October 5, 2015

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Record 2015 enrollment at CBU continues upward trend

Fall 2015 enrollment at California Baptist University set another record with 8,541 students—a 7.3 percent increase above the fall 2014 enrollment figure, President Ronald L. Ellis announced today.

Additionally, this year’s record enrollment marks a significant milestone, surpassing the university’s “8080 by 2020” enrollment goal—five years earlier than scheduled. The goal was set in 2005 to reach 10 times the number of students enrolled (808) when Dr. Ellis began his tenure as president in 1994. The new figure represents a 1057 percent increase over 1994 enrollment.

“By shattering the 8,080 by 2020 goal, fall 2015 is an historic enrollment increase on top of a sustained two decades of significant increases,” Ellis said.

This year’s triple digit increase follows three years of 600-plus increases of 610, 698, and 618; a one-year, four digit increase of 1,113; and last year’s three digit increase of 813. With the latest year-to-year increase of 584, CBU enrollment over the past six years has grown 4,436 students on a base of 4,105 in fall 2009—a 108% increase in six years.

CBU currently offers more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations as well as more than 40 graduate programs. And this year for the first time, CBU will offer two new doctorate programs—in Nursing Practice and Public Administration.

Founded in 1950, CBU is a private comprehensive institution located in Riverside, Calif. and affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities and the Consortium for Global Education.

 

CBU President delivers 2015 State of the University Address

CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis shared his 2015 State of the University video address at chapel services the week of September 21. The address reported on key accomplishments at CBU over the past year and also highlighted significant upcoming events.

Play full video.

 

 

 

 

CBU alum Kris Johnson – high-flying U.S. Men’s Volleyball Player

Most people need a ladder to reach 12 feet. But for California Baptist University graduate Kristopher Johnson (’14), that height is where his profession takes him regularly—and without any vertical support.

At 6 feet 11 inches and 200-pounds, Johnson is an up-and-coming middle blocker for the USA Men’s Volleyball squad. His soaring jumping ability and long-arm span makes him part of the team’s front line defense against opponent’s attacks.

Johnson’s vertical reach tips the 12 feet mark—two feet higher than a standard professional basketball rim.

“I remember the first time I jumped that high, I felt like I was flying,” he said. “It’s taken me a lot of practice and preparation to be able to jump that high.”

Johnson spent the summer of 2015 competing in the Pan American Games (Pan Am) in Toronto, Canada, for Team USA. The Pan Am Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport competition. Forty-one nations sent athletes to compete in this year’s games.

In five matches, Johnson had an attack percentage of .529 and he compiled 27 kills, eight blocks and four digs. The United States took sixth place, with Argentina taking gold, Brazil silver and Canada bronze. It was a lot of exposure for Johnson and the sport of indoor volleyball in general, as ESPN broadcast all of the U.S. matches through WatchESPN.

“I had butterflies in my stomach the first time I stepped on the court,” Johnson said. “However, once the ball started to fly around I said to myself, ‘Let’s play.’”

Johnson is also entering into his second year with Leka Volley Club, a professional volleyball team in Finland.

“I would say volleyball is the third most popular sport in Finland,” He said. “I have great coaches over there and I play to get better.”

 

Bible college president speaks on lessons from Bonhoeffer’s life

Dr. Steve Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College, talked about the­ impact of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer during a visit to California Baptist University on Sept. 24.

As part of the School of Christian Ministries Lecture Series, Nichols, the author of several books, addressed faculty, students and area pastors.

Nichols said while Christians need to get their confidence and reassurance from the Bible, they also can look back in church history and see how other faithful disciples lived their Christian lives and responded to the challenges they faced.

“One of the reason I appreciate church history so much is that we get perspective from ages before us,” Nichols said. “If all we have is our moment in time as our perspective that is a rather slim horizon from which we can understand things.”

Nichols spoke about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi dissident who was sent to a Gestapo prison and eventually killed at age 39. During his 10 years of ministry, Bonhoeffer wrote “Cost of Discipleship.” For him, the challenges to a Christian life came from both outside and within the church, Nichols said.

“He knew he would have issues to deal with outside of the church,” Nichols said. “I think Bonhoeffer was caught off guard by was how ignorant of the gospel the church itself was.”

Bonhoeffer told his congregations that they turn church into a playground for their feelings instead of a place where “God’s word is obediently received and believed,” Nichols said. Bonhoeffer wrote, “We keep thinking we have God in our power instead of recognizing God’s power over us.”

Nichols said for Bonhoeffer, the key doctrines were God is holy, man is sinful and the cross is the answer. Bonhoeffer’s writings help today’s church have a cross-centered approach, Nichols said. At the cross, Christians portray the weakness of Christ to the world that is in need, he explained.

“This is where Bonhoeffer, I think, helps us. The cross, Good Friday – these are moments in the life of Christ that we don’t always like to linger on,” he said. “We want to jump ahead to resurrection Sunday…but we also need to linger over Good Friday and the cross, because sometimes that’s exactly where we find ourselves.”

 

Ceremony marks progress for CBU nursing students

While many students at California Baptist University are just beginning their first semester, a group of entry level (EL) graduate nursing students took another step closer to becoming registered nurses during a dedication/pinning ceremony on Sept. 23.

Thirty-eight students who completed their first year in the program received a pin from a School of Nursing faculty member. After completing the first year, they are now qualified to take the licensure exam.

Additionally, 40 students who finished their first semester in the EL Master of Science in nursing program walked across the stage at the Van Dyne Gym to receive a Gideon pocket Bible. For them, the ceremony signifies dedicating their nursing career to the Lord.

Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean of the School of the Nursing, encouraged the students in their continuing pursuit of a master’s degree.

“Our prayer for you, no matter what happens in your career and as you move forward, that you stay steadfast to the Lord,” she said. “The opportunities before you are innumerable … and we encourage you to remain fully engaged through the process of expanding your heads, your hands, and your hearts.”

Gayle Cloud, a board member for Riverside Unified School District, also spoke during the event. She told the students that encounters are never random and that God will bring people into their lives for a reason.

“You are entering your front-line mission in medicine,” she said. “You will have opportunities to pray, to show mercy, to serve, to offer relief and hope.”

Student Sarah Jacques said the start of the semester was a whirlwind of things to learn and do and becoming a nurse did not seem real. The dedication made it feel more than just a job, she said.

“This cemented the fact that we’re doing this nursing program and dedicating our lives to the service of others,” Jacques said.

Student Jonathan Lu said he is looking forward to learning more in the program.

“It’s the end of a journey and beginning of another,” he said of the pinning. “It’s when you start your actual nursing journey and career. It means a lot.”

 

CBU Aviation Science program, flight school reach new heights

California Baptist University’s department of aviation science took off in the fall of 2013, with 25 students and two majors. This fall, it is flying even higher with 70 students and three majors.

Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of aviation science, said he credits the growth to the faculty and staff, the administration’s support and the industry’s demand for pilots.

“I think God has blessed our efforts here,” Prather said. “He honors our hard work and commitment and devotion to develop a top-notch collegiate aviation program.”

Growth can be seen in various ways. The CBU Flight School has 11 aircraft used for flight training and 10 flight instructors. More than two years ago FedEx donated a Boeing 727 that is being incorporated into the aircraft systems course for the first time this fall. The school also now has an approved FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Center located in the Flight Operations Center.

The CBU Flight School also has developed agreements with five regional carriers, including passenger airlines Express Jet, SkyWest and CommutAir, and cargo carriers Empire Airlines and Ameriflight. Three of those agreements were signed this summer. Students who meet certain requirements are guaranteed an interview or, in the case of Express Jet Airlines, a job if the company is hiring at the time. Without such agreements, students are on their own to find a job, Prather said.

“I tell students, as you graduate, as you move on and enter your career that’s a mission field no matter where you are,” Prather said.

Hannah Guajardo, an aviation flight junior and the first student to enroll in the CBU Aviation Science program, said she chose the program because it offered a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight.

Guajardo became the first student to earn an instrument rating and the first female in the program to earn a multi-engine rating.

“It is a huge honor to be a part of the inaugural class. It makes me feel like I was part of the start of something big,” she said.

Michael S. Lloyd (’16) is starting his first year at CBU. He spent 20 years as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force.

Lloyd said he chose CBU for a number of reasons, including CBU’s support of veterans and his desire to remain in the aviation industry.

“The aviation management degree seemed to be a good transition career tool as I prepare for another career in civilian life,” Lloyd said. “I looked at a few other colleges, but I really felt CBU is where God wanted me to be.”

 

The quest for the Fortuna Bowl trophy begins at CBU

Are you ready for some football? CBU intramural sports kicked off flag football season Sept. 21.

Flag football is the most popular intramural sports at CBU. This year 28 teams were formed –17 men and 11 women.

Each team plays a total of seven games.The top eight men’s teams and the top six women’s teams make their respective playoff tournaments. The championship game is held during Homecoming Weekend where the victors receive the much coveted Fortuna Bowl cup. Last year’s championship games drew more than 4,000 spectators.

“The Fortuna Bowl is the ultimate competitive goal for the teams,” said Tyler Cox, director of recreation programs. “It also has a mystic presence entering into the season for the freshmen.”

Last year’s Fortuna Bowl champions were the Weblos men’s team and the Bus Drivers women’s team. Both teams return this year to defend their titles.

Cox said that nearly half of the teams are legacy teams, meaning they have been continuing teams and, in some cases, have been around for more than a decade.

Cox said legacy teams usually consists of juniors and seniors. They will also pick up a few sophomores and freshmen. It is the underclassmen who will continue on the team’s legacy after the core of the team graduates.

“Football is a great team-building opportunity for us,” said Joshua Fink (’18), part of the Black Night team, which is comprised mostly of Army ROTC students.  “Last year was tough but this year we want to win that cup.”

 

CBU’s College of Health Science gets new campus

Change came this summer to California Baptist University’s College of Health Science. The college, formerly known as “Allied Health,” now has a new home to go along with the new name.

The college has relocated to the former Riverside Christian Schools campus on Monroe Street across from the Lancers Outdoor Athletic Complex.

The campus comprises of 68,919 square feet under roof and 11.07 acres.

“We’re completely blessed to get all the space that’s over here,” said Dr. David Pearson, interim dean of the College of Health Science. “I look forward to what we can do with it.”

Previously, the college was spread out throughout the main campus, with faculty in Lancer Arms and parts of the James Building. More than a 1,000 students are enrolled in programs offered by the College of Health Science.

Pearson said the biggest benefit for both faculty and students would be the opportunities for collaboration by being together in neighboring buildings.

“No matter what aspect of health science we are a part of, we all have the common goal of making people healthier,” he said. “That’s a lot easier to do when you have good proximity to one another.”

CBU purchased the property in June 2013 and Riverside Christian Schools leased most of the buildings back until this summer. Demolition and remodeling began in June and faculty started moving in Aug. 20. Walls were removed and rebuilt; exterior and interior walls were painted; carpet laid and audiovisual equipment along with furniture was installed.

A significant investment in new classrooms, laboratories and office space is transforming the campus into a modern, state-of-the-art learning center for health sciences.

“I think that every time we’ve built new facilities, smooth campus integration has always been the goal, and I think that’s been the end result,” Pearson said.

In August, the College of Allied Health became the College of Health Science. The new name more accurately reflects the scope of programs offered by the college, Pearson said. By definition, allied health professions are ones such as athletic training, communication disorders and physical therapy, he explained.

Pearson said a preschool remains on part of the property that Riverside Christian Schools continues to lease. Eventually, he expects that facility will be repurposed as clinics for athletic training and communication disorders so students in those fields can get their clinical hours.

“We are still a central part of the Great Commission and doing what everybody else does on campus. It’s just new space,” he said.

 

School of Behavioral Science hosts human trafficking lecture

California Baptist University’s School of Behavioral Sciences hosted Jeremy Vallerand, president and CEO of Rescue: Freedom International (RFI), Sept. 17 for its Culture and Justice Lecture Series.

Vallerand spoke on the global fight against human trafficking and explained his approach to help deal with this issue.

RFI began operations 18 years ago in India to help rescue and restore women and children who have suffered through human trafficking.

Vallerand grew up with two sisters. His father worked as a traveling salesman and put Vallerand in charge when he was gone. Vallerand wanted to do whatever it took to be a protector.

“I tried to look intimidating when I needed,” he said. It is a role that has grown for him.

Vallerand recalled his first trip to India, where he visited Mumbai and met David and Beth Grant, the founders of RFI. Vallerand agreed to visit the red light district with the couple.

He said his “blood began to boil’ as he looked at the sights. The couple then took Vallerand to visit the safe houses RFI operated.

“[When] we got to the first home and walked in; it was this beautiful place full of hope and life,” he said.

Upon returning to America, Vallerand was moved by what he saw. An avid outdoorsman, Vallerand rallied his friends and started what is now the Climb for Captives initiative. The idea behind the program is to use mountain climbing as a way to spark conversation about human trafficking and raise funds for its victims. The group’s first climb raised more than $20,000.

Vallerand encouraged students to approach the issue of human trafficking and all social injustice from a Micah 6:8 perspective: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”(NASB).

He concluded his remarks with a quote that hangs on the wall at the entrance to his office: “It is not the injustice that drives us, it is the magnitude of hope.”

 

College of Health Science kicks off Distinguished Lecture Series

California Baptist University’s College of Health Science welcomed Dr. Harkeerat Dhillon on Sept. 14 to kick off its 5^th annual Distinguished Lecture Series. Dhillon is an orthopedic surgeon at Riverside Medical Clinic. He spoke of his journey across continents to become a doctor.

The lecture series provides CBU students an opportunity to hear from speakers, who are leaders in their respective disciplines.

Dhillon is a graduate of the University College of Medical Sciences, located in Delhi, India. He described the persistence and commitment involved in attaining his goal to become a surgeon.

Dhillon said his voyage westward began when his boarding school in New Delhi could not offer the biology classes he needed to become a doctor.

“This was a hurdle I had to cross. My school was affiliated with Cambridge University in the United Kingdom so I applied for special permission to study biology there and they let me [take biology courses],” Dhillon said.

He eventually returned to India and finished his medical degree, graduating with a bachelor’s of medicine and surgery.

“Now I could cut people into pieces and enjoy it,” joked Dhillon, whose sense of humor was evident throughout his speech.

Another hurdle Dhillon faced occurred during his move to the United States in 1992.

“It was an absolute culture shock,” Dhillon said.

Dhillon struggled to keep a job. After arriving in the United States, he was initially denied the opportunity to complete his fellowship due to immigration issues.

A plea from a former boss eventually open the doors for Dhillon to continue his fellowship.

Dhillon quipped that he settled down in Riverside because he could not travel any farther west without running into the ocean. Today, Dhillon works at the Riverside Medical Clinic as an orthopedic surgeon.

“This is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling profession,” Dhillon said. “You have to enjoy it, and the only way to enjoy it is to be good at it. Master your profession and you will enjoy it.”

He encouraged the students to set goals and not let challenges prevent them from attaining their goals.

“If you really want to make a success out of yourself, you need to set a goal, to stay focused and be extremely persistent,” Dhillon said. “Sometimes there may be so many hurdles it may make you doubt yourself. But if you want to be a [successful] person, then the persistence and focus needs to be there.”

 

Family Updates

Student Learning Outcome Assessment and Academic Program Review are two important processes CBU employs to promote and ensure continuing improvement in all aspects of its educational endeavors. College/School/Departmental Assessment Coordinators are the key players in completing these processes. These diligent faculty and staff members provide leadership while also serving as members of the CBU Assessment Committee. To recognize exceptional service, at the beginning of each academic year, Best Awards are presented to select Assessment Coordinators for exceptional service during the previous year.

The 2014-2015 Best Awards recipients are as follows:

• Best Program Review: Tom Ferko, professor of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Rookie Coordinator: Helen Jung, associate professor of civil engineering, College of Engineering
• Best College/School Coordinator: Elizabeth Morris, professor of education, Online and Professional Studies
• Best Department/Program Coordinator: Chris McHorney, professor of political science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Program Improvements: Sandra Romo, assistant professor of journalism/PR, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Overall Coordinator: Carolyn Heine, associate librarian, Annie Gabriel Library

 

Dr. Candace Vickers, associate professor of communication disorders, coauthored an article, Communication Recovery Groups: Reciprocal Benefits for Participants and Facilitators from an Undergraduate Student Perspective, that was recently published by the Ohio Speech Language Hearing Association’s electronic journal eHearsay.

 

 

 

 

Shawn Wilhite, adjunct professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper, Didache, Martyrdom, and Christian Identity: The Ethical Motifs and Apocalyptic Vision of Persecution and Martyrdom in the Didache as it Shapes Christian Identity, at the Andrew Fuller Center Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 16. He also recently had a book, The Letters of Ignatius, Apostolic Fathers Greek Reade, published.

 

 

 

Dr. Greg Cochran, associate professor and Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries, co-wrote a chapter in a recently published book, Ministry in the New Marriage Culture.  The chapter title is Gospel Confidence in the New Marriage Culture. Cochran also presented a paper, Persecution Perspective and the Challenge to Martyrdom from Matthew’s Gospel, at a conference sponsored by the Center for Ancient Christian Studies on Sept. 14. Cochran presented another paper, The Practical Application of a New Testament Theology of Persecution, at the annual conference of the Andrew Fuller Center on Sept. 16. Both events were in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, recently had a college-level textbook titled Airport Management published.

 

 

 

 

Faculty and staff are invited to the Knuppe Prayer Chapel each day from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  A faculty or staff member will be there Monday-Friday at that time to pray with anyone who has needs or who wants to stop by and join in lifting up the CBU community.  If people have needs they would like to have prayed for, they can forward them confidentially or by name to either Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs, vice provost, or Dr. Darla Donaldson, assistant professor of finance and social entrepreneurship.

 

 

Faculty and staff have an opportunity to take Perspectives on the World Christian Movement on Tuesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m. in BUS 253.  There is also a group that meets noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Provost’s Conference room for a more informal gathering. If interested or have questions, contact Dr. DawnEllen Jacobs.

 

Dr. Robert Crosby, assistant professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, Dr. Erin Smith, assistant professor of psychology, and Dr. Thomas Frederick, assistant professor of psychology for Online and Professional Studies, recently published an article, The Kid-Friendly Church: What Makes Children Feel Loved, Valued, and Part of a Supportive Church Community, in The Journal of Family and Community Ministries.

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of public relations for Online and Professional Studies, spoke to a group on nonprofit representatives at the 18th Annual Community Connect Nonprofit Conference at the Grove Community Church in Riverside on Sept. 25. Her presentation was on Building Effective Community Relations.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, visiting professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, co-led the Riverside/San Bernardino county opening meeting for the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance on Sept. 15 in Redlands. Physical Education Teacher Education professors and practitioners from surrounding universities and school districts were in attendance. CBU’s kinesiology program was acknowledged by the association unit as the leading kinesiology program in Riverside County.

 

 

 

Dirk Dallas, assistant professor of graphic design, was contacted by news agencies Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal regarding the Drone Bill in Sacramento. His website FromWhereIDrone.com has positioned him as a resource in drones and drone photography.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Crosby, assistant professor of psychology, Dr. Dirk Davis, associate vice president for academics, and Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, assistant professor of education, all for Online and Professional Studies, published an article, Evidence-Based Online Course Development Practices Using Three Years of Incoming Student Data, in the US-China Education Review journal.

 

 

Personnel Updates