Professor William Nix Presents "Entertainment, Media, and Alternative Dispute Resolution" for Straus Institute Speaker Series
On March 18, 2025, students and alumni at Pepperdine University had the privilege of hearing from adjunct professor William Nix, a distinguished leader in the fields of dispute resolution, media, and entertainment. The event provided a unique opportunity for students and alumni to learn from Nix's extensive background and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of entertainment media.
Professor Nix, founder and CEO of Creative Projects Group, spoke about the unique applications of ADR in the entertainment and media industries. Drawing from his extensive background in law, media production, academia, and conflict resolution, Prof Nix shared how ADR techniques play a vital role in resolving creative disputes, fostering collaboration, and protecting intellectual property rights. His message resonated strongly with attendees, particularly those pursuing careers in law, media, and mediation.
During his presentation, professor Nix highlighted his experience, which includes producing content across multiple platforms and serving as executive producer on notable projects like The Prophet, an animated feature film based on Kahlil Gibran's iconic work. He also touched on his extensive background in education, sharing insights from his role as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Caruso Law's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution through his course, Entertainment Industry Disputes. Professor Nix's visit served as an inspiring reminder that ADR practices, combined with creative innovation and leadership, have the potential to bridge divides, foster meaningful dialogue, and drive transformative change.
Adding to the event's impact, Nix's wife, Nancy Cushing-Jones, shared a brief dialogue about her pioneering career as the first female division president in the history of Universal Studios. Cushing-Jones spoke about her role in developing global brand franchises and her leadership in transforming the publishing "tie-in" market into a significant business model. She is also the editor-in-chief of www.sievoices.com as part of the SIES leadership team (www.siesociety.org). The Social Impact Entertainment Society (SIES) is the leading global alliance in social impact entertainment. Its mission is to educate, connect, and empower professionals in entertainment, non-profit, and business to harness storytelling in all media for greater social good and measurable impact. Anyone can join SIES for free and become part of this inspiring community.