Rotary Speaker- November 16, 2001
Andrew K. Benton
President, Pepperdine University
Andrew K. Benton has served
in higher education for over 26 years. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, he planned
for a career as an attorney or probate judge in his hometown, and focused his
education toward those interests. The desire to work with young people in their
own pursuit of higher education was strong and he, instead, followed a career
path that led to his current role as the seventh president of Pepperdine
University. He assumed this position on June 16, 2000 succeeding his friend and
mentor, David Davenport.
Benton received his
bachelor of science in American Studies from Oklahoma Christian University and
went on to earn the juris doctor degree from Oklahoma City University School of
Law. He was admitted to the Oklahoma State Bar in 1979 and later to practice
before Federal Courts. For ten years, Benton served in various administrative
roles at his undergraduate alma mater. From 1979 until 1983 he also
maintained a private law practice in the State of Oklahoma.
His experience at
Pepperdine, beginning in 1984, is extensive and includes service as chief of
staff for former president Davenport, as well as in various senior
administrative posts, including chief development officer. Throughout his career
at Pepperdine, Benton has invested himself in external relations, governmental
and regulatory matters, securing approvals critical to the University's future,
often under adverse circumstances.
In 1991, Benton was
appointed to serve as Pepperdine's executive vice president and chief
operational officer, working closely with the general counsel, the chief
financial officer, physical plant and construction, athletics, personnel,
government relations, public affairs and various community outreach activities.
He also served as liaison to the Board of Regents and, during two extended
presidential sabbaticals, as acting president.
President Benton teaches
courses within the University on a regular basis and is deeply involved in the
lives of students. He is active in many legal, educational, athletic and
community organizations including the American Bar Association, the Association
of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities, the National Association
of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent
California Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the
executive committee of The Employers Group, and the presidents' council of the
West Coast Conference. He is also a member of the Jonathon Club.
Andy
Benton consider himself most fortunate to have married his wife, Debby, 26 years
ago. They have two children, Hailty, a sophomore at Seaver College, and
Christopher, who is a sophomore in high school. The family resides on the campus
of Pepperdine University in Malibu.
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