Katie Zacharia’s Alma Mater Hit by Alumni Revolt: ‘I’m Ashamed’

Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Newly installed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia ’s alma mater is under fire for its fawning tribute to the former law student.

Pepperdine University, a private Christian school where Zacharia earned her bachelor’s and law degrees, is facing alumni scorn after a school spokesperson lavished praise on the new press secretary in several social media posts.

“Katie is a valued member of our Dean’s Council.

We are proud to see her take on this important role in public service and represent the Pepperdine community on a national stage,” an Instagram post from the school captioned a smiling photo of Zacharia, 41.

" The statement also included praise from Dean Paul Caron, who said he “will be praying for Katie as she takes on such an important public service role.” But her fellow alumni didn’t share the same sentiment.

“As a Pepperdine graduate, I’m ashamed to see my alma mater celebrating this,” a user who identified as Waldmansheeranfamily wrote in a comment that was “liked” nearly 600 times.

“As an alumni I’m disappointed to see this celebrated.

This administration is destroying the rule of law,” another commenter who identified as lawyerfabi wrote.

Several other commenters accused the university staff of deleting negative sentiments under the post.

“Are some alumni opinions more valid / important than others?” one person questioned.

A university spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions from the Daily Beast regarding allegedly deleted comments.

Others targeted Zacharia’s first press briefing on Tuesday morning, which drew criticism across the political spectrum.

“No public speaking classes at Pepperdine apparently,” one person wrote.

Zacharia, who frequently appeared on Fox News and the far-right Newsmax, though not on either channel’s payroll, cut the briefing short after just 14 minutes.