Professor Shaphan Roberts Leads Bridging Policy and Peacebuilding Course
This spring, adjunct professor Dr. Shaphan Roberts led a unique and timely course that brought systems thinking, organizational change, and conflict resolution into sharp focus: Seminar in Dispute Resolution and Public Policy. With an emphasis on practical application and ethical leadership, the course equipped students with tools to navigate the deeply entangled challenges that define today’s public policy landscape.
Designed as an interdisciplinary seminar, this course introduced students to the interconnected frameworks of systems theory, organizational change, and public policy mediation. Throughout the semester, students learned to map systemic issues, design innovative change strategies, and engage stakeholders in negotiations. Central to the course was the concept of civic fusion, bringing together individuals with differing perspectives to create sustainable, consensus-driven solutions. A highlight of the course was the live case study presentation, in which students tackled the real-world challenge of closing a local jail, a highly complex, multi-stakeholder public policy issue in Los Angeles County.
“I was incredibly proud of how our students engaged with such a complex and emotionally charged issue,” said Roberts. “They approached the jail closure project with clarity, compassion, and a real understanding of the systems at play. Their presentations reflected not just academic growth, but heart, thoughtfulness, and a genuine commitment to meaningful change.”
Master of Public Policy student, Desiree DeAnda-Orozco shared her experience. “My experience in Dr. Roberts class is unmatched. The opportunity he gave us by taking on a real life policy initiative and then presenting our proposed policy in an LA County government building is vital to the MPP experience. It brought us beyond the book work and classrooms to be able to present in a safe space helping to curb our first policy presentation jitters, learn from constructive criticism, meet friendly civic leaders with a wealth of experience and see faith brought into the work as I was greatly touched by the fact that Dr. Roberts began with prayer before we started our presentations.”
A key component in the success of the live case study was the close collaboration between students and Chidinma Ume, deputy executive director of the Community Safety Implementation Team (formerly the Jail Closure Implementation Team). Students also benefited from the guidance and leadership of Wilford Pinkney Jr., executive director and CEO of the initiative. Together, Ume and Pinkney supported the students as they developed and presented proposals directly to County representatives.
“This collaboration was an incredibly rewarding experience. The students’ curiosity, analytical rigor, and fresh perspectives brought new energy to the complex challenges of our jail closure efforts,” said Chidinma Ume. “This kind of experiential education, where students engage directly with real-world professionals on a real-life policy project, creates a dynamic exchange of ideas and prepares them to navigate the complexities of policymaking. While in law school, I participated in a clinical experience that provided me with a strong foundation of how I approach the legal profession, but also motivated me to provide a similar experience for other students. I hope and believe this partnership provided a transformative experience for the Pepperdine students.”
LaMontria Edwards, a Master of Public Policy/Master of Dispute Resolution student, spoke passionately about her experience in the course. “Working on the JDC jail closure project through Professor Roberts’ course was truly transformative. It pushed me to think critically about how systems of justice can be redesigned with dignity and care at the center. Presenting our pilot proposal to the CEO team reminded me that bold, compassionate policy is not only possible, it’s necessary. One key takeaway I’ll carry forward is the importance of using systems thinking to design sustainable change, especially in spaces where public trust has been broken. I’m so grateful to have been part of this class and deeply appreciate the opportunity to apply what we learned to a real-world issue.”
Through immersive case studies like this, students gained firsthand experience in leading collaborative change and navigating sensitive public disputes. Roberts’ course underscores Pepperdine’s mission to prepare public leaders who approach policy with insight and integrity, helping shape a new generation of changemakers.
