David Smith
Interim Dean, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
David Smith, a distinguished member of the Pepperdine Graziadio faculty for more than 20 years, serves as a professor of economics and the school鈥檚 interim dean. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, he has had the privilege of instructing more than 1,000 graduate and undergraduate students across nearly every program at Graziadio. His deep institutional knowledge and proven commitment to student success position him uniquely to guide the school during this transitional period, ensuring continuity in academic excellence and strategic priorities.
Smith鈥檚 leadership tenure at Pepperdine is significant, having previously served as the school鈥檚 eighth dean, as well as senior associate dean and department chair. Beyond the University, Smith is an active contributor to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the international accrediting body for business schools. In this capacity, he serves as a peer reviewer and mentor, and he has previously chaired the steering committee for the Associate Dean鈥檚 Affinity Group. These roles have provided him with a broad perspective on global business education and a track record of effective institutional governance.
Before transitioning into academia, Smith spent nearly a decade in the insurance industry, including seven years as a manager. This professional background brings valuable real-world business insight to his teaching and scholarship, allowing him to translate the complexities of economics into the language of business with succinct clarity. As a labor economist with an applied focus, his expertise spans compensation analysis, labor market dynamics, and economic loss. He frequently consults across various industries and serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving economic damages.
Smith鈥檚 research is widely published in both academic and practitioner journals, reaching audiences far beyond the classroom. Notably, his work on credit unions has been cited in arguments before the US Supreme Court and in various state legislative hearings. He is also a trusted voice in the national and international media, offering expert commentary on economic issues for prominent outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, The Times, the Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.
Smith holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Wheaton College in Illinois and earned both his master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in economics from Michigan State University. In his current role as interim dean, Smith remains dedicated to advancing Graziadio鈥檚 mission to develop leaders of purpose while fostering an environment that prioritizes academic rigor and an exceptional student experience.