January 14, 2014

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Lancers set record with 14^th straight win, advance in rankings

Proving they’re a team to be reckoned with, the California Baptist University Lancers broke a program record by winning their 14th-straight game Monday night. The Lancers broke into the NCAA Division II rankings at no. 25 but advanced to no. 18 after the win.

The Lancers defeated Notre Dame de Namur 81-62 to improve to an impressive 14-0 record overall and remain on top of the PacWest standings at 8-0. With the loss, NDNU falls to 3-11 on the season, 2-6 in conference action.

The Lancers will face their first ranked opponent in Dixie State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. After surrendering their first loss of the season to Hawaii Pacific last week, the No. 7-ranked Red Storm could drop in the rankings coming out tomorrow, but Croy knows his team better come prepared for a battle Saturday night.

 

Graduate kinesiology program gains national recognition

California Baptist University’s master of science program in kinesiology has been accepted as a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Recognized Education Program for graduate studies.

“This recognition from one of our national societies speaks to the quality and professional relevance of CBU’s M.S. in kinesiology program,” said Dr. Sean Sullivan, chair of the department of kinesiology. “It also provides positive exposure as we continue to develop and enhance programs throughout the department.”

The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) endorses regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that have met, and continue to meet, educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. The application process involved demonstrating program competence related to curriculum, as well as faculty expertise and relevant professional productivity.

 

CBU website honored with emerging media award

California Baptist University’s website recently received a top award in the Summit Emerging Media Award (EMA) competition. The website was honored with a leader award in the education website category.

“The Summit EMA was established to recognize contributions and leadership in this dynamic field,” said Jocelyn Luciano, executive director of the Summit International Awards. “The Summit EMAs 2013 competition included more than 1,000 entries from numerous countries, for which only eight percent earned recognition.”

The award was presented jointly to California Baptist University and OHO Interactive, based in Cambridge, Mass., which assisted CBU with the website redesign.

“CBU is known for its purposeful approach to higher education and the warm, welcoming spirit that pervades the campus,” said Jeremy Zimmerman, CBU’s marketing director. “Our goal in building the site was to translate these values into a responsive experience which made OHO’s proven ability to design loveable websites a perfect fit for us.”

A “loveable website” is a concept OHO coined to express the idea of going beyond usability to loveability.

“OHO Interactive is excited to have partnered with California Baptist University on their website redesign,” said Jason Smith, managing director and chief creative officer. “Our mandate was to create a beautiful and innovative digital marketing website to reach to prospective students on any device. The Leader Award is a recognition of the success of this project.”

The Summit International Awards (SIA) organization is dedicated to furthering excellence in the marketing communications industry. The Summit EMA competition includes three levels of awards: visionary, innovator and leader. A leader award offers recognition for “directing movement and helping to lead the industry” as a pacesetter in emerging media, according to the SIA website.

 

CBU repeats ranking among top 40 online bachelor’s programs

California Baptist University (CBU) earned the no. 37 spot among online bachelor’s programs in the 2014 Top Online Education Program rankings by U.S. News & World Report. 

CBU entered the online education market in the spring of 2010 with programs offered by the university’s Division of Online and Professional Studies. It is only the second year online programs have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and CBU placed in the top 40 both years. CBU now serves more than 3,100 students online throughout the United States and offers 29 online undergraduate majors and concentrations and eleven graduate majors and specializations.

“We are pleased to be ranked in the top 40 best online bachelor’s programs for two consecutive years, especially considering CBU’s three short years offering online programs,” said Dr. David Poole, vice president for Online and Professional Studies at CBU.  “We are delighted to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report.”

In addition to the number 37 spot for best online bachelor’s programs, CBU also ranked in the best online graduate business and best online graduate education programs as evaluated nationwide.

U.S. News & World Report acknowledged the methodology behind this year’s rankings changed significantly and for the first time, all six rankings included peer review data based on schools’ evaluations of each other. These changes are the primary factors explaining why schools moved up and down in the rankings.

“Despite the significant methodology changes, CBU ranked no. 8 overall in faculty credentials and training and no. 52 in student services & technology,” Poole said. “This continues to support our mission and drive that quality and experience of faculty, innovative, cutting edge technology, and student support and service are at the heart of what we do at CBU.”

U.S. News & World Report said it evaluated nearly 1,000 online programs.  The publication weighted indicators of student engagement, faculty credentials and training, assessment by peer institutions, and student services and technology. More information about the rankings methodology is available at http://www.usnews.com/onlinemeth.

 

CBU’s Recreation Center recognized for Outstanding Design

California Baptist University’s Recreation Center was one of 145 projects profiled in the 2013 American School & University magazine’s Architectural Portfolio issue, which “celebrates the best in education design” and was published in late November.

The Recreation Center was one of 30 facilities recognized for Outstanding Design-Post-Secondary.

American School & University annually awards education organizations and architects for their accomplishments and are considered “idea books for education design and construction.”

The digital edition of the magazine is available by clicking here.

 

Nolen urges CBU graduates to pursue God’s purpose

Dr. Michael Nolen, senior pastor of Southwinds Church in Tracy, Calif., urged fall commencement candidates at California Baptist University to pursue the purpose God put on their hearts and to be the people God meant for them to be.

“Maybe truly living your purpose in the 21^st century seems overwhelming,” Nolen said. “To live your purpose, you must remember it is God’s purpose, not ours.”

Nolen delivered the commencement address to undergraduate and graduate students of the Class of 2013 during fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 13 in the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

During his remarks, Nolen said he believes this generation—the Millennials—may be the most influential generation in America’s history.

“Research says that as a generation, you are hopeful,” he said. “You are realistic. You know that not all is well with the world. My generation, the Boomers, knew this and protested it. The Gen X generation knew that and was depressed about it. Millennials know but you believe you can have a role in changing it.”

Nolen charged graduates to live their purpose with boldness.

“We can live with confidence because the God who gave us that purpose is sovereign,” he said. “He rules over the affairs of this world. No one can stay his hand. Nothing can thwart his plans. This is your moment. More than ever, our world needs men and women who live their purpose.”

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, conferred degrees on 95 graduate students and 264 undergraduate students for a total of 359 graduates.

Dr. Ellis also presented an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Nolen in recognition of his  positive work ethic and steadfast commitment to Christian service.

 

Family Updates

The CBU Communication Disorders student club is now an official local chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). The organization is listed under the official ASHA NSSLHA website:  http://www.asha.org/NSSLHA/chapters/Chapters-List/#CA. The officers include Canstanze Hall, president, and Sarah Wooten, vice president.

 

Dr. Fred Pontius, presented a paper at the 11th International Water Association Conference on Small Water & Wastewater Systems and Sludge Management, which met Oct. 27-30 in Harbin, China. The presentation was titled Upgrading Small Drinking Water Systems using Surface Water to Control Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic Acids. A manuscript of the paper appeared in the conference’s proceedings.

 

 

 

Two staff members received awards from the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) to attend the 2014 NIRSA Annual Conference and Exposition, meeting April 23-26 in Nashville, Tenn. Stefani Plummer, director of the Recreation Center, received the NIRSA Foundation SoCal Region VI Scholarship. The scholarship will cover registration costs for the meeting. Kyle Smith, assistant director of the Recreation Center, was awarded the NIRSA Foundation Region VI Travel Stipend presented by StarTrac. The award assists with travel-related expenses up to $1,000 for the conference.

 

 

Cherlyn Johnson, program advisor/clinical coordinator in the School of Education won Provider’s Inaugural Family Holiday Cookie Contest. A team of Provider expert bakers carefully reviewed a collection of ‘secret family’ cookie recipes submitted by students, faculty and staff and chose the top four recipes. The selections were served and voted on by students and guests during lunch on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The other three finalists  were Dante Kari for Cardamom Cookie, Don Porter for Cocoa Drop Christmas Cookie and Mikala Pelton for Christmas Bark. Johnson’s Christmas Toffee recipe was voted as this year’s winner. Her cookie was featured in the ADC, and she received a $25 Provider gift card and an engraved silver platter.

 

Dr. Chuck Sands, dean of the College of Allied Health, made a presentation titled Western Strategic Management Principles Instituted in a Private Chinese Hospital at the Hawaii International Conference on Education meeting in Honolulu Jan. 5-8.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Elaine Ahumada, associate professor of political science in Online and Professional Studies, and Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of communication arts in Online and Professional Studies, presented workshops Dec. 12 on working in the public sector, leadership, effective communication strategies and personal branding at a staff meeting for the Riverside County Office on Aging’s Aging and Disability Resource Center. More than 55 county employees attended.

 

 

Dr. Trevor Gillum, assistant professor of kinesiology, published a manuscript titled Prohormone supplement 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one enhances resistance training gains but impairs user health in the January issue of Journal of Applied Physiology.

 

 

 

Dr. Franco Gandolfi, dean of the School of Business, presented a paper titled Why do firms downsize? TheoreticalUnderpinnings at the Macrotheme Conferences BSS meeting in Paris, France Dec. 20-21.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Patrick Schacht, assistant professor of biochemistry, received the Ph.D. degree in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics from the University of California, Riverside on Dec. 13.

 

 

 

 

A team from Online and Professional Studies presented a paper at the Clute Institute International Academic Conference meeting Jan. 2-4 in Orlando. Dr. Dirk Davis¸ academic dean, Dr. Robert Crosby, assistant professor of psychology, and Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, assistant professor of education, presented the paper titled Evidence Based Practices for Effective Course Development, which was voted “Best Paper in Session” and is being considered for publication in a Clute Institute journal.

 

 

Cherlyn Johnson, program advisor for the School of Education, is the Employee of the Month for January 2014. The nomination form included the following statements: “Cherlyn has the position as student advisor in the School of Education of servicing students from inquiry through program acceptance into any one of the seven credentials offered. Cherlyn’s goals are to recruit and to retain students as candidates. Cherlyn exceeds the expectations of this position as she uses her skills, personality, background and expertise to increase the number of candidates who choose to enroll and remain in the School of Educations’ credential programs. She additionally exceeds expectations with the special projects that she undertakes such as Cast Your Nets Wider, informational sessions, group advising and class visits. Her enthusiasm is contagious and, as a result, she creates a positive advising experience for her students.”

 

Vicki Cleveland, director of institutional research, presented Joe Adcock, assistant dean of students – campus life, with the 2013 Outstanding Task Force Member Award at the Dec. 11 meeting of the Institutional Data Task Force. Adcock was recognized for his dedication and leadership in continually improving information-related operations at CBU.

 

 

 

Dr. Melissa Wigginton, assistant professor in the department of health science, participated Nov. 5 in the American Public Health Association’s 141^st annual meeting in Boston. Her presentation was titled Assessment of Physical Activity and Health Indicators in American-Indian High School Students.

 

 

 

 

Peter Goss, CBU math alum, spoke on Nov. 20 at the natural and math sciences department colloquium about the relationship between community development and missions. He has been working in East Asia for the last four years in community development, particularly focusing on the water needs of the many rural minority villages in the region.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Tim Mosteller, associate professor of philosophy, contributed a chapter titled Religious diversity, truth and tolerance in the book Civility, Religious Pluralism and Education edited by Vincent Biondo and Andrew Fiala, published by Routledge Press. For more information about the book, click here.

 

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, associate professor of kinesiology, spent a week in Egypt, Nov. 12-18, working with professional action sports ministries from Peru, Brazil, Egypt and the U.S.  Together the Gospel was presented at the Count it Right Conference to more than 35,000 Egyptians in El Wadi, Egypt and in Garbage City’s Cave Church in Makattam, Cairo, Egypt.

 

 

 

Dr. William Flores, director of the Spanish Program and faculty senate president, presented a paper titled Theoretical Deconstructions and the Project of a Latin American Ecocriticism at the 2013 American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese Conference on Hispanic Literature, held at the University of Redlands on Oct. 12. Flores also participated at the 2013 Southern California Conference of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese held at the University of California in Los Angeles on Oct. 26.

 

 

 

The CBU Slam Dunk Competition highlight video from Midnight Madness 2013 is available for viewing at http://vimeo.com/82416273

 

Dr. Susan Nelson, assistant professor of nursing, married Kevin Jetton at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Brian Street Baptist Church in Yucaipa. The reception began at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, followed by the wedding ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

Jim and Janelle Peters, administrative secretary in the School of Business, welcomed a son named Hunter James Peters  on Oct. 22. He weighed 9 lbs. 5 ozs. and was 21 inches long. Cheyanne, age 17 months, is his big sister.

 

 

 

Michael Roddy (’03) and Mackenzie Vernay Roddy (nee Wyatt, ’04) of Long Beach, Calif. celebrated the birth of their second child on December 19, 2013. Graham Wyatt Roddy weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and measured 20.5 inches at birth. Graham is the eighth grandchild of Dr. Mark A. Wyatt, CBU vice president for marketing and communication.

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates

DATE	DEPARTMENT	POSITION	NAME	STATUS
1/2/2014	Athletics	Assistant Director of Sports Information	Andrew Shortall	New Hire
1/2/2014	Online and Professional Studies	Program Administration and Advising	Nancy Artman	New Hire
1/2/2014	Online and Professional Studies	Receptionist for Online and Professional Studies	Dylan Hake	New Hire
1/2/2014	Online and Professional Studies	Assistant Professor	Kenneth George	New Hire
1/6/2014	Human Resources	Receptionist	Kari Bell	New Hire
1/6/2014	Facilities and Planning Services	Electrician II	Jose Gonzalez	New Hire
1/6/2014	Institutional Advancement	Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator	Janet Crate	New Hire
11/16/2013	Facilities and Planning Services	Housing Maintenance Manager	Charles Vela	Change
11/16/2013	Facilities and Planning Services	Maintenance Technician II	Octavio Gonzalez	Change
12/10/2013	School of Nursing	Nursing Program Data Technician	Lynnae NagelFormerly: Bosch	Name Change
1/6/2014	Online and Professional Studies	ITS-Office Accounting Clerk	Shawna Benson	Change
1/6/2014	Facilities and Planning Services	Fire and Safety Specialist	Carlos “Buddy” Perryman	Change
1/6/2014	Online and Professional Studies	Lecturer	Ruth Flores	Change
12/19/2013	Aviation Science	Flight Instructor	Sean Dickerson	No Longer Employed
1/2/2014	Athletics	Compliance Assistant-Senior Woman Administrator	Brittany Brasington	No Longer Employed