Tiffany (Yen-His) Chiang
Amidst the piles of paperwork and CSUSB pennants hanging on her cubicle walls are several plaques and certificates that sit on Tiffany’s desk, serving as reminders of the projects worked on and accolades received as a contributing member of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). More importantly, the plaques and certificates remind Tiffany that to embrace change is to embrace the possibilities.
Tiffany Chiang has called CSUSB her home for nearly 15 years now, however, she first began her career journey in Taiwan, managing 45 employees as the owner of an advertising agency.
“The goal for many people in Taiwan, including myself, was to make money, so I dropped out of college and opened my own business,” said Tiffany. As she continued to grow her business, Tiffany noticed that although she was a successful business owner she longed to earn her college degree.
Making the life-changing decision to sell the company to her business partner, Tiffany set out for the United States to resume her educational journey by completing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at California Baptist University (CBU) as a foreign student.
“I remember arriving to CBU when it was called the California Baptist College (CBC) and had 700 students, now I think they are at 8000,” exclaimed Tiffany.
Since English was not Tiffany’s first language, she was required to participate in the English Learner’s program before being admitted into the business administration program. Eventually, Tiffany graduated with her bachelor’s degree.
After graduating from CBU, Tiffany returned to Taiwan for two years and then came back to the states, married her husband, and began working at a telecommunications corporation in Los Angeles.
Always believing that it is never too late to learn something new, Tiffany made a career change that ignited her passion for learning and defined her future in a new and innovative way. Choosing to venture into the world of technology, Tiffany set out to pursue a master’s degree in Computer Science.
In a self-published entry entitled, Computer and I, from Tiffany’s personal blog, she revealed her concerns and contemplations as she wrestled with the decision to follow her own heart and intuition.
“When is a person past the optimal age to learn something new – perhaps endeavor to master a completely new field? My feeling is, it is never too late to learn, to grow and expand in knowledge and personal capability. One must never shrink from an opportunity to expand intellectually. It is with this emphatic point of view that I commenced my own journey into the world of computer science and the advanced technology associated with it.”
With counsel from her family and by listening to her intuition, Tiffany enrolled at CSUSB as a graduate student in the School of Computer Science and Engineering. At the start of the program, Tiffany received a C+ in her very first course and battled discouragement; however, after meeting with her graduate advisor, Dr. Josephine Mendoza (now, Director, University Faculty Mentoring Network), Tiffany discovered her zeal and passion for computer science and increased her GPA more than a full point.
While in the program, Tiffany was encouraged by Lorraine Frost (then, Interim Vice President, Information Resources & Technology) who at the time was the director of Administrative Computing Services, to intern with the Teaching Resource Center (TRC) and develop an event registration and grant tracking system for the center. Her successes on this project led to new opportunities where she designed the Commencement Registration System which revolutionized the way CSUSB managed its registration for commencement ceremonies and eventually earned Tiffany, along with fellow team members, the President’s Team Achievement Award.
Tiffany’s accomplishments and achievements didn’t stop there as she continued to find ways to give back to the CSUSB community. Taking pride in her accomplishments, Tiffany shared that her dedication to her work has always been about the community.
“. . . I am realizing my goal to help enable my colleagues, faculty members, administrators, and community members benefit from new and enhanced technology and programs,” Tiffany shared.
This sentiment is collectively shared by the campus community as Tiffany was awarded the 2017-2018 President’s Special Achievement for her contributions to the campus’s technical growth, innovation, and development.
In addition to her role as Lead Analyst for the department of Administrative Computing & Business Integration (ACBI), Tiffany is a part-time lecturer for the School of Computer Science and Engineering, often teaching the very classes she attended as a student in the program.
Tiffany’s outlook on life is one of optimism, exploration, and confrontation in the face of change. “I never give up on a project,” Tiffany said, additionally noting the importance of pushing through challenges.
It is this dedication and courage exhibited towards her work that Tiffany has been able to achieve so many impactful accomplishments in her time at CSUSB.
“Perspective is critical. What keeps us going is a positive mindset where everyone can benefit. There will always be change. CSUSB helped to shape my perspective on growth and education.”
What is Tiffany’s advice?
“Learn to embrace the change, because if you don’t change, you will never know what could happen.”
About Tiffany: Tiffany is a wife and mother who enjoys teaching and spending time working on various projects in her role.