Al Sturgeon Returns to Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Al Sturgeon (JD ’11) has been named associate dean for student life and spiritual development as well as senior fellow in the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. Sturgeon worked at the law school from 2011-2017 in a variety of administrative roles and will return to his new role on August 1.

While at Caruso Law, Sturgeon played a role in establishing several law school features that continue today. He developed the Orange Book Academic Planning Guide, the Preceptor Program, served as founding director for the Parris Institute for Professional Formation, and established the Parris Awards. He also initiated belonging efforts such as Diversity Week, Open Conversations, and the Interfaith Student Council.
 
Dean Paul Caron said, “I am thrilled that Al will be rejoining our Pepperdine Caruso Law community as associate dean for student life and spiritual development.  Al is a talented administrator with a deep love for students, gifted pastor and counselor, and dear friend.”
 
Sturgeon currently serves as vice president for diverse and equitable student life and dean of students at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, which followed a stint in a similar role at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. In both roles, Sturgeon had the opportunity to lead student affairs departments focused on the undergraduate level.
 
Sturgeon also served as the full-time preaching minister for twelve years at two Churches of Christ: the University Church of Christ in Malibu, California, and the Ocean Springs Church of Christ in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
 
Sturgeon said, “My time at Pepperdine was personally transformational, and I am honored to assist the amazing work that Dean Caron, Dean Richards, and Dean Singh are doing in student affairs, spiritual development, and the Straus Institute. Since leaving Pepperdine, I have learned so much from my years both at Lipscomb and at Blackburn and will miss the relationships that were formed in both places, but this truly feels like coming home.”