Seaver College Celebrates Three Recipients Of Impact Awards for Outstanding Service to Students

During the Seaver College Meeting on March 23, 2022, senior associate dean Kendra Killpatrick announced the 2021–2022 recipients of the Impact Award for Outstanding Service to Students. The college honored two faculty awardees—Cooker Storm, associate professor of sports medicine, and Stella Erbes, associate professor of teacher education and divisional dean of the Humanities and Teacher Education Division—and a staff awardee—Andrea Harris, director of student administrative services.

“The award recognizes community members who mentor, support, encourage, serve, advise, and in other ways inspire Seaver students to achieve their true potential,” shared Killpatrick. “The individuals receiving this year’s award clearly embody these qualities and have had a lasting and transformative effect on Seaver college students.”

Cooker Storm, associate professor of sports medicine, is a sought-after mentor and advisor, known for taking to heart students’ stories and “ out Christ’s call to ‘bind up the brokenhearted.’” Her support and teaching ensure that her students feel seen and heard as they learn more about themselves and their peers in her anatomy and sports medicine classes.

In her work both as an associate professor of teacher education and divisional dean of the largest of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions––the Humanities and Teacher Education Division––Stella Erbes goes out of her way to forge connections between students and faculty, enriching the community at Seaver College. Her teaching, advising, and mentorship continue to help students feel valued and empowered.

As director of student administrative services, Andrea Harris is uniquely equipped to meet students in some of their most difficult moments and assist them as they navigate those seasons. Her deep care for students empowers them to grow in self-confidence and self-sufficiency. Called “the heart of academic student services at Pepperdine,” her servant-heart and faithfulness are exemplary.

The Impact Award for Outstanding Service to Students was established in spring 2021 to recognize Seaver College faculty and staff members who have made an exceptional impact in the lives of students through mentorship, encouragement, and service. Awardees' work and actions reflect the teachings of Christ and exemplify the University's mission and motto, “Freely ye received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).