Shannon Urtnowski
News Editor
After reviewing thousands of applications, submitted by candidates from around the globe, Associate Dean Ricks Marrs has been named the newest dean of Seaver College.
President Andrew K. Benton met with Marrs personally on Monday to convey the decision, which was a joint effort between Benton and the Seaver Dean Search Committee. The committee, which was led by Provost Darryl Tippens, consisted of eight members of the Pepperdine community.
“I am absolutely delighted that Dr. Marrs has agreed to accept this significant challenge,” Benton said. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The search committee began reviewing applications in mid-October, and it narrowed the candidates to two Pepperdine faculty members, Marrs and Professor of Communication Gary Selby.
After conducting interviews and compiling feedback from various members of the Pepperdine community, the committee presented Benton with a binder reflecting the qualifications of both Marrs and Selby. After spending time with the binder, Benton decided Sunday to offer the position to Marrs. He communicated this with Tippens Monday morning, and the official announcement was made later that day.
Marrs, who was personally informed of the decision by Benton Monday, said he looks forward to serving as the dean of Seaver College.
“It’s exciting news,” Marrs said. “I had hopes it would go [this] way.”
Marrs said he first became interested in the position one year ago, upon learning of David Baird’s upcoming retirement. Baird has served as the dean of Seaver College for the past decade.
As dean of Seaver College, Baird has overseen various areas of Seaver College academics and furthered its commitment to international programs, undergraduate research and experiential learning. Marrs said he will continue to promote active learning at the university.
“I want to keep moving it forward,” Marrs said.
Having overseen academics as the associate dean for the past five years, Marrs said he believes he is well prepared for the position.
“I know a lot about the position,” Marrs said. “I know there’s going to be a learning curve, but how steep that learning curve will be I’m not sure.”
Marrs also served as the chair of the Religion division for seven years prior to his role as associate dean. He has served on the Pepperdine faculty since 1987.
Tippens said he believes that Marrs’ history at Pepperdine will serve him well as dean of Seaver College.
“He’s experienced, he knows the territory, he knows the faculty, he knows the issues,” he said. “For all those reasons, he should fair very well.”
Marrs will officially begin the role of dean of Seaver College when Baird steps down at the end of the spring term.
Baird said he plans to spend his retirement conducting research and writing, one of his projects being a book relaying the history of Pepperdine University.
04-15-2008