The Riverside-area business community learned about Cal State San Bernardino’s latest achievements and contributions to the Inland Empire when university President Tomás D. Morales spoke at the Riverside Chambers of Commerce’s Good Morning, Riverside, event on Dec. 14.
More than 150 business leaders attended the chambers’ program held at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside to learn from Morales about CSUSB’s programs and how they are making an impact in the region, as well as his vision for the university that serves many students who are the first in their families to attend college.
He noted that CSUSB maintains a close partnership with 12 community colleges in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This alliance has helped in the establishment of programs such as the pipeline that allows nursing students graduating from Riverside City College to seamlessly transfer to CSUSB for the completion of their bachelor’s degree in nursing.
In research, CSUSB has been designated an R2 research university, which has elevated its status from a “regional university” to a “national university.” The university is also working toward launching a Master of Science in Physician Assistant program by fall 2025. This program will prepare students to fill healthcare jobs that are needed in the region. Additionally, CSUSB’s Cybersecurity Center participates in the Inland Empire Cybersecurity Initiative, a collaboration with workforce and community college partners that contributes to the development of skilled professionals in this rapidly growing industry.
Morales also shared CSUSB’s international partnerships that promote academic exchanges between faculty and students, including recent agreements to work with Lviv Polytechnic University in Ukraine, and two institutions in India: the India Institute of Technology and Madras Christian College.
And, the president said, CSUSB’s alumni are contributing to the region’s development. Sixty-six percent of the university’s graduates live in the region, working as business owners and entrepreneurs, public and elected officials and in careers such as news media. Joined by faculty and staff, the university has a major role in helping define the future of the Inland Empire.