Pepperdine University has announced the establishment of the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. The program is funded by a $1 million endowment from Faustino Bernadett and his wife, Martha, a member of Pepperdine's Board of Regents, which includes $50,000 in annual support during the pledge period to launch the fellowship immediately.
The permanent endowment is expected to generate approximately $50,000 annually, supporting up to four faculty fellows each year. The program aims to advance faculty research that strengthens student learning, supports ethical business practices, and contributes to the continued excellence of the Graziadio School. The research will focus on critical areas for modern business leadership, including family enterprise and succession planning, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and ethical decision-making in business.
Dean Deborah Crown expressed gratitude for the Bernadetts' support, stating it ensures faculty continue to inspire innovation, integrity, and purpose in the next generation of leaders. The program is designed to develop principled business leaders prepared to lead family enterprises, launch new ventures, or apply ethical and entrepreneurial approaches across industries. Research insights from the fellows will be integrated directly into the classroom, helping students strengthen their ethical reasoning, entrepreneurial mindset, and business acumen.
Beyond academic research, the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Faculty Fellows will engage with business leaders, alumni, and community partners to expand Graziadio's network in entrepreneurship and family business. This reflects a shared commitment to service and leadership, aligning with the school's mission to prepare leaders of purpose, service, and integrity. The program underscores the belief that true success in business extends beyond financial achievement to making a positive impact on the world.
The establishment of this endowed program represents a significant investment in the future of business education, particularly in areas where ethical leadership and entrepreneurial innovation intersect. For business and technology leaders, this development signals a growing institutional focus on cultivating the next generation of executives who can navigate complex family business dynamics, drive innovation responsibly, and make ethically sound decisions in an increasingly complex global marketplace. More information about the program can be found at https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/martha-and-faustino-bernadett-endowed-faculty-fellows-program.htm.
