September 15, 2017

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU hosts University Aviation Association national conference

The department of aviation science at California Baptist University is hosting a national aviation conference this week that brought approximately 200 University Aviation Association (UAA) members from across the country to Riverside.

Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of aviation science and current president of UAA, said hosting the conference is an opportunity for CBU’s aviation science program to gain national recognition.

“[The conference] brings visibility to our programs and to our faculty and staff,” Prather said. “It helps elevate our programs among our peers.”

The 70th annual Collegiate Aviation Conference & Expo is being held at the Riverside Convention Center from Sept. 13-15.

UAA represents more than 100 collegiate aviation programs nationwide, as well as a number of aviation high schools and aviation companies.

“This is an opportunity for collegiate aviation faculty from around the country to come together and share best practices, share ideas, share research and collaborate in a way that’s really necessary for us to meet the demands in the industry,” Prather said.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, spoke at the conference’s opening session on Sept. 14.

“While there have been and remain numerous challenges and opportunities birthing the CBU aviation program, under Dr. Prather’s leadership … we don’t believe there are limits to where we can take this program,” Ellis said. “As a higher education decision maker, I encourage you to embrace change. Be a problem-solver, demonstrate ROI and deliver. Help your institution to soar.”

The aviation science program, which is in its fifth year, is housed at the CBU Flight Operations Center located in the Riverside Municipal Airport. The program offers five majors: aviation dispatch, aviation flight, aviation inflight services, aviation management and unmanned systems. The program also has an approved FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Center.

For more information on the CBU aviation science program please click here.

 

Club Fair showcases more than 60 clubs offered at CBU

Community Life at California University hosted a Club Fair on Sept. 14 that provided students an opportunity to learn about the more than 60 clubs on campus.

CBU offers a wide range of organizations that focus on academic development; service-based learning or social activities.

The clubs are designed to bring like-minded individuals into a community setting, said Taylor Allen, program coordinator of clubs and events with Community Life. “We want students to be able to join and be encouraged in their college career,” Allen added.

Jessica Parker, a biomedical engineering junior, is participating in the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). She said the club has helped her with her professional endeavors.

“The BMES club has helped me to know what professional opportunities are out there after graduation,” Parker said. “The club really focuses on helping students take their next step in their future plans.”

Logan Richardson, a kinesiology senior, said he joined the Surf Club to spend time with his friend Brandon Gherardi, the club president.

“We both grew up surfing; we love it to death. It’s also a way we connect with God,” Richarsdson said. “I look forward to meeting new friends, doing a devotional together and then catching some waves.”

 

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hosts cinema series

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University kicked off its inaugural Social Cinema Series with the showing of the documentary “Sweet Dreams” on Sept. 13.

The new cinema series coincides with the launch of the college’s Master of Social Work program this fall. The aim of the series is to screen documentaries on issues related to social work or social problems said, Dr. Satara Armstrong, professor of social work and director of the master’s program.

Armstrong said the films will help bring various social issues alive and introduce students to innovative ways that social workers create change.

“Sometimes film or any type of art humanizes concepts and brings it to life. It ignites passions in people and awareness,” Armstrong said.

“Sweet Dreams” highlights the journey of women who lived through the devastation of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. A woman forms an all-female musical drumming group, open to women from both sides of the conflict. The musical group becomes a place to build new relationships and to heal the wounds of the past. The group also partners with two American entrepreneurs to open Rwanda’s first ice cream shop, allowing the Rwandan women to embark on a journey of independence, peace and possibility.

The film highlights the intersection of social enterprise, social work and global justice—components that the MSW program emphasizes, Armstrong said.

After the screening, students discussed the documentary with the filmmakers, Rob and Lisa Fruchtman, via Skype.

The film series is open to all College of Behavioral and Social Sciences graduate students.

 

Dr. Rick Warren challenges students to find their purpose

“I am here to tell you that God has a plan and a purpose for your life,” Dr. Rick Warren told a California Baptist University chapel audience on Sept. 12.

Warren, a CBU alumnus (’77) and founding pastor of Saddleback Church, spoke at the first chapel service held in the new Events Center. He focused on the importance of students finding their purpose in life. Warren is also the author of the New York Times best-seller “The Purpose Driven Life.”

“If you don’t know your purpose, you aren’t living,” Warren said.  “There are plenty of wealthy and successful individuals who feel empty inside.”

People cannot live their purpose unless they know how to find it, Warren reiterated several times.

“You can’t tell yourself what your purpose is because you didn’t make you,” Warren said. “You can also talk to others but that’s just speculation; you need revelation. The only way you will know your purpose is to talk to your creator and read your owner’s manual—the Bible.”

The Bible tells us, we were created to connect with God and to know God and love Him back, Warren said. If you want to know who God is look at the person of Jesus, he added.

“God made you to love you. He planned you for his pleasure,” Warren said. “God is love, it is the essence of His character. The only reason we can love is because we were made in his image.”

Warren said that a purposeful life is all about love.

“Jesus taught us to love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind and also love your neighbor as yourself,” Warren said, quoting Matthew 22:37.

Warren challenged the students to think about investing their lives in purposeful living.

“There are three things you can do with your life; you can either waste your life, spend your life or invest your life,” Warren said. “Invest your life in things that will outlast us. God’s word will never pass away …and people will last forever.”

God made people to live forever, Warren said in regard to putting life into perspective.

“You are going to spend more time on the next side of eternity than this one,” Warren said. “This life is learning to practice what you are going to be doing in eternity. Life is preparation for the next.”

 

New CBU Online degree serves growth in sports and fitness

The Online and Professional Studies (OPS) division at California Baptist University has launched a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports, Recreation and Fitness Management in response to the growing demand for activities that get people of all ages up and on-the-move.

The sport, fitness and recreation industries have increased in popularity, said Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health in OPS. Mud runs, community fitness events, smaller gyms and private fitness classes are popping up all over.

Sturz said that the new sports, recreation and fitness management degree will train students to become innovative and effective leaders, who affect positive change in the field. They will also learn how to successfully operate events and facilities, how to increase profitability for these operations, in addition to mitigating liability issues, Sturz added.

A degree in sports, recreation and fitness management from CBU Online offers academic training to enhance the skillsets in order for students to work in areas such as sports, recreation, fitness, coaching, sport scouting, camp counseling, event planning and facility management, community recreation, sports ministry and more.

Many programs focus solely on the sport aspect, preparing students to work primarily in that industry, Sturz said. The OPS program, which began this month, also includes recreation and fitness.

“We hope to bring something to the table that’s not currently being done elsewhere,” Sturz said. “Our whole purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the news of Christ as we prepare students for professional practice in a growing field.”

Faculty, who are teaching the classes have a combined professional experience of more than 50 years, Sturz said. The faculty are focused on training and developing the skills students will utilize in the field. They also want to provide a biblical foundation for how a Christian can thrive in their careers.

The sports, recreation and fitness management degree requires a completion of 49 units. The OPS major can be completed in 16 months. The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

For more information on the sports, recreation and fitness management degree click here.

 

CBU advances in latest “Best Colleges” rankings

California Baptist University has once again been named one of America’s Best Colleges in rankings announced today by U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR). It is the 12th time in as many years that CBU has received the recognition and the fourth-consecutive year as a top 40-ranked “Best Regional University.”

The USN&WR rankings for 2018 place CBU at No. 31 in the top tier of the nation’s educational institutions. That advances CBU’s position from the No. 37 ranking received in 2017 among “Best Regional Universities” in the West.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, said the third party ranking is an important indicator.

“I am pleased that the continuing advances taking place at California Baptist University are reflected in the national rankings that influence the decisions many students make about where to attend college,” Ellis said. “As CBU rises in the rankings, it increasingly validates the choices made by the thousands of students pursuing their educational goals in both traditional and online settings at California Baptist University.”

“Best Colleges” rankings are published in U.S. News & World Report each year to aid prospective students and their parents looking for the best academic values for their money. Now in its 33rd year, the annual comparative listing uses a system of weighted indicators of academic excellence to rank universities. Those indicators include student selectivity, retention and graduation rates; assessment by peer institutions; faculty resources; financial resources and alumni giving.

The category of Best Regional Universities includes more than 600 institutions in four regions of the nation that offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees but few, if any, doctoral programs.

California Baptist University offers more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations, as well as more than 40 graduate programs and three doctoral programs.

To view a full list of the 2018 rankings click here.

 

CBU reflects on the 16th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks

Students, faculty and staff at California Baptist University took time on the 16th anniversary of the collective events known as 9/11 to remember and reflect on the terrorist attacks that rocked the U.S. in 2001.

The Associated Students of California Baptist University coordinated a symbolic opportunity at Stamps Courtyard to commemorate and honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives. Throughout the day, students, faculty and staff had an opportunity to place one of 2,977 flags, one for each victim, in the lawn to form a cross. Additionally, later in the evening there was a time of prayer lead by Brian Zhuniga, director of discipleship in the Office of Spiritual Life.

Aaron Siemens, a creative writing sophomore, said it is important to remember and participate in 9/11 remembrance events.

“Things like this keep our heritage alive and why we should keep saying ‘one nation under God,’” Siemens said.

Haley Wheelon, an accounting senior, was in kindergarten when the attacks took place. She said that she remembered the event but did not understand the impact of the attacks until later in life. She added that the CBU observance was extra important to her this year since her brother is now serving in Afghanistan.

Jilliana O’Neill, an international studies sophomore, was living in her native Belarus when the attacks took place. She is now a U.S. citizen and said placing a flag was the least she could do for those family members who lost a loved one.

“They say when you forget the past you repeat it, but I think this is something that will never be forgotten,” O’Neill said. “You had all these countries coming together in support. I think there is something beautiful in seeing how, even in the darkest of times, how people can still manage to come together.”

 

CBU Online opens educational service center in Moreno Valley

California Baptist University’s division of Online and Professional Studies (OPS) has announced the grand opening of a new educational service center in Moreno Valley, California.

The educational service center site will serve as an enrollment center for aspiring students in addition to hosting classes and a study lounge for current students.

The new location adds greater university access for Moreno Valley and Riverside County residents who reside near the 215 and 60 freeway corridor. The center is located at the Moreno Valley Employment Resource Center at 12625 Frederick St.

CBU Online offers more than 40 programs in a variety of disciplines at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Each program is designed with the working professional in mind, allowing students the flexibility to manage school, family and work, said Dr. David Poole, vice president for OPS.

Poole said CBU Online is working closely with city officials to tailor programs to the growing job market in Moreno Valley, especially those in the logistics and medical fields.

“CBU is excited to partner with the city of Moreno Valley. Our bachelor’s in business with a concentration in logistics and operations management will be launching this fall,” Poole said. “This degree program will benefit residents who work at some of the large employers in this growing city, such as Amazon, Procter & Gamble and Skechers.”

CBU Online is now accepting applications for its various programs, starting with the second fall session that begins Oct. 30.

Apart from the new location, CBU Online has four other educational service center locations in Riverside, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga and Brea.

For information on the Moreno Valley center, please contact 951-343-3900.

 

Fall 2017 semester begins at California Baptist University

Classes for the fall 2017 semester at California Baptist University started Sept. 5, capping off a busy four-day start to the semester that included Welcome Weekend and Lancer Palooza.

The fall semester brings several new additions to CBU since the previous academic year. Students attended Welcome Weekend activities for the first time in the Events Center, a new 5,000 plus-seat multi-purpose arena. The President’s Welcome and “Lancer Palooza” displayed state-of-the-art sound and lighting that now are available for events at CBU.

Additionally, this fall CBU launched several new undergraduate majors and master’s degree programs. In the traditional setting, CBU will offer majors in finance, radiologic sciences and worship arts and ministry. The division of Online and Professional Studies will offer new majors in human services and sports recreation and fitness management. CBU will also offer new master’s programs in social work and industrial and organizational psychology.

While official enrollment records are still pending for the fall semester, initial numbers indicate another historic enrollment mark is likely for CBU.

 

Welcome Weekend initiates newest Lancers

It was more than just the heat that gave the newest Lancers a warm welcome as they arrived at California Baptist University for Welcome Weekend, Sept. 1-4. CBU faculty and staff received approximately 2,000 freshmen and transfer students arriving for the start of the fall semester at CBU.

Welcome Weekend is designed to help students feel part of the CBU family as soon as possible, said Jay Stovall, director of new student programs and orientation.

“We want them to find friendships. We want them to thrive,” Stovall said. “I want a student to come away from Welcome Weekend with a few (new) friends, with an excitement to be a Lancer and with this place feeling a little more comfortable.”

Anna Chilson, a marketing freshman from Weed, California, said the weekend was helping her feel a part of the community.

“When we got here, everyone was ready to help,” Chilson said.

First on the Welcome Weekend schedule was move-in. As new students arrived on campus with carloads of luggage, CBU student leaders lined up next to the living areas prepared to help them move in. They unloaded vehicles, filled rolling bins with bedding, minifridges, clothes and other items and pushed them to the rooms.

Additional weekend activities included a new event, Meet the Inland Empire, to help students learn what the area has to offer as various representatives from local restaurants, shops and churches spoke with the students. There was also a welcome from CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, an opportunity to meet with deans and faculty members and a special discount-shopping opportunity at Bed Bath and Beyond. Students met their FOCUS groups, which help acclimate students to campus life and participated in the traditional Kugel walk, where new students touch the globe symbolizing their commitment to live a “life of purpose” as they begin their college experience at CBU.

Savannah Knottingham, a psychology freshman from Fontana, California said she chose CBU for its Christian foundation.

“I think the slogan ‘Live Your Purpose’ is definitely what I’ve been aiming for all through high school,” Knottingham said.

Stovall said events during Welcome Weekend are thoroughly planned out.

“I hope the parents see the intentionality that we put into our programming, that they can trust us with their students,” Stovall said.  “It’s another step for us to show that we are faithful stewards of our jobs and of their students.”

Tracy Gowling, a parent from of Bakersfield, California, said she was very happy that her daughter Alyssa chose to attend CBU.

“I just know this is a place she’s going to soar,” Gowling said. “She’s going to become more of who God created her to be.”

Concluding the fall 2017 Welcome Weekend activities is “Lancer Palooza,” a new event open to all students that features multi-Grammy award winning artist Lecrae.

“We want new students, right when they start CBU, to think, ‘I made the best decision ever.’ And then for the returners, to say, ‘this year is going to be amazing,’” Stovall said.

 

Family Updates

Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian studies for Online and Professional Studies, had two book reviews published. His review of The Composition of the Gospel of Thomas: Original Languages and Influences by Simon Gathercole was published in Gnosis: Journal of Gnostic Studies (2017, Volume 2). His review of The Cross: History, Art, and Controversy by Robin M. Jensen was published in Reading Religion: A Publication of the American Academy of Religion (August 2017)

 

 

Dr. Patrick Schacht, assistant professor of biochemistry, had a paper published in the journal Genes, Genomes, and Genetics (August 2017). The title of the paper was Functional Profiling of Transcription Factor Genes in Neurospora crassa.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Torria Davis, instructional designer for Online and Professional Studies, earned the designation “VoiceThread Certified Educator” last month. To earn this designation, participants complete a two-week online certification course and capstone project demonstrating mastery of VoiceThread features and sound pedagogy. VoiceThread is a web tool for face-to-face, hybrid and fully online courses that allows conversations around a variety of media using microphones and web cams. All CBU faculty and students can access VoiceThread through their Lancernet credentials by visiting https://calbaptist.voicethread.com.

 

Dr. Fred Pontius, professor of civil engineering, met with environmental engineering faculty at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU), Chung Li, Taiwan, on Aug. 2 to discuss research collaboration and tour their laboratories. He gave a presentation describing CBU’s Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering and potential research areas of mutual interest and heard presentations on CYCU environmental engineering research.

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, had an opinion-editorial published in The Hill, an American political newspaper. The title was Preserve Prevention Funding to Decrease Teen Pregnancies (Aug. 24).

 

 

 

 

 

Seven students from the Master of Social Work program participated in the Mayor’s Faith Summit in Riverside on Sept. 7. Serving as table leaders, the students led discussions on how participants could partner to address homelessness in their region. The purpose of the summit was to bring together the faith community and community leaders to address homelessness as part of the Mayor’s Love Thy Neighbor Initiative. Last year, CBU’s social work certificate students helped collect data for the initiative.

 

 

 

 

 

The inaugural cohort for the Master of Social Work program, offered by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, attended an orientation on Aug. 25. The cohort, made up of 72 students, learned about the program and met their faculty mentor.

 

 

 

 

 

Nine CBU physician assistant students from the College of Health Science were selected to present their practice improvement research projects at the UCR School of Medicine Conference of Teaching, Learning and Research held Aug. 26 in Palm Desert. Jennifer Zamora, didactic coordinator the PA program, was also a judge over presentations by medical students.

 

 

 

 

 

Kerri Horton, logistics coordinator for Spiritual Life, and her husband, David, welcomed their first grandchild on Aug. 29. Ezekiel Ryan Horton weighed 9 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Ezekiel’s parents are Haley (’16) and Jacob (’17) Horton.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates