Contact Us

Beth Laux | Dean of International Programs

Beth.Laux@pepperdine.edu

• Ed.D. student in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, & Leadership, Northeastern University
• MPA, Public Administration, University of Toledo 2007
• B.A. Spanish & Political Science, Aquinas College 2002
• International travel experiences: Studied, worked, and served as a missionary in 20+ countries
• Dr. Laux provides the primary administrative oversight for the implementation and operation of all overseas programs for Seaver College
• Dr. Laux teaches humanities, international studies, and political science courses focused on intercultural learning, political advocacy, and public policy.

Ron Cox | Associate Dean of International Programs

Ronald.Cox@pepperdine.edu

• Ph.D. Theology, University of Notre Dame 2005; M.Div., Pepperdine University 1996
• B.S. Business Administration, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 1991
• Associate Dean and Professor of Religion, Pepperdine, 2005 - present
• IP Faculty-in-Residence for Florence, Heidelberg, and London programs
• Dr. Cox primarily oversees International Programs academic affairs, internships, and program assessment and evaluations.

Greg Muger | Director, Malibu Office

Greg.Muger@pepperdine.edu

• Ph.D. Global Leadership and Change, Pepperdine University 2020
• M.A. Leadership Studies, Azusa Pacific University 2003
• International travel experiences: Worked in 35+ countries
• Dr. Muger is primarily responsible for operations and the overall direction and guidance of the International Programs Malibu Office

Charlie Engelmann | Director, Asia Program

Charlie.Engelmann@pepperdine.edu

• M.A. International Economics, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies; B.A. Organizational Communication, Pepperdine University.
• Former Director of Pepperdine's Shanghai residential program; alumnus of Heidelberg program
• Traveled to more than 35 countries; lived in China for more than 15 years; fluent in Mandarin and highly skilled at eating dumplings.
• Charlie is managing the expansion of Pepperdine's programmatic offerings in Asia, including the Japan Summer Program and a future residential program in Asia. He also promotes student abroad opportunities through marketing, events and student development.

Danica Harootian | Manager of Academics & Internships

Danica.Harootian@pepperdine.edu

• M.A. in International Education, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development 2019; B.A. in Anthropology & Middle East Studies, Scripps College 2015
• Fulbright English Teaching Assistant alumna in Yerevan, Armenia
• Countries visited: Studied and worked in Armenia, Lebanon, Tunisia and the Dominican Republic and visited 15 countries
• Danica is primarily responsible for academic support and advising, IP internships, and student and faculty visas.

Natalie Helton | Assistant Director of Admissions and Preparations

Natalie.Helton@pepperdine.edu

• Master of Public Policy and Administration, California Lutheran University 2019.
• Countries visited: Korea, Japan, Morocco, and various countries throughout Europe.
• Natalie is primarily responsible for oversight and management of the student admissions and preparations process, including program enrollment, vital documents, visas, flights and IP scholarships.

Marianna Veniaminova | Coordinator of Office Operations

Marianna.Veniaminova@pepperdine.edu

• B.A. Liberal Studies, Minor in Psychology, Cal State University, Northridge 2001; currently obtaining M.A. in school counseling, National University 
• Over 10 years of teaching experience in K-12 for Los Angeles Unified School District; Former Admissions Director at a summer study abroad program for teens
• Traveled to over 10 countries and supervised summer programs abroad 

D'Vana Vasquez | Executive Assistant

DVana.Vasquez@pepperdine.edu

• B.S. Business Administration - Finance, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 2019
• Countries visited: Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Turks & Caicos
• Responsible for the administration, organization, and management of the executive’s office. Oversees and/or processes a variety of complex financial transactions; produces, monitors, and reconciles budget statements; researches, identifies, and resolves discrepancies.

Bernadette Bolton | Budget Analyst

Bernadette.Bolton@pepperdine.edu

Eileen Mann | Preparations Assistant

Eileen.Mann@pepperdine.edu

• Master of Science, Optics, University of Rochester 1989; B.S. Optics, University of Rochester 1987.
• Countries visited: Denmark, Canada, and Mexico.
• Eileen is primarily responsible for providing assistance in all areas of the preparations process, including vital documents, visas, flights, and IP scholarships.
  

Anna Renfro | Office Specialist

Anna.Renfro@pepperdine.edu

• B.A. Religion, Pepperdine University 2019
• Two-time Alumna of Pepperdine's Heidelberg, Germany, Program
• Countries visited: 14, including two-year voluntary service in Germany with Mennonite Voluntary Service e.V.
• Anna assists with student inquiries, student development programming, and marketing. 

Natalie Forde | Study Abroad Specialist

Natalie.M.Forde@pepperdine.edu

• Master of Public Administration, University of Southern California 2017; Certificate in International Policy and Planning, University of Southern California 2017; B.A. International Studies, Pepperdine University 2013
• IP Alumnus of the Heidelberg and East Africa Programs
• Countries visited: Studied and worked in Germany, Israel, and Uganda and visited 26 countries