RACHEL JOHNSON
News Assistant
Pepperdine faculty members of the International Studies Division are on the lookout for a new division head after the term of the current chair, Dr. Robert Lloyd, expires. The selection is expected by Feb. 19th.
Lloyd, a professor of international relations, served as division head for four years and was re-appointed to hold the same position for three more years after his first term ended. His responsibilities as chair included representing the division to the university, working with students and combining efforts with the college to better educational opportunities for students.
“The departments are in communication with one another constantly,” Lloyd said. “I served as a representative to the dean from the faculty and from the faculty to the dean as a go-between person to ensure the coordination between the division and the college in terms of programs, classes and policies.”
Under Lloyd’s leadership, the division actually became a division. Before he served as chair, the department was part of the communication division. He was also crucial in implementing the Italian minor and the Asian studies minor. In spite of all these accomplishments, Lloyd cites the hard work of his colleagues as his proudest moment.
“I’m most pleased with the way the faculty members and the division staff have worked to make the programs upstanding and strong,” Lloyd said.
A committee was formed, comprised of two faculty members selected by the division, as well as one selected by the Provost Darryl Tippens. The faculty members on the committee are Tom Reilly, April Marshall and Dinora Cardoso. Dean David Baird, and Associate Dean Rick Marrs are also on the committee. The duties of the group include reviewing applications of nominated candidates and interviewing potential division chairs.
According to an announcement the administration made regarding the new position, “the successful candidate will be a member, preferably tenured, of the ISL faculty, have administrative experience, be skilled in interpersonal relationships and be supportive of the Christian mission of the university.” Marshall, a Spanish professor, has worked at Pepperdine for four years and is a first-time participant on the selection committee. She said she has had great experiences working with Lloyd but is excited to be a part of the committee as well.
“Robert was a great leader during some momentous times for the division, but I’m sure the new chair has great plans,” Marshall said.
Lloyd says he is looking forward to having a chance to teach more courses and do research. He said his experience as division chair as a positive one, but he is ready for what is ahead.
“It’s time to step down and hand the reins over to someone else,” Lloyd said. “It’s time to contribute to the college in different ways than I’ve been able to in the past seven years.”
The Business Division is also seeking a new department chair.
02-01-2007
