The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has established the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program through a $1 million endowment from the Bernadett family. This permanent endowment will generate approximately $50,000 annually to support up to four faculty fellows each year in pursuing research that strengthens student learning and supports ethical business practices. The program includes $50,000 in annual support during the pledge period, enabling the fellowship to launch immediately without delay.
Faculty fellows selected for this program will pursue research in specific areas that align with contemporary business challenges and opportunities. These research domains include family enterprise and succession planning, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and ethical decision-making in business. The insights and findings generated from this scholarly work will be directly integrated into the classroom curriculum. This integration is designed to help students strengthen their ethical reasoning, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and enhance their overall business acumen, preparing them for complex professional environments.
Dean Deborah Crown expressed gratitude for the Bernadetts' generosity, stating that their support ensures faculty can continue to inspire innovation, integrity, and purpose in the next generation of leaders. The program is described as a reflection of Dr. Faustino Bernadett's personal vision and Pepperdine University's broader mission to prepare leaders of purpose, service, and integrity who will leave a lasting positive impact on society. The school's philosophy emphasizes that true success in business requires a commitment to making a positive impact on the world, highlighting the interconnection between responsibility, ethics, and entrepreneurial opportunity.
Beyond advancing academic research and classroom education, the faculty fellows will have a role in external engagement. They are expected to interact with business leaders, alumni, and community partners. This engagement is intended to help expand Graziadio's network and influence in the fields of entrepreneurship and family business, creating bridges between academic theory and professional practice. The establishment of this program represents a significant investment in the intellectual capital of the business school, with the annual funding creating a sustainable mechanism for ongoing faculty development and impactful research. More information about the program is available at https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/martha-and-faustino-bernadett-endowed-faculty-fellows-program.htm. Details about the philanthropic work of the donors can be found at http://www.drfaustinobernadett.com.
