December 13, 2018

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU honors graduates during fall commencement

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of graduates during two commencement ceremonies at the Events Center on Dec. 12.

A total of 774 students were eligible to participate in the ceremonies. Combined applications for graduation included nine candidates for doctoral degrees, 242 for master’s degrees and 523 candidates for undergraduate degrees.

“Graduation marks the completion of a program of study. Commencement signals a new beginning,” Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, told a fall commencement audience on Dec. 12. “My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you ‘Live Your Purpose’ with passion and with the same determination that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration.”

Ellis noted that these students make up the first graduates for the Class of 2019. The Class of 2018 made up a historic class with 2,846 graduates.

Ellis said CBU has prepared students to tell a unique story.

“All of you have a story to tell. Many involve personal examples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith into practice,” Ellis said. “The details vary from one story to the next; but in virtually every instance, your participation demonstrates some or all of CBU’s University Student Outcomes, known as the Core Four. These are qualities that every graduate of CBU should embody—to be Biblically Rooted, Academically Prepared, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.”

As students enter into the next phase of their life, Ellis encouraged them to remember the foundation CBU has laid out for them.

“Past experience indicates many of you will remain in the Inland Southern California region. I encourage you to take advantage of that proximity. Come back often for alumni activities and Lancer athletic events,” Ellis said. “Other members of this graduating class will scatter to the four corners of the earth in pursuit of their calling. For them, attending campus activities as alumni may not be so easy. But wherever you are, we want you to stay in touch. Keep us posted on your progress. And as you step into the future beyond CBU, be sure you let us know where and how you are continuing to ‘Live Your Purpose.’”

 

Graduate hooding ceremonies celebrate students’ achievements

Hundreds of master’s degree candidates at California Baptist University celebrated achievements this week at hooding ceremonies leading up to commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12.

Approximately 240 master’s degree candidates and nine doctoral candidates are eligible to participate in the fall commencements. At CBU, colleges and schools hold individual hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates and also give students their distinctive colored hoods to wear at their commencement ceremony.

The largest group of master’s candidates came from the Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education with 36 candidates. CBU also had a large number of candidates from the Online and Professional Studies, which had 126 master candidates and nine doctoral candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

Dr. Angela Deulen, associate professor of psychology, spoke at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hooding ceremony held on Dec. 11. She encouraged the graduates to focus on eternity and reconciliation in their careers, referencing II Corinthians 4:18 and 5:18-21.

“If you’re doing this work in light of eternity, you will approach your work in light of reconciliation, because relationships have eternal value,” Deulen said. “If you live and work with your eyes set on the things that are unseen, you will not be disappointed.”

Lea Annette Harris, who earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry, received her gold hood at the ceremony. She said the program challenged her to think more theologically.

“[The program] is unique in its field in that it focuses on the integration of theology and psychology, helping believers as Christian therapists,” Harris said.

Andrea Howell, who earned her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, said the program taught her about empathy and the counseling profession.

“Everybody has a story and you can’t judge because everybody has some sort of story that got them to where they are now,” Howell said.

 

Distinguished students ring in commencement ceremonies

More than 770 students at California Baptist University were eligible to participate in two fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12. In keeping with a CBU tradition, the ringing of a bell ushered them into the Events Center.

The tradition calls for the bell ringing to kick off each commencement. Each toll represents one decade of the university’s existence. The bell rang six times at each commencement to commemorate six decades of academic excellence. CBU was established in 1950.

In keeping with another aspect of the tradition, graduates from among the highest-ranking students were chosen this fall to ring the bell.

Grace Klehn, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, rang the bell at the morning ceremony, and Megan Cox, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, rang the bell at the afternoon ceremony.

Klehn, whose current GPA is 4.0, said she was honored to be selected as a bell ringer.

“I feel as though I represent all of the graduates and the hard work that everyone has put in to completing their college degree,” Klehn said. “I have pushed myself to honor God in my work, studies, faith and relationships and ringing the bell represents that I have been able to meet those goals.”

After graduation, Klehn will work full time as a ministry assistant for a church in Valencia, California.

“CBU has shaped my faith to be purposeful and meaningful,” Klehn said. “My faith became personal and powerful and I am able to freely talk about it with others as a result of the Christian community I have developed here.”

Cox, whose current GPA is 3.97, said she was thankful to be part of the CBU tradition of the bell ringer.

“Being an online student, I feel even more grateful to the faculty and staff here to be included and considered for this prestigious role,” Cox said.

Cox, who balanced being a full-time student and a full-time employee for the Corona Fire Department, plans to continue working as a fire inspector.

“Going to school at CBU made me a stronger student, leader and a better person overall,” Cox said. “The skills and lessons I’ve learned are ones that I will use in my personal life and career for the rest of my life.”

 

Students take a break during finals preparation for a tradition

Jamie Perlee, a communication studies and business administration senior, took a break from preparing for finals to attend a late-night breakfast at California Baptist University on Dec. 6. She along with a few friends headed over to the Alumni Dining Commons to enjoy a hot meal served by staff and faculty members.

“When we came in, everyone greeted us and we didn’t even have to get up. The event is a great way to motivate students through finals week,” Perlee said.

The late-night breakfast, served from 9-11 p.m., is a CBU tradition that gives faculty and staff an opportunity to encourage and serve students during finals week. The menu included waffles, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Tater Tots, eggs and bacon.

Kristin Holderman, director of campus activities for Community Life, said that the late-night breakfast is a way for students to be served by faculty and staff members to end the year on a high note.

“It is a great opportunity for staff and students to be in the same room outside of the classroom. I love being able to serve the students, which is why we are here,” Holderman said.

Anthony Lammons, dean of students, said he enjoyed serving the students.

“I enjoy connecting with students who I haven’t seen for a while, wishing seniors the best and telling freshmen I knew ‘you could make it,’” Lammons said. “It is nice seeing the faces of students before they head off for their break or depart from CBU.”

Dominick Banuelos, an engineering junior, is a commuter and felt like he was at home dining with his fellow students.

“I came because I was starved and will be up for a while studying for finals,” Banuelos said.

Jennifer Amos, a business administration senior, enjoyed the eggs and liked how the staff were supporting students by serving them.

“The staff really cares about the students’ future and encourages students who are graduating to live out their purpose,” Amos said.

 

CBU combines traditions to celebrate the Christmas season

The traditional tree lighting ceremony at California Baptist University featured some familiar themes this year: cold weather, hot cocoa and treats, in addition to the reading of the Christmas story and the lighting of the Christmas tree. New this year was the combination of another CBU tradition—Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, where the CBU community came together to assemble more than 1,400 gift shoeboxes.

The event held on Dec. 3 was organized by Associated Students of CBU, Spiritual Life and Community Life and was attended by an estimated 2,000 individuals.

As attendees arrived for the evening, they were given candles. After CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis read the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke, the event-goers lit their candles and counted down to the lighting of the tree.

“I really enjoyed seeing the Christmas spirit come out of everyone when the tree was lit,” said Isaac Pitman, a mathematics senior.

Shiloh Fox, an art therapy student, said she has lived overseas and witnessed children living in poverty firsthand. Fox said she was happy to see so many students willing to give back.

“It is a great way for students to bring light to children all over the world,” Fox said.

Abigail Kula, a nursing sophomore who participated in preparing items for Operation Christmas Child the day before, said the event was a collaborative effort.

“One of my favorite parts of the process is how everyone comes together,” Kula said. “It was a lot of fun because it allowed everyone to serve others.”

 

Lecturer discusses how leadership and justice go hand-in-hand

“The world conspires to rob people of dignity, life and liberty. It is our job as leaders to prevent injustice from happening and allow humankind to flourish,” Dr. Wayne Barnard told a California Baptist University audience on Nov. 29.

Barnard spoke as part of the Culture and Justice Lecture Series organized by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CBU. Barnard is a psychology professor at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to being a professor, he spent eight years working in the global nonprofit sector with International Justice Mission.

People learn about justice by thinking about injustice, Barnard said.

“Injustice is when someone abuses their power. It does not have to be a whole lot of power. Most bullies don’t have a whole lot of power. Just enough for them to carefully choose their victim,” Barnard said. “When you talk about justice as a whole, you are talking about the flourishing of humankind.”

Barnard encouraged his audience to become leaders who fight injustices with humility and vulnerability.

“There has to be a sense of humility when it comes to leadership. A recognition of what it is we do not know,” Barnard said. “We allow ourselves to ask questions and also allow the questions to be asked. Vulnerability does not equal weakness at all. It’s actually a strength.”

 

CBU announces new Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

California Baptist University is now accepting applications for its Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies program that is expected to launch in 2019. The program is designed for emerging and established leaders who want to make learning and leading their lifelong purpose.

“History abounds with stories on how good leaders helped people, organizations and societies to thrive. The good news is that much of what it takes for good leadership to happen is actually learned,” said Dr. John Shoup, director of the Leadership Institute at CBU.

The interdisciplinary 58-unit degree is designed for working professionals serving in administration, athletics, business, church ministry, education (K-12 and higher education), government, nonprofit and health related organizations and institutions.

The program can be completed in three years. Students take 27 units on leading and managing organizations and institutions, nine units on quantitative and qualitative research, 12 units of electives, and 10 research seminar units for writing and defending their dissertation.

“This Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program equips candidates with critical perspectives and skills to make the right things happen the right way in their personal and professional communities,” Shoup said.

The curriculum is designed to develop servant leaders who implement best practices from the theoretical, scientific and practical knowledge of what constitutes an effective, ethical and transformational leader.

“Candidates will learn what is required to shape organizational cultures, promote with ethical values, manage complex environments, implement creative and wise decisions and optimize the performance of the collective,” Shoup said.

The Leadership Studies Ph.D. program will be the fifth doctoral program offered by California Baptist University. To learn more about the program please click here.

 

CBU volunteers set to serve in 24 countries on 35 teams in 2019

Joyful anticipation filled the air as hundreds of students from California Baptist University packed Magnolia Church in Riverside for the ISP Team Reveal on Nov. 29.

The CBU Office of Spiritual Life held the event to announce which volunteer teams the students will serve on next summer. 2019 marks the 23rd year of CBU’s global mobilization efforts led by students, staff and faculty members. More than 300 students and staff comprising 35 International Service Projects (ISP) teams are scheduled to serve in 24 countries, including Lithuania and the Netherlands for the first time.

Katie Rasar, an undeclared sophomore, will be serving on her second ISP.  She served in Southeast Asia last summer and plans to go to Spain in 2019.

“I really loved the whole experience last year, but I wanted to experience a different part of the world, and I got Spain,” Rasar happily explained. “I want to grow in my faith honestly. I feel like in every trip you learn something new or God reveals himself in a new way and I just want to get to know Him more and get to know others as well.”

Jeff Lewis, director of Mobilization, told students the theme for 2019 ISP is “The Story,” with the theme verse from Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God.”

Lewis said his office’s mission is to reach all nations with the Gospel message.

ISP students will serve on four types of teams, depending on previous ISP experience and their time commitment. Encounter teams are open to first-time participants who will serve 10-14 days. Engagement teams are deployed for three weeks. Immersion teams serve for eight weeks and are available to returning ISP students. Launch, a new ISP team being offered in 2019, is geared for students who are interested in serving overseas long-term. Launch will be available to graduating seniors.

 

Engineering students showcase “VW Bus” at international event

After more than a year of designing, planning, testing and building a Chem-E-Car, students from California Baptist University finally had a chance to show off the final version of their “VW Bus.”

Chemical engineering students competed in the international Chem-E-Car competition in Pittsburg on Oct. 28. The CBU team finished first from the West Coast region, 11th among U.S. teams and 16th overall out of 39 teams.

“Competing was a big deal to me personally—it was the culmination of nearly a year and a half of working on the design, manufacture and testing of the car,” said James Suzuki, a senior. “I thought it was amazing to represent the school and my team against the top teams worldwide.”

In April, the CBU team from the American Institute of Chemical Engineering (AIChE) club finished third at the Chemical AIChE Western Regional Conference, paving their way to the international competition. Students Suzuki, Sarah Hrovat, Luis Rodriguez, Kristine Sellona and Edward Mikenas made up the team. This time they finished ahead of the University of California, Berkeley and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona—the two teams that placed ahead of CBU at the regionals.

The competition challenges students to build a self-powered, shoebox-sized vehicle that is programmed travel a specified distance within two minutes, typically 15 to 30 meters, while carrying an assigned load and then stop on its own. The car that ends up closest to the designated finish line wins the competition.

For the Pittsburg competition, the team upgraded the car body from scrap wood and aluminum to acrylic plastic. Additionally, two new motors were implemented and tweaks were made to the original custom electronic circuitry.

“I was impressed with our performance, but there is still motivation to improve our consistency even more next year,” Suzuki said. “I feel like our platform is solid, and the next car shouldn’t need to have too many radical changes to its core functionality.”

Dr. Sarah Zhao, assistant professor of chemical engineering and the AIChE club advisor, said she was proud of the results the students achieved.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase CBU’s chemical engineering program,” Zhao said. “Even though we are a small program, we were not the underdog at the competition. This has made our students confident about their education at CBU.”

 

CBU Flying Lancers compete in regional event

Four aviation science students from California Baptist University put their learning to the test at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Region II competition on Nov. 13-17 in Prescott, Arizona.

The Flying Lancers, the nickname for the team members of the Aviation Science club at CBU, were among seven college aviation programs that participated in numerous ground and flight competitive events. Christopher Yanney, Josh Shandley, Michael Lepire and Arianna Chavez made up the CBU team.

Yanney, an aviation flight sophomore, earned the Lancers’ highest mark with a third-place finish in the Instrument Precision Flight event. The CBU team placed fifth in the competition.

“I learned to embrace new challenges and found a new sense of confidence in myself as a pilot,” said Shandley, an aviation flight sophomore.

Chavez, an aviation flight senior, said the experience allowed her to gain valuable insights. She plans to share those with fellow aviation students.

“The planning is the biggest key I could ever stress to my fellow aviators,” Chavez said.

Lacey Schimming (’17), flight instructor II at CBU, competed as a CBU student in 2015. This year she was a team’s coach and she was able to prep her team from experience.

“It’s a well-rounded competition, where they’re learning to become a better and a safer pilot,” Schimming said. “Each of our students came back from the competition with a better understanding of how NIFA operates and how to improve for next year. We can only get better from here.”

 

Worship artist Anthony Evans performs at CBU chapel

“His Word says He is greater, He is bigger and He will work all things together for our good and that’s what I believe,” Anthony Evans told a chapel audience at California Baptist University on Nov. 27

Evans is an accomplished Christian artist who has released seven albums and performed worldwide. Evans also is a consultant for the Bachelor of Arts Worship Arts and Ministry program at CBU and an adjunct professor of worship arts.

In 2012, Evans was a contestant on “The Voice and later returned to the show as a talent producer.

In chapel, Evans performed songs such as “See You Again,” “My Heart Is Now Your Home,” “Ever Be” and “Greater Is He.”  Evans also took time to share about a difficult time in his life that included a broken relationship.

“I wanted to be real and authentic and I felt nuts having to stand on the stage and sing about the faithfulness of God and not feel it at all,” said Evans, who was a worship leader at the time.

Evans confided with his dad that he felt left, lost and abandoned during this time in his life.

“He said, ‘Anthony, you have to realize your feelings do not have intellect. They can’t think, so you have to bounce your feelings off of the Word of God,’” Evans said.

His dad read Philippians 1:6 (ESV): “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

“He told me, ‘this is true, whether you feel it or not. You have to keep moving in the direction you know is true and your feelings will eventually catch up with your feet,’” Evans said.

Evans told the students they are dealing with a lot in college, with various feelings and a culture that wants them to listen to everything other than the Word of God.

“My encouragement is to dig deep and understand that God’s truth is true whether you feel it or not,” Evans said.

 

MLB player speaks about “being a light” for Jesus

Representing Jesus in a positive way makes his profession meaningful, Chris Stewart told a California Baptist University audience on Nov. 26.

Stewart, a Major League Baseball free agent who has played for Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and most recently the Arizona Diamondbacks, spoke as a part of the College of Health Science Distinguished Lecture Series.  Stewart, 36, has been a professional baseball player since he signed a pro deal in 2001 after spending one year playing college baseball at Riverside Community College.

Stewart said early in his career he defined himself as purely a baseball player and believed God put him on this earth to just play ball. However, as he has grown in his faith, he now has a new passion—to spread the Gospel and be a light to the world.

“Once I had that focus, it made baseball playing much easier,” Stewart said.  “At the end of the day, I found who cares what happened on the baseball field. Did I represent Christ in a good light?”

It is important to focus on what really matters, he added.

“Never be satisfied where you are at, constantly strive to be your best, not the best,” Stewart said.  “Give your best everyday no matter the outcome. This perspective made me who I am and I would not be in this position if it were not for that shift.”

 

Speaker reminds chapel audience of the fruits of being faithful

“God always keeps His promises and He rewards the faithful,” Madeline Carroll told a California Baptist University chapel audience on Nov. 15.

Carroll is an actress who started working as a child in films such as “Swing Vote” alongside Kevin Costner and “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” with Jim Carrey. More recently she appeared in “I Can Only Imagine” and “God Bless the Broken Road.”

Carroll shared her testimony including a decision she made to walk away from a role after reading a script that was filled with profanity.

“I couldn’t do it. It didn’t have the message I wanted to put out,” Carroll said.

Carroll said the actress who was cast for the role she turned down went on to win awards and secure multiple movie deals.

“It was so hard knowing what I was giving up. I knew at the time that it was a big project but my conscience and gut just wouldn’t let me do it,” Carroll said. “I got on my knees and laid my dream down at His feet and told Him I was walking away. I told God that I did not want it anymore, that I was done—but that if He did want me here as an actress, He had to give me a sign and give me something.”

Carroll said the next day God answered her prayer.

“This director called the following day and said he had a role for me in the movie, ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ and I knew that was God saying ‘you can only imagine what I have in store for your life,’” Carroll said.

 

Family Updates

Melissa Workman, prospect researcher for University Advancement, was named employee of the month for December. Her nomination included the following statements: “Melissa understands that Advancement Services supports all the different areas of UA. She goes above and beyond helping out her co-workers, whether it’s doing her regular tasks or helping out at various events or when help is needed.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Greg Bowden, professor of education, Dr. Dirk Davis, associate vice president for academics, and Dr. Jeannette Guignard, associate professor of organizational leadership, all for Online and Professional Studies, presented at the International Leadership Association Annual Conference held in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct. 24-27. They presented a poster titled Aligning Leadership Program Courses to a Leadership Framework and a paper titled Using a Leadership Framework to Align and Strengthen an Undergraduate Program.

 

 

The CBU Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering hosted an Engineering High School Open House in the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building on Nov. 5. More than 150 students toured the building and learned about the various engineering programs and clubs in the College of Engineering.

 

 

 

Dr. Jane McGuire, professor of education, presented at the California Association of School Psychologists conference in San Diego on Nov. 8. The title of the abstract was What’s the Big Secret? Informing Students of their Disability, Abilities and the need for Self-Advocacy Skills.

 

 

 

 

CBU received the Blood Drive of the Year Award from Lifestream, the nonprofit blood center, on Nov. 28. Mobilization in the Office of Spiritual Life holds blood drives that also raises financial support for people going on International Service Projects. During a two-day drive in January, 303 pints of blood were collected, nearly double the projection. CBU was also recognized for a total of three successful blood drives. Its next drive is Jan. 22-23.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Juliann Perdue, professor of nursing, presented a poster at the 2018 AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) Faculty Development Conference, in New Orleans on Nov. 14. The title was Finding meaning: Using therapy dogs in nursing education.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Darla Donaldson, associate professor of finance and social entrepreneurship, and Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, had an article published in the Social Science and Humanities Journal on Nov. 27. The title was Words are important: Adding the adjective ‘For-profit’ to the term ‘Social Enterprise’ affects intentions to donate.

 

 

 

Dr. Teresa Hamilton, associate professor of nursing, has been credentialed as a Certified Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing, demonstrating excellence in the practice of nursing education.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication, presented a workshop to the student newspaper staff at Scripps College in Claremont on Nov. 18. It was titled Personal Branding for Success.

 

 

 

 

Xavier Beteta, adjunct professor of music, premiered his piano concerto as a soloist with the Guatemalan National Symphony in Guatemala City on Nov. 29. The orchestra commissioned the work, which is titled is Concerto for piano and orchestra Tomas de Merlo. Beteta’s inspiration came from three paintings by the 17th century Guatemalan painter Tomás de Merlo.

 

 

 

Dr. Joe Way, director of multimedia services for Information Technology Services, had an article published in the Church Production Magazine (December). It was titled Keeping Joy in the Christmas Chaos. He also was a guest on the Church Solutions Podcast (Nov. 28), discussing his upcoming book for church technical artists.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert LaChausse, associate professor of public health sciences, Dr. Esther Lee, assistant professor of statistics, and Jessica Folmer, research associate, presented a poster at the American Public Health Association’s annual conference in San Diego on Nov. 13. It was titled Influence of peers and parents on adolescent substance use. LaChausse and Folmer also presented a roundtable session titled Changing psychosocial factors influencing teenage sexual activity and pregnancy.

 

 

Dr. Lesley Mayne, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, Dr. Namhee Kim, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, and Margaret Appenzeller, visiting professor of communication sciences and disorders, presented research posters at the 2018 American Speech-Language Hearing Association Annual Convention in Boston on Nov. 15. Mayne and Kim presented A Study of Peer-Teaching and Learning Between Graduate and Undergraduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology. Kim and Appenzeller presented Caregiver perceptions of children with special needs in China and effect of caregiver training.

 

 

Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, professor of biology, co-authored a paper that was published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (November 2018). It was titled Expression of ChiA74∆sp and its truncated versions in Bacillus thuringiensis HD1 using a vegetative promoter maintains the integrity and toxicity of native Cry1A toxins.

 

 

 

 

Mary Vanhoozer, adjunct professor of piano, debuted her solo piano album last month. The three-CD set is titled From Leipzig to LA, and features the complete keyboard partitas (a collection of Baroque dances) of J. S. Bach as well as a new commission, titled Partita Picosa, composed by Dr. Joshua Rodriguez, assistant professor of music theory and composition.

 

 

The Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering sponsored the first of a series of STEM after-school events at Sherman Indian High School on Nov. 28. High school students built either a Popsicle catapult with rubber bands and a spoon or a castle out of marshmallows and toothpicks. The goal was for the students to understand motion and stability while having fun.

 

 

 

Dr. Debbie Coleman, assistant professor of nursing, was the keynote speaker for the World Summit on Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing and Healthcare in Los Angeles on Nov. 27. Her topic was Transition during personal bereavement.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Vance Nichols, adjunct professor of education, presented at the Association of Christian Schools International Professional Development Forum in Anaheim on Nov. 19-20. The presentation, given over a three-session track, was titled Re-Envisioning, Reinventing, and Retooling: Creating a School Culture for the Common Good. Nichols also moderated a breakout session discussing the concept of student transformation through service-learning at K-12 Christian schools.

 

 

 

Dr. Soung Hwa Walker, adjunct professor of psychology, presented two research papers at the Mid-South Educational Research Association’s annual meeting in Pensacola, Florida, on Nov. 7-9. The papers were titled Adolescents’ Math Attitudes in a Global Context and Factors of Math Attitudes on Math Achievement between Asian and Non-Asian Countries.

 

 

 

Dr. Lindsay Fahnestock, assistant professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, was lead author for a commentary published in the Domestic Preparedness Journal (November 2018). It was titled Food Safety Alert: Recurring E. coli Outbreaks.

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Heine, associate librarian, presented a poster at the Library Assessment Conference in Houston on Dec. 6. The poster was titled OK, now what? Reflections on a six-year assessment cycle.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health, was an opening speaker at the American Public Health Association General Session in San Diego on Nov. 11. He spoke on health equity and gave a call for public health professionals to practice servant leadership.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Riste Simnjanovski, dean of faculty development for Online and Professional Studies, and his wife, Dr. Lauren Gutenberg, own pediatric dental offices in Palm Springs and Yucca Valley, which participated in the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Dec. 1. Their entry included a 1931 Ford Model A accompanied by illumined “baby teeth,” a “tooth fairy” and several former and current patients.

 

 

Kerri Horton, logistics coordinator for Spiritual Life, and her husband, David, welcomed their third grandchild on Nov. 30. Eleanor Jane Horton weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20¼ inches in length. Her parents are Jacob (’17) and Haley (’16) Horton.

 

 

 

 

Sammi Wellman, director of sports information, and her husband, Doc, assistant men’s basketball coach, welcomed a daughter on Dec. 8. Ryleigh Rae Wellman weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 21.5 inches in length.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dayna Herrera, associate professor of nursing, and her husband, Robert, welcomed their first grandchild on Dec. 9. Charlotte Blake Kelly weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19.5 inches in length. Her parents are Aaron (’14) and Megan (’14) Kelly.

 

 

 

Personnel Updates