In 2025, the International Service Project sent 207 participants comprising 27 teams who served in 20countries.
CBU took to the global stage with an exhibition at the International Architecture Biennale, in Venice, Italy.
I am honored and pleased to continue serving the CBU community in this, my 31st year as president. As you browse University Advancement’s Annual Report, I invite you to discover a few milestones achieved over the past year.
In Lancer athletics, CBU will join The Big West conference beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year – a move that strengthens our regional presence and provides the opportunity for our student-athletes to continue to compete at the highest level.
Class size for CBU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program will double beginning in Fall 2025, serving even more students. Look for news about CBU’s new Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, which is coming soon.
This year, Spiritual Life sent 207 participants to 20 countries to serve on International Service Projects. Teams trekked to remote villages, providing health care, teaching English, and assisting with various ministries.
We remain grateful for the prayers and support of our Lancer friends.
California Baptist University held a celebration in January 2025, recognizing the 30 years milestone Dr. Ronald L. Ellis has served thus far as president of the university. Ellis officially marked his 30th anniversary as CBU president on Nov. 1, 2024.
“We gather to celebrate three decades of extraordinary leadership that has reshaped CBU and its community,” said Dr. Anthony Dockery, chair of the CBU Board of Trustees. “For 30 years, he has worked tirelessly to establish the foundation for CBU’s success.”
Since Ellis became president of then-California Baptist College in 1994, enrollment has grown from 808 to 12,516, almost 15 times larger. Under his leadership, CBC became California Baptist University in 1998 and now features 10 colleges and professional schools, offering more than 150 majors and minors with more than 40 master’s and 10 doctoral programs.
Over the last thirty-plus years, CBU’s main campus has grown to 162 acres and more than 30 buildings, with Dr. Ellis spearheading many additions to the campus, the latest additions being Magnolia Crossing (student housing), the CBU Soccer Stadium and the Baseball and Softball Clubhouse.
FAITH, RESEARCH AND SERVICE DRIVES CBU ENGINEERING STUDENT
Priscilla Lee grew up in Southeast Asia, where her parents served in ministry. For her, exploration has always been part of her life, whether in STEM, the arts, or traveling abroad. It was this adventurous spirit that led her to CBU’s engineering program, where engineering scholarships enabled her pursuit of higher education.
“The scholarships I have received have been such a blessing,” she said. “They’ve given me the chance to grow at CBU as a student and a person.”
Drawn to chemical engineering for her love of chemistry and problem-solving, she will graduate in December 2025 and plans to pursue graduate studies in nuclear engineering with the goal of becoming a research scientist.
This past summer, she gained valuable experience at her internship with the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s nuclear engineering department in the HEATS lab. “Our project focused on modeling a new type of fuel,” she explained. “At first, I felt out of my depth, but I was able to apply chemistry, coding and research skills I learned at CBU and that was rewarding.”
Beyond academics, her time at CBU has been deeply shaped by service. Having grown up on the mission field, she was eager to explore local outreach opportunities. Through CBU’s affiliation with the United States Services Project, Priscilla served at The Hub, a Las Vegas-based church ministry that works with a variety of people from different experiences. “We organized clothes, served meals, and most importantly, listened to people’s stories,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to the needs in my own community.”
Her faith has been central to her academic and career goals. “God has enabled me to do engineering,” she said. “That motivates me to do my best, not just for recognition, but to honor Him.” Her Christian studies minor and believing professors have also been encouraging in her journey at CBU.
As she looks toward a future in nuclear energy research, she encourages future students to embrace challenges as opportunities. “It’s possible to slide by doing the minimum, but you’ll get so much more if you push yourself and engage,” she advised. “Don’t limit yourself. It can be intimidating as a woman in a male-dominated field, but excellent work speaks for itself.”
WHO ARE THE CBU SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS?
BY THE NUMBERS
2024-25
670 are from California.
76 are from Out-of-State and 41 are International.
$4.3M was the total amount awarded. This is an increase of 371% from 2019-2020, when the total amount awarded was $912,615.
1,148 total scholarships awarded to 787 CBU students, an increase of 191% in the last five years!
235 students were double majors with at least one major in the School of Christian Ministries.
227 are First Generation college students.
147 are School of Christian Ministries majors.
106 are College of Engineering majors.
99 are College of Nursing majors.
$3,312,287
$10,291,697
$10,479,571
$11,024,837
$13,495,468
$12,359,855
$14,110,610
CBU ENDOWMENT SUMMARY
5,465.53%
Because of the generosity of the CBU community, and CBU institutional matching funds, our endowment has grown from just over $3 million in 1994 to $184,346,462 at the end of fiscal year 2025.
THERE IS NO CBU WITHOUT YOU!
OUR ENDOWMENT PROVIDES LONG-TERM STABILITY AND IS CRITICAL TO THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF CBU. AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW, THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG ENDOWMENT GROWS WITH US. BECAUSE OF YOU, WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY! THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMITMENT TO THE GREAT COMMISSION.
LEAVING A LEGACY
ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS
$72,578,895
$11,655,244
$16,968,152
TOTAL KNOWN ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS: $101,202,291
Undesignated Student Scholarships Programs and Other Initiatives GIFT DESIGNATION
More and more, CBU alumni and friends are choosing to make an estate gift commitment to CBU. $101,202,291 in estate gift commitments have been designated to scholarships, programs, schools and colleges. An estate gift commitment not only helps CBU, but it secures a lasting legacy of impact.
9 NEW ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS were made in 2024-25, representing $5,916,744, bringing the total number of gift commitments to 72!
ALUMS HOPE TO PROVIDE STABILITY FOR CBU’S MISSION
Alumni Chuck and Melodie Starr are members of CBU’s Palm Drive Legacy Society (PDLS). Members of the PDLS invest in the University’s future through an estate gift commitment – providing a stable, long-term foundation for CBU’s mission.
While at CBU, Melodie earned the Physical Education Department’s Senior Academic Award and, in 1991, was the first female student athlete to be inducted into CBU’s Sports Hall of Fame. Chuck has over 25 years of military service (earning numerous medals and awards) and, after retiring from the military, he found a second career in government. He has volunteered at the Billy Graham Library since retiring.
Melodie prays students find God’s purpose and live it as He leads them into their future, and Chuck hopes to help students follow God’s purpose and take His Word to those who desperately need it.
The couple made a generous estate gift commitment, establishing two separate scholarship funds. Melodie made an Endowed Scholarship commitment for the children of pastors and missionaries attending CBU (she has already begun funding it). Her prayer is that these students find God’s purpose and live it as He leads them into their futures. Chuck made an Endowed Scholarship commitment to help International Service Project students follow God’s purpose and take His Word to those who desperately need it.
The Starrs are making an eternal impact at CBU through their estate gift commitment.
Homecoming 2025.
The Palm Drive Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in California Baptist University’s future through a planned gift. Examples of planned gifts include a gift commitment to CBU from a will or trust, naming CBU as a beneficiary on retirement funds, life insurance policies or annuities and charitable remainder trusts, among other options.
Membership in the Palm Drive Legacy Society demonstrates commitment to improving future generations through Christ-centered educational experiences. An estate gift commitment positively impacts CBU and inspires others to make the decision to support the mission of CBU through purposeful giving.
Estate commitments to CBU leave a lasting legacy that will impact students for generations to come.
Chuck and Melodie Starr
Chuck and Melodie gave a speech at theannualPalmDriveLegacySociety Brunch held during
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
OFFERINGS AT CBU ARE
GROWING!
Beginning Fall 2025, CBU will offer 10 doctoral programs, all of which have begun in the past 10 years.
Business Administration, D.B.A.
Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.
Leadership Studies, Ph.D.
Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
Organizational Change and Administration, Ed.D.
Public Administration, D.P.A.
Social Work, D.S.W
Public Health, D.P.H
Medical Science, D.M.Sc
Higher Education Leadership, Ed.D.
10
Total Doctoral Progams since 2015
479
Total Doctoral Graduates since 2015
74.9%
First Year Retention Rate for Doctoral Programs as of most recent data available
NEW ACADEMIC OFFERINGS IN 2025-26
New majors, minors and programs for Lancer students.
Majors
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography, BS
• World Languages, BA Minors
• American Studies
• Christian Ministries
• Data Science
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
Master’s Programs
• Computer Science, MS
• Dual Degree: Counseling Psychology, MS and Sport and Performance Psychology, MS
• Sport and Performance Psychology, MS (online)
Doctorate Programs
• Higher Education Leadership, Ed.D.
• Medical Science, D.M.Sc.
DR. BRIAN DISTELBERG NAMED NEW DEAN OF THE
COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Dr. Brian Distelberg joins CBU from Loma Linda University, where he served as a professor for the past 16 years, as well as the director of research at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medical Center for nine years.
“Dr. Distelberg’s commitment to helping communities, educating the next generation of practitioners, and conducting groundbreaking and collaborative research is sure to be a launchpad for CBU’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.”
Dr. Brian Distelberg, Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
— Dr. Charles Sands, CBU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
EXPANSION OF PA PROGRAM APPROVED
California Baptist University received approval to double its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program in 2024. The class size increased from 30 students to 60 for the two-year program.
To better equip students, the PA program’s facilities moved to a building CBU owns in Riverside, across from the Galleria at Tyler. The program grew from one classroom to two — with one capable of holding up to 180 students — and from four clinical exam rooms to 16. The new facility also has a larger clinical skills lab, a new science lab and 13 study spaces. The new facility official opened in June 2025.
NATIONAL RANKING
#3 Best College Campuses in America
#4 Best Food in America
#13 Best Dorms in America
#15 Best Christian College in America
CALIFORNIA RANKING
#2 Best College Campuses
#2 Best College Dorms
#2 Best College Food
#3 Best Christian College
#4 Best Colleges for Education
#7 Best College Athletics
#7 Best Colleges for Nursing
#8 Best Colleges for Accounting & Finance
#24 Best Colleges in California
CBU STUNT CLAIMS STRAIGHT NATIONAL TITLE
5
HISTORY WAS ACHIEVED AGAIN FOR THE CBU STUNT PROGRAM WHEN THE SQUAD BESTED THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY 17-13, EARNING THEIR FIFTH-STRAIGHT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
The Lancers posted another undefeated season, going 27-0 and improving the program record to 107-0!
Coach Brandon Seagondollar’s squad opened the National Tournament with a 15-0 mercy win over Mercyhurst before facing Kentucky. While Kentucky was sharp, the Lancers handled the game and posted another 14-4 mercy win to book a ticket to the team’s fifth championship game. The Wildcats clawed their way out of the loser’s bracket to force another meeting with the Lancers. Kentucky went toe-to-toe with CBU and tied on several points while also scoring the most points ever scored against CBU, but it ultimately was not enough to best the
undefeated program. The win over Kentucky marks the program’s 107th win during the longest unbeaten streak in STUNT the Sport history and is the program’s fifth-straight National Championship in the five years of the existence of the sport.
The National Tournament saw several standouts from the CBU team, including Maddison Arochi being named the highest-rated player twice against Kentucky and Abigail Eshleman securing a pair of Tumbler of the Game honors.
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY JOINS THE BIG WEST
California Baptist University (CBU) Athletics is proud to announce that the Lancers will be joining The Big West conference as a full member beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. This move enhances The Big West’s competitive landscape and reinforces its commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
“Joining The Big West represents a pivotal moment for California Baptist University. This opportunity reflects our continued growth as an institution and our commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and service. We look forward to making an impact in The Big West.” — CBU President, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis
CBU sponsors 19 NCAA Division I sports that will participate fully in The Big West at the start of the 202627 season. Transitioning from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Lancers will compete in The Big West in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, men’s and women’s outdoor track, men’s and women’s water polo, and women’s volleyball.
Valentin Soca closed out the season for the CBU track team with First-Team All-American honors in the Men’s 5K Finals at the Outdoor National Championships.
The CBU baseball program swept the major position player awards for the WAC 2025 season. True freshman Chris Ramirez was named Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Nicholas Dumesnil was deemed WAC Player of the Year and earned first-team honors. Cody New was an All-WAC First Team honoree.
CBU IS COMMITTED TO VETERANS
The CBU Veterans Resource Center takes pride in assisting student veterans and dependents through the application process and ensuring they access all the benefits they’ve earned through serving the United States in the military.
Cultivating a community where student veterans and dependents not only succeed academically, but also have a supportive network that understands their unique experiences, is the vision of the CBU Veterans Resource Center. A community
Camryn McCall, ’26, and her grandfather, John Mead.
united by shared values and backgrounds plays a pivotal role in the well-being of the students. By fostering camaraderie, understanding and mutual support, veterans can thrive both personally and academically, enhancing their overall university experience.
Established in 2018, the CBU Veterans Resource Center was created to meet the unique challenges student veterans and their dependents experience. Located in Lancer Arms, the center is a dedicated, physical space tailored to provide a sanctuary for focused study, relaxation and success.
A SCHOLARSHIP FOR VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS
La Société Des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, Riverside Voiture 394, offers The 40 & 8 Scholarship. This scholarship is for the benefit of nursing students who are also veterans, spouses of veterans, children of veterans, or grand children of veterans. It helps ensure that recipients can focus on their Christ-centered education at CBU while they train for their next mission of serving their communities in a healthcare setting.
Camryn McCall, a 2024-25 recipient, qualified because of her grandfather’s service. John Mead, a U.S. Army veteran, served courageously during the Vietnam War. Camryn hopes to work as a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit upon graduation.
Pictured above are the veterans and dependents who graduated in December 2024.
RECENT GRADS ARE LIVING THEIR PURPOSE
These eight graduates are just a glimpse of the thousands of CBU graduates who have entered the workforce in professions for which they studied diligently at CBU.
Zach Paszkeicz, ’24 Senior Account Executive ADP
Alexandra Roche, ’25 Construction Engineer FlatironDragados
Ashley Scott, ’24 Air Traffic Controller Federal Aviation Administration
Trinity Rosales, ’23 Project Engineer Erickson-Hall Construction Co.
Aylee Wages, ’25 Associate Graphic Designer Esri
Ryan Joseph Johnson, ’25 Associate Therapist Heartland Child and Family Services
David Schoolmeester, ’25 Project Engineer The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Chad Hickenbottom, ’25 Marketing Manager The Darryl and JJ Jones Team
Mark and Elizabeth Wilson
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AS A CBU PARENT!
FAVE
Family Alumni Volunteer Extraordinaire
A wonderful and fun opportunity for alumni, parents and friends to serve at special events or help with occasional tasks. You can be a part of campus fun while enjoying the rewards of sharing your time and talents with CBU.
EVENTS
• Parent & Family Weekend
• Homecoming
• Regional networking events
• and more!
STAY CONNECTED
• Parent Prayer Group
• Parent Leadership Circle
• Roundtable magazine
• Monthly e-newsletters
Get more information at calbaptist.edu/ua
PARENTS STAYING INVOLVED WITH CBU MAKES AN IMPACT FOR YEARS TO COME
Mark and Elizabeth Wilson were not ready for their children to head off to college. However, after attending the Welcome Weekend service and speaking with staff, they better understood CBU’s vision, purpose, and “conservative Biblical Worldview.” Knowing that the professors pouring into their children were truly Christian and well-grounded in the Word of God gave them a sense of peace for this next chapter.
Now, as CBU parents and grandparents, the Wilsons are members of the University’s Parent Leadership Circle (PLC). Members pray for CBU, attend special events, and give generously to support the University. Mark would like others to know that an investment in CBU will bear fruit for many years for families and students.
“Knowing that the professors pouring into their children were truly Christian and well-grounded in the Word of God gave them a sense of peace for this next chapter.”
Mark and Elizabeth believe that parents need to be involved, no matter how old their children are. They want other CBU parents to know that there is something for everyone in the Lancer community, and CBU events are “safe and fun!” They appreciate that safety is a number one priority and were grateful when their daughter was walking alone on campus one evening that a CBU security officer drove her to her dorm. A surprise for the Wilsons is that their children love attending CBU so much that they recruited ten new students, and they are thankful for their children’s choices in wise and Godly friendships on CBU’s campus.
WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY OF ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT CBU!
As we strive to engage students through a Christ-centered educational experience, you are making a kingdom impact on them. Because of you, their skills, integrity and sense of purpose will glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and the world.
