Pepperdine University names Tim Spivey Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life

Following a comprehensive national search and the active participation of several campus groups, including administrators, faculty, staff and students representing all facets of the University, President Jim Gash (JD '93) has named Tim Spivey ('97, MS '00, MDiv '00) Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life at Pepperdine University, effective April 1, 2023. 

In this role, Spivey will lead the Hub for Spiritual Life in Christian ministries and accompanying programs, including community engagement and service. Spivey will play an integral role in fostering collaborative efforts and nurturing connections among spiritual life leaders across the university. He will also provide pastoral care and ministry for students of all Pepperdine schools.

Spivey's appointment was made with the guidance of an Evaluation Committee that reviewed and interviewed candidates for the position and offered its evaluative feedback to President Gash to help inform his decision. Tim Perrin, Senior Vice President for Strategic Implementation, served as chair of the committee, which also included Sara Jackson ('74), Chancellor; Connie Horton ('82), Vice President for Student Affairs; Dan Rodriguez ('78, MA '81), Divisional Dean of the Religion and Philosophy Division; Sharon Beard ('94, MDR '01), Dean of Students; Religion Professor Dyron Daughrity; Eric Wilson, Lead Minister, University Church of Christ; and Cameron Gilliam, Director of Student Ministries.

"I'm very much looking forward to working alongside Tim on these vital aspects of University life," said Perrin. "Tim knows and loves Pepperdine, having been both a student and professor, is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and loves sharing life with and investing in college students. He is prepared-perhaps uniquely so-for this leadership role."

Spivey has more than 28 years of ministry experience, starting his professional ministry career as a campus and worship minister at the University Church of Christ at Pepperdine. Spivey also served in senior minister positions at the North County Church of Christ in Escondido, CA, and the Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Dallas. He currently serves as the founding and senior pastor of New Vintage Church, which he co-planted in 2010.

"Spivey is well prepared for this opportunity as a critical member of the Hub for Spiritual Life team through his experience as a senior minister of vibrant and thriving churches, his teaching experience as an adjunct professor in the Seaver College Religion and Philosophy Division, and his deep ties to Pepperdine as both an alumnus and a parent," said President Jim Gash. "I am confident in his abilities to lead our student body with integrity, passion and wisdom."

An alumnus of Pepperdine, Spivey holds three degrees from the University, including a bachelor's degree in religion, a master's degree in ministry, and a Master of Divinity degree. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Abilene Christian University.

"Pepperdine is where I met my wife, became a lifelong learner, deepened my faith, found my calling and fell in love with the Church. It has always felt like my second home. Now it's just home," said Spivey. "There is nothing more important to the future of Christianity than the spiritual development of the next generation. It's an exhilarating, urgent task that brings me tremendous joy. I know first-hand how transformational the Pepperdine experience can be and look forward to cultivating a habitat where life-changing spiritual growth is commonplace."

Spivey is married to Emily ('00, MS '14), a double alumna with both bachelor's and Master of Science in Organizational Development degrees from Pepperdine. They have three daughters, Anna, a second-year student at Seaver College; Olivia, an incoming first-year student; and Norah, a future Pepperdine Wave.

 

 

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