Fiona Stewart Named Associate Dean of International Programs
Dr. Fiona M. Stewart has been named the associate dean of International Programs (IP) at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of letters, arts, and sciences. Prior to this appointment, Stewart spent the last two years serving International Programs as its interim associate dean. She will begin her new role on August 1, 2024.
“I look forward to working with Fiona in her new role as the IP Associate Dean,” said Kendra Killpatrick, Senior Associate Dean for Seaver College.” As the Interim Associate Dean, Fiona has worked hard to learn about all of our international programs, bringing new ideas for recruiting students and helping students experience the authentic culture of the local community. Fiona has done an excellent job helping the IP Program Directors navigate the change to the new Seaver Core and will continue to lead this important work with grace and wisdom.”
Stewart, who joined the University in 2013, is a tenured associate professor of Italian Studies. In addition to teaching, she served as the coordinator of the Italian program both in Malibu and Florence, represented the International Studies and Languages Division on the International Programs Council and General Education Review Committee (GERC), and just completed serving her second term as faculty-in-residence for the London program.
Each of these experiences helped inform Stewart’s service as interim associate dean. Under her leadership, the IP office began cultivating constructive relationships with Malibu and local program faculty and staff. In addition, Stewart was also integral to enhancing academic advising and course offerings abroad. Beyond these administrative duties, she succeeded in growing the Seaver College student experience by enriching all facets of the IP curriculum—the classroom, internships, excursions, and cultural engagement activities.
“I have long been convinced of the key role that International Programs (IP) play in the student experience at Seaver College,” says Stewart. “It is during their experience in an IP that many students find their friendship group, decide on their major, and begin to flourish and mature as independent adults, secure in their own identity and faith. I couldn't be happier that I get to be involved in developing and delivering this central part of the Seaver College experience.”
Stewart is an accomplished Italian Studies Scholar. Thus far in her career, she has published four peer-reviewed, scholarly articles and two book chapters, as well as presented at numerous conferences. Throughout the course of this new role, Stewart will continue in her professorial and scholarly duties, teaching and researching as the workload allows.
“I am truly delighted to begin serving as Associate Dean of Seaver's International Programs,” she says. “I look forward to working with constituents across the College to help students hear and understand that—with planning and prioritization—it should be possible for any Seaver student to experience the enrichment and growth that comes from studying abroad.”