More than a month since the university announced Marrs would step down next year, the university has shelved the search for a new dean.
Details about why the search for the dean has been suspended are unknown at this time.
Marrs has not given reasons for his leave and said he does not plan to do so, only to cite professional matters rather than personal.
The turn of events comes just a day after the Seaver Faculty Association Executive Committee released sweeping results from a faculty vote to call for Marrs’ reappointment.
The SFA Executive Committee represents faculty on academic and professional matters.
Below is the SFA resolution vote outcome:
Resolution No. 1: 149 approved, 10 disapproved, 4 abstained
227 eligible votes, 163 votes cast:
Whereas during his tenure as Dean of Seaver College, Dean Marrs has successfully articulated and advanced the school¹s academic and Christian mission;
Whereas during his tenure, Dean Marrs has contributed to Seaver College’s financial viability both through his fundraising efforts and management skills;
Whereas during his tenure, Dean Marrs has been an effective advocate for Seaver College;
Whereas during his tenure, Dean Marrs has fostered a climate of shared governance through respect and collaboration among Seaver College¹s faculty, staff, and administration;
Whereas in a recent review, Dean Marrs received the support of the large majority of Seaver Faculty; therefore be it
Resolved, That the faculty expresses hereby its commendation to Dean Marrs for his excellent leadership and its regret that he will not continue serving Pepperdine University in this capacity.
Resolution No. 2: 143 approved, 16 disapproved, 7 abstained
227 eligible votes, 166 votes cast:
Whereas Dean Marrs has successfully led Seaver College as Seaver Dean; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the faculty ask Dean Marrs to reconsider standing for reappointment as Dean of Seaver College, and if the Dean so chooses, we ask that the Provost and President suspend the search process for a new Dean and evaluate Dean Marrs for reappointment.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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