Margaret J. Weber Distinguished Lecture Series: Building Bridges Through Conversation in Higher Education
When - Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m. PST
Where - WLA Graduate Campus & Via Zoom
Cost - Free
This event is open to the public.
The Margaret J. Weber Distinguished Lecture Series presents a panel discussion with contributors to the newly released book, Cultivating Equitable and Inclusive Conversations in Higher Education, edited by Anatasia S. Kim, Miguel E. Gallardo, and Sherri A. Taylor. Hear directly from the editors and authors as they share insights on fostering meaningful dialogue across experiences.
In this dynamic, interactive session, the authors will share practical strategies for navigating today’s most challenging dialogues—those charged with strong emotions, divergent experiences, and contrasting viewpoints. The conversation will highlight approaches that encourage participation, respectful exchange, and deeper learning.
Through dynamic discussion, practical tools, and audience Q&A, participants will:
- Discover ways to create connections that support constructive conversations
- Explore real-world examples from educators navigating challenging discussions in higher education
- Gain practical tools to build community and sustain thoughtful dialogue long after the event
Whether you teach, mentor, or simply care about meaningful dialogue, you’ll leave with tools and inspiration to build more thoughtful and connected communities.
Speaker:
Miguel Gallardo, PsyD, Editor of Building Bridges Through Conversation in Higher Education, professor and director of the Center for Latinx Communities at Pepperdine.
Panelists:
Douglas M. Haynes, Ph.D., Former vice provost for academic personnel & programs
Anatasia S. Kim, Ph.D., Professor at The Wright Institute
Jocelyn I. Meza, Ph.D., Assistant professor in residence at UCLA
Sherri Taylor, Psy.D., Independent consultant
Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D., Associate professor at Pepperdine
Contact Name - Vanessa Jahn
Contact Email - events@pepperdine.edu