CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Welcome to
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
The past few years have taught us the importance of teamwork, determination and commitment to our purpose in higher education. It reminded us of who we are as we sought to meet the needs of our students and community. As the world gradually returned to normal, we were excited for the campus community to gather again as it pursues the vision of CBU as a “University committed to the Great Commission.”
To support this vision and a biblical worldview, the Teaching and Learning Center at CBU launched a new publication, Journal of Faith in the Academic Profession. It is aimed at Christian faculty, examining the role faith plays in the work of a higher education instructor.
In 2022, CBU sent teams around the world again for International Service Projects. More than 140 participants comprising 16 teams served in 13 countries. The teams joined in God’s global mission by partnering with field partners for cross-cultural service opportunities.
Meanwhile, fiscal year 2022 was a record-breaking success for charitable giving at CBU. This generosity will help the next generation of CBU students to live their purpose and become individuals whose skills and integrity set them apart.
Finally, CBU finished its transition over the summer to NCAA Division I, a four-year process. We are excited to now have the opportunity of postseason play.
Fall 2022 marked the 28th anniversary of my presidency at CBU. I am honored to share in this President’s Report some of the achievements of CBU faculty and staff members. As you read this edition, it is my hope that you will be blessed and encouraged to see the progress and growth of CBU.
May the Lord continue to bless!
Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D.
President
Live Your Purpose®
California Baptist University is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone is created for a purpose. CBU helps students understand this purpose by providing a Christ-centered educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development opportunities.
Faculty and staff are here to help students live their purpose every day. They aim to foster an environment that supports the intellectual, social and spiritual growth of each student. Each of these building blocks lays the groundwork for students to live a life of purpose, first in the classroom and then in their workplace and community.
CBU provides a variety of academic programs and opportunities that give students proficiency and skills for their profession.
Beyond the classroom, co-curricular programs along with
clubs equip students for life and careers after graduation. Many of these programs feature hands-on experiences to help students gain industry knowledge in a variety of fields, perform service-related projects and build relationships.
Chapel and discipleship ministries aid in developing students spiritually. Meanwhile service opportunities help students learn how to serve one another, engage in the needs of a community and grow in loving their neighbor.
At CBU, Lancers discover God’s plan for their life and put it into action, allowing them to make a difference locally and globally.
Core 4 Outcomes
Here at CBU, we prepare our students by building upon the foundation of Christ’s example: equipping them to be a light in a world amongst the shadows and to use their God-given talents and skills to live their purpose.
The university’s student outcomes are known as the “Core 4,” which each of our students walk away with when they go out into the world. Our hope is that these outcomes become rooted in the character of each Lancer and inspire and motivate our students wherever life leads them at CBU and beyond.
Academically Prepared Globally Minded Equipped to Serve
Biblically Rooted
Numbers Tell the Story
$606,157 $370,189,232
University Budget FY 2021–22
Faculty Grants and Awards Received
07.01.21–06.30.22
632
388 Full-Time Faculty Full-Time Sta
2 ASSOC IATE’ S PROG RAMS
1 08 BACH E LOR’S PROG RAMS
44 MAS T ER’S PROG RAMS
8 DOCT ORAL PROG RAMS
72.4% Freshmen Retention Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions
11,496 Fall 2022 Enrollment
298 Fall 2022 International Enrollment
19:1 Student : Professor Ratio
19.5 Average Class Size (Students)
$110,425,320 CBU Institutional Aid Given
Dr. Yeesock Kim
Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Management
Dr. Yeesock Kim, professor of civil engineering and construction management, was named Distinguished Scholar for 2022 by California Baptist University’s Board of Trustees. He was recognized for his research proposal “Artificial Intelligence for Motion Tracking Cancer Cells Under Complex External Stimulus.”
Kim has been a CBU faculty member since joining the university seven years ago. He teaches classes such as Strength of Materials; Dynamics and Vibration; Construction Materials and Methods; and Building Structures.
“Love is a completed solution manual for all the complex problems we face.”
What brought you to CBU?
I previously was an atheist who was convinced God did not exist. I had annoyed many Christians by asking many questions: “Can you demonstrate that God exists? Do you have any objective evidence?” I kept this conviction for over 30 years.
However, my beliefs changed after I met my mentor, Dr. Jong-Wha Bai (chair of the department of civil engineering and construction management at CBU) in graduate school during my Ph.D. program in 2003. He made me interested in the existence of God. He was obliging, considerate and smart. It disturbed me that such an intelligent person could believe in God. For over seven years, I observed his life in a variety of situations, and his faith in God was unyielding. He was always assured that God so loved him. He prayed that God would treat my concerns as well as his concerns.
On Dec. 26, 2009, I began to believe in God because I respected JongWha’s life and his love for others. In 2010, Jong-Wha moved to CBU while I became a faculty member at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.
In 2016, I got a call from Jong-Wha, “CBU is hiring. Are you interested?” My answer was “There is no question, this will be the best school I have ever experienced.”
What does it mean to you to be named Distinguished Scholar?
I am tremendously pleased to be selected to receive this award. I am humbly thankful to California Baptist University who selected me. Thanks to Dr. Phil van Haaster (dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering), Dr. Anthony Donaldson (founding dean and professor of electrical and computer engineering) and Dr. Bai for motivating me to continue having the highest level of dedication in my research. The biggest honor goes to God for the distinguished scholar award He’s given me.
What
was your proposal?
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) software for cancer cell motion detection. The objective of this research was to investigate how a distinct set of cell stimuli contribute to different cell motions using a novel AI computer model equipped with advanced machine learning algorithms. A variety of cancer data sets were collected at the Harvard Medical School. I developed a new AI computer model for the data.
How would you describe yourself as a professor?
Motivation producer. I have observed that young students like to learn in fun environments. When I use activities that make learning fun, students are more willing to participate in class. It also helps students retain information better because the process is enjoyable and memorable. In addition, the professor-student interaction is important. It enhances classroom learning by developing supportive relationships with students. In my opinion, students work hard when they like the professor. However, finding what they need may be far more valuable than making my class fun. With this in mind, I spend much more time producing professor-student interaction, adjusting class contents based on what students need, and making class enjoyable along with preparing specific facts students need to memorize/ solve. I want to be the “funny motivation producer.”
What do you hope you impart to the students?
Students must learn to enjoy their mistakes. Many fast trial-and-errors make them learn through their mistakes. More mistakes, more successes. Fewer mistakes, fewer successes. Fast mistakes, fast successes. The batting average of the greatest hitters in MLB is about 0.3. It means a 70% failure rate and only a 30% success rate.
What is a favorite Bible verse and why?
“Love your neighbor as yourself,” Mark 12:31 NIV. Love is a completed solution manual for all the complex problems we face.
Tell us about a hobby.
I love cooking — it is science combined with mathematics. I enjoy cooking with my kids because chunks of math and science show up in many aspects of cooking. For example, changing the quantities of ingredients provided by a recipe, converting units (e.g., Celsius to Fahrenheit), measurement, etc. My kids have been exposed to fraction, decimal and fraction division in the early grades. Fun activities are one of the core motivations for my kids: “Motivation is everything!” My favorite dishes are whatever educational opportunities are available among American and Korean foods.
Academics
California Baptist University is committed to providing quality education and preparation for life after college. We seek to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in and contribute to the world.
To furnish quality education, CBU brought all academics under one umbrella by consolidating Online and Professional Studies with the university’s other academic programs, effective Jan. 1, 2022. The restructuring helped standardize programs and allowed greater flexibility in delivery mode.
Additionally, the music and theatre programs at CBU joined together to create the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts, effective July 1, 2022. The merger combines the next generation of actors, musicians, educators, producers and worship facilitators, allowing students more flexibility to participate in performance theatre.
The Teaching and Learning Center at CBU launched a new journal in July 2022. The Journal of Faith in the Academic Profession is aimed at Christian faculty as it examines the role that faith plays in the work of a higher education instructor.
The College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design marked its 10th anniversary in fall 2022. CAVAD opened with 173 students and now, a decade later, has 597 enrolled students pursuing degrees in nine programs. To date, 600 students have graduated from CAVAD.
CBU provides a Christ-centered education that seeks to transform our students into thoughtful, faithful and compassionate citizens and leaders. Our faith-based worldview provides students an understanding of values and ethics that will guide them in their careers. While having a command of facts and skills is important, discerning how to use that knowledge for the service of God is essential. When our students graduate, they take with them knowledge and experiences that equip them for wherever God takes them.
Our faculty are knowledgeable Christian scholars from all walks of life who teach in the university’s 10 colleges and professional schools. They are role models in the community and in the classroom.
Dirk Dallas
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Dirk Dallas, assistant professor of graphic design, was named the Distinguished Professor for 2022.
Each year, the CBU Board of Trustees selects a professor who has established an impressive record of service to receive the award.
Dallas, who is also the program lead for graphic design and visual experience, started as an adjunct at CBU in 2009 before coming on full time in 2012. He teaches classes such as Design Technology Applications I, Principles: Introduction to Graphic Design, Motion Design and Senior Capstone.
Dallas is an international award-winning artist and designer and author of the book “Eyes Over the World.” His portfolio consists of work with such names as Kobe Bryant and Super Bowl champion Richard Sherman. He has worked with brands such as Disney, Nike, Audi, Hurley, Ford and American Express.
What brought you to CBU?
During my freshman year in college, I studied elementary education but realized it was not for me, so in my sophomore year I changed my major to graphic design and marketing. While working professionally as a designer and videographer, Michael Berger, professor in the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design, asked me to teach a video class for one semester. The class ended up going well and helped fill a need in the graphic design program, so I was asked to teach it for several more semesters. Not too long after that, the program began growing quickly, and CBU asked me to come on as a full-time faculty member.
How would you describe yourself as a professor?
I know that my students make quite a sacrifice to attend CBU and I don’t take that lightly. My hope is that they see me taking my job of leading and mentoring them very seriously. While I don’t expect perfection from them, I do want them to strive for excellence. I hope they would also say that I take great care in teaching them the tools, principles, ethics and processes of our discipline while at the same time making them feel seen, heard and loved. I truly care for each of them, not just from an academic standpoint but for their whole being.
What does it mean to be named Distinguished Professor?
It was truly an honor to receive this award from the Board of Trustees. I am so grateful to them and to those who have supported me on this journey, such as Dr. Charles Sands (provost and vice president for Academic Affairs), Dr. Jonathan Parker (former provost), Mark Roberson (dean of CAVAD), all my students and, of course, Michael Berger, who gave me my first opportunity to teach, which led me to find my passion and calling here in higher education. Being named a distinguished professor encourages me to continue to pour into my students, my colleagues and CBU as a whole.
What do you hope you impart to the students?
I hope my students are compelled to spend their life pursuing the good, the true and the beautiful no matter what they end up doing. I also hope that my students will know that their gift of creativity is a unique blessing from God and what they do with that is their gift back to Him. Ultimately, my prayer is that my students would use their gifts to love and serve others by helping them to thrive and flourish.
“I love how Jesus speaks these two commands to beautifully encompass all the other Old Testament laws. Not only does it serve as a reminder of how I should live my life but it gives me a goal to aim for in all that I do.”
What is a favorite Bible verse and why?
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV).
I love how Jesus speaks these two commands to beautifully encompass all the other Old Testament laws. Not only does it serve as a reminder of how I should live my life but it gives me a goal to aim for in all that I do.
You fly helicopters and drones. What is it that attracts to you to flight?
My earliest childhood memory is sitting on my mom’s lap, looking out an airplane window. I couldn’t get enough of the view and always longed to go on trips that required air travel just so I could see the world from a new angle. Fast forward to today, I have realized that a change in perspective is a powerful thing. Seeing the surface of the environment around me compress and fill with three-dimensional wonder humbles me. It reminds me that we really are just a tiny part of a world much bigger than us.
International Service Projects
To support the university’s mission to fulfill the Great Commission, CBU offers students various opportunities to participate in service projects in their own backyard and across the world. International Service Projects (ISP) allow participants to push past their comfort zone and see the beauty of God’s world through another’s eyes.
After the global pandemic placed ISP on a two-year hiatus, CBU sent teams out again in 2022. More than 140 participants comprising 16 teams served in 13 countries. Teams visited areas in Africa, Asia, Central America and Europe, joining with field partners worldwide for two to eight-week cross-cultural service opportunities.
Prior to departure, teams are prepared with more than 75 hours of training. This vigorous training equips participants with the skills needed to share their personal testimony and the gospel, learn and understand new cultures, bond with their teammates, adapt to changes and learn how to best serve the people and local communities.
The university has sent out more than 5,000 volunteers since the start of the ISP program in 1997. The teams help with various tasks such as conducting sports camps, teaching conversational English, university ministry, relational evangelism, providing healthcare and assisting with various children’s ministries.
67
Total Countries Served
615
Total Teams
5,313
Total Participants
Brittany Davies
Director of Academic Operations for the College of Health Science
Brittany Davies, director of academic operations for the College of Health Science, was chosen to receive the California Baptist University 2022 Employee of the Year award. The CBU Executive Council selects the recipient from among staff members chosen as Employee of the Month. Davies (’16, ’18) started working at CBU as a student worker in the summer of 2015 and was hired on as a full-time staff member in early 2017.
“I believe the culture and people make CBU unique. We are surrounded by God-fearing individuals who all share the common value that Jesus is the answer.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people. There are so many reasons to love CBU and my job but this unquestionably makes the top of my list. I am surrounded by the most incredible faculty, staff and students on a daily basis. Specifically, those on the Health Science Campus. We are a close-knit group and such an interconnected team that I consider them family. They are my motivation and have made work feel less like work and more similar to endless opportunities of learning and fun.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
What brought you to CBU?
I started my journey at CBU as an undergraduate student. I was a transfer student and have since earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees here. While the undergrad program was what ultimately led me to CBU, the Christ-centered environment and people reinforced my decision.
What was your response when you learned you were named Employee of the Year?
Overwhelming gratitude and shock wrapped in joy. I have been so blessed with the career I was seeking for myself right after graduating with my bachelor’s and this moment felt as if God reaffirmed this is where He wants me to be. Additionally, an enormous thank you to Dr. David Pearson (dean of the College of Health Science) who nominated me and managed to keep it a surprise. I definitely wouldn’t be writing this if it weren’t for him; his kind words and mentoring have all truly made the greatest impact.
What
are some of your daily tasks?
My tasks include supporting both undergraduate and graduate students through their practicum process, maintaining operations on the Health Science Campus and occasionally overseeing events such as hooding ceremonies and holiday-themed competitions for cohorts. Of course, my days are peppered with emails and meetings, but I have not encountered the same day twice as my work presents something new every day. Five years with CBU has flown by, and I’m always eager to see what’s next.
One of my favorite Bible verses for many years now has been 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV). “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
It is a beautiful reminder of God’s love as well as how we should emulate His grace toward those around us. It can be so easy to allow the world to overwhelm or frustrate us, but this verse has served as the foundation of my personal worldview for quite some time.
What do you think makes CBU unique?
I believe the culture and people (have I mentioned this one yet?) make CBU unique. We are surrounded by God-fearing individuals who all share the common value that Jesus is the answer. This in and of itself holds so much significance. CBU’s culture also portrays appreciation for the students. Everyone cares for the success and wellbeing of their students, which is present the moment you walk on campus and continues on until the point of graduation.
Tell us about a hobby.
When the weather cools, I enjoy hiking. I still consider myself a novice hiker, but my husband and I appreciate being outside whenever possible since we both work in office settings. I also enjoy visiting the beaches across Southern California. Crystal Cove has one of my favorite walking and hiking trails with picturesque views of the beach at sunset.
University Advancement
Fiscal year 2022 was a record-breaking success for charitable giving at California Baptist University. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, corporations, foundations and community members, $23.8 million was committed to furthering CBU’s mission. Donors generously contributed to schools, colleges and programs across the university — surpassing the previous giving record in 2014 ($14.2 million) by over $9.6 million.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our alumni and friends! This extraordinary outpouring of support is a testament to the Lord‘s favor on CBU, the generosity of our friends, the leadership and vision of CBU president Dr. Ronald L. Ellis and the overall excellence that we see across campus here at CBU. It’s exciting to see so many invest so significantly in this wonderful campus and in our students,” said Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president of University Advancement.
For several years, the University has matched endowment gifts of $25,000 or more. In 2021, a generous supporter and close friend of CBU proposed a $40 million Endowment Challenge for the School of Christian Ministries. He pledged up to $10 million to match gifts, and CBU would match both, creating a $40 million goal. The donor then proposed endowed scholarships helping students complete two majors — one from the School of Christian Ministries and one from any other CBU school or college — or for other endowment programs associated with the School of Christian Ministries. True to CBU’s commitment to the Great Commission, the donor’s intention of these double-major scholarships is to challenge CBU students to deepen their Christian worldview and glorify God wherever life leads them. This donor match, plus CBU’s institutional match, quadruples an investment in these special endowed scholarships.
“We are so thankful for the friends of California Baptist University who have taken the extra step to support our mission and our students with their financial gifts. These friends are truly making a difference, and CBU tremendously values their support,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU. “Because of these gifts, more students will become equipped while at CBU to go out and live their purpose.”
SEVERAL TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS LED THE EXTRAORDINARY GIVING:
A generous local family gave $5.5 million, one of the most significant endowment gifts in CBU’s history. With the $40 Million Endowment Challenge match, as well as additional donations, a $19 million endowed fund was created. This endowment will serve generations of CBU students.
The most significant estate gift commitment in university history was given in the amount of $6.2 million. This anonymous gift increases the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business Endowed Scholarship fund.
An anonymous donor committed over $1 million to Lancer Athletics aimed at helping the athletics program overall.
“Through your giving, I am blessed to call Cal Baptist University my school. I am a double major in Christian behavioral science and Christian studies. These programs have proven to be beyond my expectations and contributed to my personal, spiritual and professional growth. Thank you for being a part of making my aspirations and desires come true.”
—Olivia, a CBU Student
Every gift, no matter the size, can be transformational in the life of a student. CBU is thankful for the prayers, friendship and financial generosity that ensure the next generation of CBU students will live their purpose, invest in things that matter and become individuals whose skills and integrity set them apart from the world.
Athletics
In August 2022, California Baptist University was granted active status as an NCAA Division I institution effective for the 2022-23 academic year by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. CBU first announced its plans for the move to D-I in 2017. With active status, CBU student-athletes now have the opportunity to compete for berths in NCAA Division I championships.
Athletics is investing over $20 million in the current phase of capital projects and facility enhancements. Several projects have already wrapped up in time for the 2022-23 school year. In all, CBU has invested over $100 million in athletic-related projects over the last decade.
The CBU Soccer Stadium debuted in fall 2022. Improvements also were made at CBU’s baseball and softball fields, Totman and Funk Stadium. Additionally, a new baseball and softball clubhouse will soon be under construction.
Campus Development
To help students achieve success, CBU is committed to offering state-of-the-art environments that provide adequate spaces for students to learn, maintain a healthy lifestyle and reach their full potential.
Magnolia Crossing, the newest living area, opened in August 2020. Located near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Monroe Street, the four-story building can hold up to 540 residents. Construction on the 161,415-square-foot residence began in March 2019 and cost $43.35 million. In conjunction with this project, a diagonal crosswalk was added at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Monroe Street. The change makes the crossing more expedient for students traveling to and from the campus.
The 93 apartments each have two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area and two or three bathrooms. Other features include a large lobby that holds multiple TVs; tables that students can use to study or eat on; several study rooms on each floor; and a dining option called The Market at Magnolia Crossing, a grab-and-go food venue.
2020 Magnolia Crossing
• 161,415-square-foot
• $43.35 million total cost
• Houses 540 residents
• 93 apartment units
Meanwhile, soccer teams at CBU scored goals on a new field when the season started in fall 2022.
The $3.9 million CBU Soccer Stadium includes a new game field; bleachers that can seat 520 people with space for overflow crowds; and a covered, open-air press box. The field also features 90-foot-tall stadium lighting for night games.
A portion of the old soccer field is now the practice field with a two-lane practice track around it.
2022 Soccer Stadium
• $3.9 million total cost
• Seats 520 people
Executive Council
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis
President
Dr. Charles Sands
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mr. Kent Dacus
Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services
Mr. Mark Howe
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Larry Linamen
Vice President for Global Initiatives
Paul J. Eldridge, J.D.
Vice President for University Advancement
Mrs. Angela Meluski
Vice President for Marketing and Communication
Adam Burton, J.D.
Vice President and General Counsel
EDITOR
Angela Meluski
MANAGING
Vivian Quezada
ASSISTANT
Lauren Rios
Amanda
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
M any friends and CBU Alumni have chosen to make a future gift to California Baptist University by supporting CBU through their will, living trust, IRA and/or life insurance.
IS CBU PART OF YOUR ESTATE PLAN?
If so, or you would like more information about including CBU in your long-term charitable plans, please contact:
Curt Jarboe, CFP® Director of Gift Planning & Development University Advancement 951-552-8026 | cjarboe@calbaptist.edu
