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Pepperdine Launches $1M Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program for Ethical Business Leaders

Pepperdine University establishes $1M Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program to advance ethical business leadership research in family enterprise, entrepreneurship & ethics.

This news matters because it represents a significant investment in developing ethical business leadership at a time when corporate scandals and short-term profit motives have eroded public trust. The Bernadett Fellows Program addresses critical gaps in business education by funding research in family enterprise succession, ethical decision-making, and entrepreneurial leadership—areas essential for sustainable business practices. For students, this means access to cutting-edge research integrated directly into their education, preparing them to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in their careers. For the business community, it signals a growing institutional commitment to developing leaders who prioritize purpose alongside profit. The program's focus on family business succession is particularly relevant as trillions of dollars in family-owned assets transition to new generations globally. By supporting faculty research in these areas, Pepperdine is contributing to a broader movement toward stakeholder capitalism and responsible business practices that benefit society beyond shareholders.