Pepperdine GSEP Announces Recipients of the Dr. David A. Levy Scholarship for Excellence in Critical Thinking

The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University is proud to announce the recipients of the annual Dr. David A. Levy Scholarship for Excellence in Critical Thinking. This prestigious, merit-based scholarship was established by esteemed professor and psychologist Dr. David A. Levy to recognize and support graduate students who demonstrate exceptional critical thinking skills in their academic and personal endeavors.

Levy, a professor at GSEP since 1986, has been widely recognized for his contributions to psychology and higher education. He is the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including Pepperdine’s Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence. He is the author of several acclaimed books, such as Tools of Critical Thinking: Metathoughts for Psychology and Cross-Cultural Psychology: Critical Thinking and Contemporary Applications, now in its eighth edition.

“The societal need for critical thinking has never been greater,” Levy said. “I hope that this scholarship will help to fill the gap.”

Open to both current and incoming graduate students enrolled in GSEP’s psychology programs, the scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an application essay detailing how students have come to value and apply critical thinking in their academic and personal lives. This year’s award was highly competitive, with more than seventy applicants.

GSEP is honored to recognize this year’s three outstanding recipients, each of whom has demonstrated remarkable intellectual curiosity, analytical reasoning, and a commitment to thoughtful decision-making:

• Jose Quintana – MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (expected graduation: December 2025)
• Dana Pettaway – MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (expected graduation: May 2025)
• David Connelly – MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (expected graduation: 2027)

Each awardee will receive a $3,000 scholarship to support their continued academic journey. Their essays highlighted their ability to examine, evaluate, and synthesize information, make sound judgments, and apply logical reasoning in their studies and future careers.

GSEP congratulates the 2025 Dr. David A. Levy Scholarship winners and thanks Levy for his continued generosity and dedication to fostering critical thinking. This scholarship not only honors student excellence but also reinforces the importance of critical analysis in professional and personal growth.

For students interested in applying for next year’s award, the application process will reopen in the fall. More details can be found on the GSEP Scholarships page.

Those interested in contributing to the Dr. David A. Levy Scholarship for Excellence in Critical Thinking can contact Rachel Guettler, Senior Director of Development, at rachel.guettler@pepperdine.edu.