Farzin Madjidi

Dean, Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Farzin Madjidi has served at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology as an educator and a scholar in the areas of leadership effectiveness in public and nonprofit organizations, economic policy, and learning design and technology since 1997. A dedicated and highly effective member of the GSEP administration, he served as the associate dean of the school’s Education Division for six years. During his tenure as interim dean, Madjidi facilitated GSEP’s return to on-campus, in-person instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to support the school’s online education and psychology master’s programs.

Madjidi has been a longtime member of the Pepperdine community, beginning with his graduate training that culminated in a master of business administration in management from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and a doctor of education in institutional management from GSEP. He also holds a bachelor of science in engineering and a master of science in structural engineering and applied dynamics from California State University, Northridge. Following his graduate work at Pepperdine, Madjidi served on the faculty of the Graziadio Business School for three years before joining the GSEP faculty in 1997. 

Madjidi’s exceptional teaching was recognized in 2005 and 2013 with the Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence, Pepperdine University’s highest honor bestowed on faculty committed to the University’s mission. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and diversity, which was recognized by the California Diversity Council’s DiversityFIRST Award in 2009. He has been committed to promoting and supporting Christ-centered belonging at GSEP. Beyond Pepperdine, Madjidi serves as a leadership training and effectiveness consultant and coach to executives and emerging leaders at companies such as British Petroleum, FedEx, AT&T, Kaiser Permanente, Hyundai USA, and Universal Music Group, among others.  

Madjidi has been a member of the Culver Palms Church of Christ since 1996.