Pepperdine’s new president and first lady, Jim and Joline Gash, share a part of their life story, the role Pepperdine has played, and what it means for Jim to be the first alumnus to become president of the University.

Both grew up in Santa Rosa, where they met at Church. Jim's parents met and fell in love at Pepperdine, so it was always a goal of his to attend Pepperdine, but Jim was a football player so his love for the sport and his faith took him to Abilene Christian University (ACU) where he was a quarterback and place kicker. During his senior year Jim decided to pursue a law degree and there was only one school that he applied to, Pepperdine School of Law. Jim and Joline got married shortly after Jim graduated from ACU in 1990. That same year when Jim started his law degree and Joline transferred to Pepperdine Seaver College as a Junior to complete her degree in Biology. As a law student, Jim's love for Pepperdine grew and he immediately knew he wanted to teach at Pepperdine. After six years practicing law he returned to the School of Law to teach.

In 2010, Jim was inspired by Bob Goff to travel to Africa and visit a juvenile prison. It was on that trip that he formed a relationship with one of the prisoners that didn't have access to justice. The journey to fight for his freedom turned into a relationship with the Ugandan judiciary, which turned into a relationship with a country, which led the Gash family to move to Uganda which has turned into a lifelong investment into that country. This story was told in the book Divine Collision and subsequently the documentary, Remand.

Pepperdine has been home to Jim and his family for almost thirty years. As a student, as a faculty member, as an administrator, and as a parent to three Seaver students. For Jim and Joline to be alumni and now in a position to serve as the President and first lady of Pepperdine is an honor. There is a joy in serving Pepperdine as a team. Pepperdine has had a profound impact on their lives, it has given them purpose and a texture to the idea of vocation, serving Pepperdine and impact student's lives is what they were called to do.

#jimgash #pepperdine #inauguration 

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