Andrew K. Benton

Andrew K. Benton has held responsibilities as President of Pepperdine University for more than a decade. He guides diverse aspects of the institution's strategic planning and administrative functions. Andrew K. Benton's current role builds on nearly 30 years of administrative experience with the Malibu, California, school, during which time he gained a reputation for concerned involvement in students' academic lives. With a background in law, he regularly teaches classes in Jurisprudence and Judicial Process.

Mr. Benton earned his Bachelor of Science in American Studies at Oklahoma Christian University before obtaining a Juris Doctor at the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He came to Pepperdine University with several years of Oklahoma City private legal practice experience.

Andrew K. Benton's initial responsibilities with Pepperdine University focused on finding solutions to complex regulatory planning matters, as well as close consultation with municipal authorities and the Malibu community. Positions he held during his early years at Pepperdine University included Chief Development Officer and Chief of Staff under the institution's President.

In the early 1990s, Andrew K. Benton accepted a leadership role as Pepperdine's Chief Operational Officer and Executive Vice President. This position entailed close collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the institutional planning process, including leaders of the athletics, personnel services, physical plant, and construction departments.

Mr. Benton has a lifetime love of music that was fostered through classical piano studies at an early age. He has continued this passion for music and performance through the years, and he is currently guitarist and vocalist with the group MidLife Crisis.

Additionally, Andrew K. Benton sits on the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and serves on the West Coast Conference's President's Cabinet.