Pepperdine University has recognized two faculty members with the Stephen D. Davis Award for Scholarly Achievement. Maretno Harjoto, a professor of finance at the Graziadio Business School, and J. Christopher Soper, Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Seaver College, received the award for their contributions to research and academic leadership.
The award is given each year to one undergraduate and one graduate professor who have made notable impacts on Pepperdine’s research profile. According to Jay Brewster, provost and chief academic officer at Pepperdine, “The Stephen D. Davis Award for Scholarly Achievement is the highest research honor Pepperdine can bestow upon its distinguished faculty. Dr. Harjoto and Dr. Soper, our most recent awardees, are both excellent examples of how our institution can contribute to the quest for new knowledge and change the world through impactful studies.”
Harjoto’s work centers on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues within large corporations. He explores how corporate practices influence society in terms of ethics and objectives. Reflecting on his motivation, Harjoto stated: “My research is inspired by my upbringing. I experienced discrimination growing up in Indonesia as a person of Chinese ethnicity. As a result, I want my work to benefit a social cause, to demonstrate that no one is less valuable than someone else.”
Throughout his career, Harjoto has published 135 scholarly articles with over 12,000 citations; in 2025 alone he published seven studies and reached his highest annual citation count at 1,698. His expertise has been recognized by media outlets such as The New York Times and he was awarded the inaugural S&P Global Academic ESG Research Award.
Deborah Crown, dean of Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School commented: “Dr. Harjoto is an accomplished and deeply impactful scholar whose research influence and commitment to excellence elevates our entire academic community… His scholarship, integrity, and service exemplify the very best of who we are.” Lila Carlsen, vice provost at Pepperdine University added: “Dr. Harjoto is highly deserving of this award… His research productivity, ability to publish in top-tier journals, and the undeniable impact of his work all distinguish him as a great scholar and masterful educator.”
Looking ahead, Harjoto intends to continue researching how corporations address social challenges including using artificial intelligence ethically in business decision-making.
J. Christopher Soper focuses on how governments balance political rule with religious order worldwide—a subject he has explored since his undergraduate days. “To some extent, my scholarship is autobiography,” said Soper. “I personally wrestle with the issues that I research… these questions are never fully answered… they’re ripe for exploration.”
Soper has authored eight books along with numerous articles and book chapters during his tenure at Seaver College; much of his work involves international field interviews with political or religious leaders. He often collaborates with colleagues like Joel Fetzer for interdisciplinary perspectives.
Lee Kats, dean of Seaver College said: “Chris Soper’s scholarship on religion and politics not only enhances Seaver College’s research reputation but it also sheds new light on the relationship between two highly influential aspects of modern culture.” Carlsen added: “We are honored by Dr. Soper’s scholarship at Pepperdine… Dr. Soper’s extensive scholarly work and dedicated efforts as an educator help make him uniquely worthy of the Stephen Davis Award.”
Soper also incorporates students into his projects; for example recruiting those fluent in foreign languages to assist in analyzing documents for his latest book “Religion and Nationalism in Global Perspective,” providing experiential learning opportunities aligned with Seaver College’s mission.
The Stephen D. Davis Award was established in honor of Professor Emeritus Stephen Davis from Seaver College’s biology department—himself an active researcher credited with nearly 100 publications focused on Southern California plant biology.
Nominations for next year’s award are open until March 31; more details about eligibility criteria can be found on the official award website.
