July 27, 2018

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU dedicates new building for College of Engineering

California Baptist University celebrated the opening of the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building at a dedication ceremony on July 25.

The 100,000-thousand-square-foot building is the new home of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering at CBU. The building is situated between the residential Cottages and Business and Music buildings. It houses classrooms, faculty offices and administrative spaces as well as a spacious, multipurpose design hall with room for labs, projects, exhibits, presentations and student collaboration.

“This is a wow building and a wow day in the history of CBU,” Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, told the more than 350 audience members in attendance. “God is going to use this building to touch lives practically and spiritually.”

Ellis thanked many individuals who helped make the project a reality. He recognized CBU’s Board of Trustees for its encouragement to pursue a vision for CBU and Dr. Anthony Donaldson, founding dean of the College of Engineering, for championing the efforts to grow the college. Ellis also acknowledged the generous contributions and support from Dennis and Carol Troesh, Gordon and Jill Bourns, and Bill and Sue Johnson that helped make the new building a reality.

Dr. Charles Sands, CBU provost and vice president for academic affairs, said he looks forward to students returning in the fall to pursue “living their purpose” in the new structure.

“This building will benefit students but for what purpose?” Sands asked. “We pray they will make a difference and to influence society in a positive way.”

Gordon Bourns, chairman and CEO at Bourns Inc., said he envisions the new building benefiting the community.

The College of Engineering at CBU has many programs that are tailored to introducing young students to STEM education, Bourns said.

Bourns also noted the importance CBU plays in providing professionals for the community.

“It’s an honor for me to be here to support CBU. We have had fantastic interns from CBU,” Bourns said. “These students have a Christian foundation, good integrity and are hard workers. They also have amazing ideas.

“I hope a lot of students choose CBU and then stay here in the community after they graduate,” Bourns said.

 

CBU embraces transfer path for community college graduates

California Baptist University has joined other member institutions of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) in supporting a transfer pathway agreement with the California Community College’s Chancellor office.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the AICCU President Kristen Soares and California Community College’s Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley on July 25. The transfer agreement is geared for community college students who graduate with an Associate of Arts or an Associate in Science degree and desire to continue their educational training at CBU or another four-year independent, nonprofit institution in California.

Under the agreement, AICCU institutions commit to guaranteeing admission for community college students who meet the transfer pathway criteria. Qualifying students will be accepted with a junior standing with a minimum of 60 units transferred.

“CBU is excited to collaborate with our local community colleges by facilitating one more student pathway to a bachelor’s degree,” said Wayne Fletcher, associate provost for academic services at CBU. “For those specific associate degree transfer pathways, which CBU offers, we are committed to ensuring students complete their bachelor degree as quickly and efficiently as possible—experiencing CBU’s unique culture which focuses on academic, personal and spiritual growth.”

 

Summer camp helps young musicians improve their craft

Young, aspiring musicians reached for the sky in unison as Dr. Guy Holliday had them stretch and practice breathing exercises.

“It’s super important you learn how to breathe well so you can play well,” said Holliday, assistant professor of music and director of bands at California Baptist University.

More than 120 students signed up for the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music’s Summer Music Camp at CBU that runs through July 27.

The camp is under the umbrella of CBU’s Young Musicians Program, a collaboration with Inland Empire Musical Arts, a nonprofit that offers music classes to youths in the community. Participants choose from one of three options: choir camp, for fourth through 12th-graders, string orchestra or concert band, both open to sixth through 12th-graders.

“Music camps give the participants an opportunity to maintain and improve their singing or playing through the summer,” Holliday said.

The camps also provides students with an opportunity to be a part of an ensemble with participants from many different schools, and to learn more from college professors and other music professionals about their instrument or voice, Holliday added.

Campers’ activities included ensemble rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, theory classes, master classes, private lessons and an ensemble performance at the end of their camp experience.

The camps also provide an opportunity for community engagement, Holliday said. Additionally, they provide real-world experience for the CBU music students who are helping with the camp, Holliday added.

“Any time we can have students on our campus to experience the facilities, food and interact with staff and faculty, it is a win for CBU,” Holliday said. “Hopefully, they can sense the caring, Christian atmosphere here and make a positive connection for the future.”

 

Program lets CBU students practice health care globally

Riley Phillips wanted to finish her time at California Baptist University by serving others. Therefore, after graduating from CBU in the spring of 2018, Phillips took part in a Global Health Engagement (GHE) project to China over the summer. Her time spent overseas provided a valuable insight on how she could serve and love others from a different cultural background.

“The trip recalibrated my heart, taking me from the hectic place of my senior year and placing me in an environment that necessitated my trust in God,” Phillips explained of her GHE trip. “The service developed a soul-peace and habits that have followed me back home.”

The College of Health Science at CBU sent out four teams this summer to serve in various health care roles in China, East Africa and the Philippines.

The trips are part of GHE program, which provides students an opportunity to serve by offering health care services while gaining course credits. Global service is part of CBU’s commitment to live out the Great Commission.

Phillips, a communication science and disorder graduate, spent three weeks in China. Her group assisted with the care of special needs children in addition to offering trainings for workers, parents and volunteers who also provide care.

Phillips said that the trip also gave her another perspective on how health professionals administer care.

“[The trip] showed me how to carry myself in a professional manner internationally. It [also] provided me with the opportunity to work alongside an interpreter and gave me a chance to put my book knowledge to work as I assessed and played with kids of all ages,” Phillips said.

Like Phillips, Miguel Garcia-Salas, a communication sciences and disorders senior at CBU, found his service in China insightful.

“I learned that the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. We relied on a spirit of collaboration to best help every child,” Garcia-Salas said.

Garcia-Salas said that by the end of the trip the team assisted more than 200 children.

Each member of the team had their limitations but they also each had strengths, Garcia-Salas explained.

“When we combined those strengths with a selfless attitude, we formed a fantastic team,” Garcia-Salas said.

 

Acclaimed local artist to pursue dual major at CBU

Audrey Alexander, a Riverside native, is only 18 years old but she is already making a name for herself through her hyperrealism portraits. In April of 2018, Alexander was chosen as one of “Riverside’s Top 25 Most Remarkable Teens” by the Riverside Youth Council, a program of the city of Riverside.

The award follows consecutive first-place finishes in The Press-Enterprise Riverside County High School Art Show competition.

Additionally, her 2018 portrait titled “Eli Vint” earned Alexander first place for the 2018 41^st District Congressional Art Competition. With the top finish, her work will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian tunnel system under Capitol Hill that allows members of Congress to travel securely underground.

Alexander will be double majoring in art and biology at CBU come fall. She is a recent graduate of Woodcrest Christian High School.

She said coming to CBU will allow her to combine her interests.

For her, art is a pursuit of God’s perfection.

“I love the beauty of realistic art. I’ll never achieve perfection because the things God originally created were perfect,” Alexander explained in an online interview with her high school. “Every 2D painting is trying to get as close as you can to God’s 3D work. I’m inspired also by nature, people and the beauty around me.”

 

NCAA confirms Lancers to D-I competition

The NCAA Strategic Vision and Planning Committee voted to advance the Lancers to year one of the reclassification process on July 13.

CBU will begin its first of four transition seasons to full division one membership this year and will compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

Read the full story here.

 

 

 

Bernstein latest CBU pitcher to land on MLB minors team

Andrew Bernstein, former Lancer right-handed starting pitcher, was assigned to the Gulf Coast Rays, a minor league affiliate of the MLB Tampa Bay Rays on July 10. Bernstein’s signing continues California Baptist University’s success of transitioning players—especially pitchers—to the pros.

Bernstein, who played as a senior with CBU this past season, is the ninth Lancer and eighth former CBU pitcher in the minor leagues this year. Bernstein transferred to CBU from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona for the 2017 season. During two seasons at CBU, he went 8-2 with a save and a combined 3.33 earned-run average on the mound. He added 96 strikeouts to just 21 walks over 102.2 innings.

As a senior, Bernstein battled through injuries but was 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA. He held his opposition to a .233 batting average and added 45 strikeouts to 14 walks over 45.2 innings.

His new team plays out of Port Charlotte, Florida.

 

CBU veteran named new dean of the College of Nursing

Dr. Karen Bradley was promoted to the dean of College of Nursing at California Baptist University on July 1.

“The CBU College of Nursing is an incredible place to work with a dedicated faculty and staff,” Bradley said. “I find that the entire team is committed to the mission of preparing graduates to become excellent nurses that serve others as image bearers of God. I pray that the Lord continues to use me as an instrument for His glory within the College of Nursing.”

Bradley joined CBU in 2013. Her previous administrative positions at CBU included serving as the director of clinical affiliations, director of undergraduate nursing programs and most recently the department chair of the graduate nursing programs. Her areas of expertise include nursing leadership, health policy and bioethics, advanced practice nursing and legal issues in health care courses.

Bradley received her Master of Science in Nursing from Loma Linda University and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of San Francisco. Prior to CBU, she was the executive director of advanced practice services for Loma Linda University Medical Center.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Bradley assume this strategically important leadership role. Karen brings to us a wealth of practical knowledge about nursing and healthcare in general, and she also has significant leadership background and experience that she brings to the deanship,” said Dr. Charles Sands, provost and vice president of academic affairs at CBU.

Bradley also has extensive advocacy background centered on increasing access to health care and improving heal care outcomes. Additionally, she is an advocate for nurses and works to remove barriers to administer appropriate care. Since 2011, she has been a part of the California Association for Nurse Practitioners, serving in several appointed positions within the statewide organization. Moreover, Bradley has served as a team leader for International Service Projects at CBU and utilized the role of health care provider and nurse educator to minister to groups within Malaysia, England and South Africa.

Bradley said she feels blessed to work at CBU, alongside the students, to serve the local, national and global communities.

“The CBU College of Nursing enjoys a bright future enabling the expansion of educational offerings at both undergraduate and graduate levels, while maintaining a solid faith-based foundation and rigorous curriculum,” Bradley said. “The CBU College of Nursing is committed to the development of higher educational programs which are nicely designed to serve graduates in the local, national, and global communities.”

 

Decorated Air Force veteran takes over flight school at CBU

Col. John E. Marselus assumed the chair of the department of aviation science at California Baptist University on July 2.

“My family and I are blessed to have the opportunity to serve at CBU. Many areas drew us to CBU. The commitment to excellence and proven backing from leadership from the very top are strong aspects,” said Marselus. “The university made a large investment into the aviation department in hiring superb staff and faculty in addition to purchasing a new fleet of aircraft and providing facilities at the airport for academics, flying and maintenance. This has provided a strong foundation for growth and expansion.”

Marselus served in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years retiring in 2010. He received numerous awards and recognitions including the Anthony C. Shine Award for Top Professional Fighter Pilot and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism.

Marselus has over 3,500 flight hours primarily in the A-10 Thunderbolt and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets instructing and flying combat missions in both aircraft. Marselus last assignment in the Air Force was as the commander of the 607^th Air and Space Operations Center located in Osan Air Base, South Korea.

“We are thrilled and grateful to have Dr. Marselus assume leadership of the department of aviation science,” said Dr. Gayne Anacker, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at CBU. “He brings a wealth of experience to CBU, from a distinguished career as a fighter pilot and unit commander in the U.S. Air Force to high-level leadership in academic aviation programs.  His ministry in church leadership also reveals a heart for God. This is a great fit for CBU.”

Marselus comes to CBU after a several year stint at San Diego Christian College, where he served as the director of aviation while pastoring on staff with Shadow Mountain Community Church.

Marselus has a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Strategic Studies from Air War College. Additionally, Marselus obtained a Master of Divinity and Doctoral of Divinity (highest honors) from Liberty University. Marselus is married to Kim, and the couple have seven children.

“It is a great honor to pass on the many experiences, knowledge and faith to the next generation to prepare them to carry on for God’s glory. This is the Lord’s aviation department, I am simply the steward,” Marselus said. “There is no better time in history to begin a career in aviation. The demand for pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers has never been higher. Airlines, missionary aviation, military and unmanned aerial systems are all experiencing a critical shortage expected to continue for the next two decades.”

CBU’s flight school offers bachelor degrees in aviation dispatch, aviation flight and aviation management.

 

Family Updates

Amanda Warner, web content specialist for Marketing and Communication, had a book published. Reformed (Gatekeeper Press, June 26, 2018) is the true-life story of a gang member who was given a life sentence at age 18 and found redemption while in prison.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Darla Donaldson, associate professor of finance and social entrepreneurship, and Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had a paper published in The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning (June 2018). The paper was titled Understanding How Donors View Entrepreneurial Competence.

 

 

 

Mark Roberson, dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design, was honored during the Architecture Awards Program at CBU on May 2. He was recognized for his leadership and service in seeing the first students in the Master of Architecture program through to commencement in May.

 

 

 

 

 

Amber Andrade, assistant registrar for transcript & records for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) 2018 Technology & Transfer Conference in Minneapolis on July 8. The title of the presentation was TES-ting the Waters of Transfer Technology.

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published in Church Production Magazine (July 2018). It was titled called The Biblical Case for Women in AVL.

 

 

 

 

Brianna Zepeda, housing maintenance manager in Facilities and Planning Services, was named employee of the month for July. Her nomination included the following statements: “Brianna is committed to her customers and her staff. She has a heart for the students and strives to do her best when serving them and her other customers. Brianna stepped into the Housing side of F&PS at a time when many changes were taking place. … She has been tasked with several large capital improvement projects in her housing areas and works through them diligently.”

 

 

 

Dr. William Boyer, assistant professor of kinesiology, and Dr. Amy Miller, associate professor of kinesiology, presented at the National American College of Sports Medicine conference in Minneapolis May 29-June 2. The study was titled Demographic, Health Behavior, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Profiles in Yoga and non-Yoga Participants: NHANES 1999-2006. The abstract was published in Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise (May 2018).

 

 

Dr. Rich Simpson, registrar for Online and Professional Studies, successfully defended his dissertation at Pepperdine University on July 5. The title was Elements of Transformational Learning in Small Groups of an Evangelical Church.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, and Dr. Hyun-Woo Park, professor of biology, presented at Loma Linda University, Department of Earth and Biological Sciences on May 30. The presentation was titled Biology and Pathobiology of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus.

 

 

 

 

Two doctoral students successfully defended their dissertations in the Doctorate in Public Administration program in the Division of Online and Professional Studies on July 9. They are the first students in the program to receive their doctorates. Dr. Tanya Harris’ dissertation was titled The Path to Understanding Public Sector Silent Heroes—Millennial Accountants. Brian Guzzetta’s dissertation was titled The Social Impact of Public Safety Exploring.

 

 

Dr. Fred Pontius, professor of civil engineering and construction management, presented at the 2018 International Industrial/Academic Leadership Experience Program held by the College of Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chungli District, in Taoyuan City, Taiwan on July 4. His presentations were titled Engineering Sustainable Communities, Climate Changes within a Local Reference Frame and Sustainability Programs for the Built Environment.

 

 

 

Dr. Sean Sullivan, professor of kinesiology, made a presentation at the International Society for Electrophysiology and Kinesiology in Dublin on June 30-July 2. It was titled Does it Count if You Can’t Count it? Using Multiple Research Methods to Prepare Kinesiology Practitioners.

 

 

 

Dr. Jong-Wha Bai, associate professor of civil engineering and construction management, presented a paper at the 11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering in Los Angeles on June 25-29. The title was Seismic Fragility Estimates for High-Rise Building with an Adaptive Damping System. It was co-authored with Dr. Yeesock Kim, associate professor of civil engineering and construction management and three graduate students at CBU: Ricky Carrillo, Bartlomiej Pankowski and Lauren Rither.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates