candidacy. According to Ronald Cox, Dean of International Programs, the search committee includes Charlie Engelmann Heather, senior director of Operations of International Programs; Heather Pardee, director of the London program; undergraduate student Sydney Nystrom; Kendra Killpatrick, senior associate dean of Seaver College; Lee Kats, interim dean of Seaver College and professor of biology, and Joel Fetzer; professor of political science.
Cox began the forum by introducing Stewart. He said Stewart served as the coordinator of the Italian Studies Program up until 2022 and has worked in the Malibu and Florence programs. Specifically, in the Florence program, Stewart has implemented an Italian curriculum.
Cox said Stewart did not hesitate to step into the role of director in London when the program was in need of someone to fill the role.
“She’s willing to selflessly serve in the U.K. as faculty in-residence, where she’s been residing and doing two, sometimes three jobs while she’s there,” Cox said.
Stewart began her presentation by providing a rundown of what the evening would hold: her background, qualifications, reasoning for seeking the role and her vision for the Associate Dean position.
Stewart talked about when she applied for her current position and how she believed it was an important role.
“The attraction was to play a key role right at the heart of the student experience at Seaver College,” Stewart said.
Stewart highlighted the treasure and joy it has been to see students grow when going abroad in London.
“Most of our students grow and mature while studying in an international program, — intellectually, socially, culturally, spiritually,” Stewart said.
Stewart said being able to see the growth unfold with her own eyes has led her to want to keep working.
“After two years in the interim role, I would really love the chance to continue to be involved in developing and delivering the central piece of this Seaver College experience,” Stewart said.
Stewart shared examples of her vision as Associate Dean.
Stewart brought up the importance of how she believes IP courses are equivalent to Seaver courses.
“That reality explains my commitment to successfully rolling out Seaver core in our International Programs,” Stewart said.
Some people in attendance asked Stewart about the new GE program, how to enhance the study abroad experience for students and recommendations for professors going abroad who do not speak the languages of the places they will be teaching.
Sophomore Allison Hilliard said she came to the public forum because she has a personal connection to Stewart and wanted to support her.
“I was really excited to hear that she has the possibility of getting this position,” Hilliard said.
Hilliard said she believes Stewart is fit for the role of associate dean because she is good at making genuine connections with students.
“When I was in London, we [other students and Stewart] did prayer and sometimes some type of Bible study,” Hilliard said. “It was a really great experience, and I am really grateful to have had this connection with her because, now, I feel more connected to staff at Pepperdine.”
___________________
Follow the Graphic on X: @PeppGraphic
Contact Viviana Diaz via email: viviana.diaz@pepperdine.edu
