Pepperdine GSEP Welcomes Dr. Kent Rhodes to the Board of Visitors
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University proudly welcomes Dr. Kent Rhodes as a new member of its esteemed Board of Visitors. A trusted advisor, educator, and business leader, Dr. Rhodes brings a wealth of expertise in organizational development, family enterprise consulting, and executive education to his new role at GSEP.
Dr. Rhodes currently serves as a Senior Consultant with the Chicago-based Family Business Consulting Group, where he partners with families across industries to align enterprise strategy with family harmony and continuity. Since joining the firm in 2006, he has earned a national reputation for helping multigenerational family businesses navigate leadership transitions, governance, and long-term sustainability.
In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Rhodes is a Clinical Professor in Pepperdine University’s Executive program in Organization Development and its Doctoral programs in Global Leadership and Change. His long-standing contributions to the University span across multiple schools and programs, including teaching in the renowned Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution at the Caruso School of Law and chairing the Executive MBA committee at the Graziadio Business School.
Before entering academia and consulting, Dr. Rhodes founded a virtual learning platform company and led it as CEO through a successful acquisition by a publicly traded technology firm in Silicon Valley. He continued to serve as a Principal and Managing Director through the company’s post-acquisition integration and growth.
Raised in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Rhodes now resides in Orange County, California. He remains actively engaged in professional associations, including the Academy of Management, the Family Firm Institute, the Executive MBA Council, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Dr. Rhodes' blend of entrepreneurial leadership, academic insight, and cross-sector consulting experience uniquely positions him to contribute meaningfully to GSEP’s mission of preparing leaders for lives of purpose, service, and impact.