Anthony Lammons retires from CBU after 35 years

Riverside, Calif. (July 24, 2024) – Anthony Lammons, associate vice president for Student Services at California Baptist University, is retiring after 35 years of service, but he says it will always have a piece of his heart.

“It's been fun. It's been rewarding. My wife, Sandy, says, ‘If you get cut, you're going to bleed blue and gold,’” Lammons said.

Shortly after graduating from CBU in 1985, he became the second full-time admissions counselor — the first one was Kent Dacus, now senior vice president for enrollment and Student Services. Lammons later became director of special programs. After six years, he left to work at other colleges before returning to CBU in 1995 as the dean of students.

As a student, faculty and staff encouraged him to become a student leader and grow personally. He has challenged his staff to do the same.

“No one can reach everybody, but we all can reach somebody. How do we make that connection with them?” Lammons said. “Sometimes students are greener than green and I think, ‘Oh my goodness, I don't know if this is going to work.’ And then you see them at commencement. Wow. They've excelled.”

He oversees the offices of Student Conduct, Residence Life and Housing Services, Safety Services and Title IX. His duties have been varied. A week in July included preparing for a Student Services committee appeal, reviewing student handbook updates, corresponding with parents, providing guidance with Title IX and writing policies.

“I don't do the same thing two days in a row. It's what happened last night or what happened this morning or what is happening right now and how do we respond to it?” Lammons said. “I thrive in that type of environment.”

Writing policy has been a big portion of his work. In 1993-94, the student handbook was about 12 pages. Now it is more than 80. The older handbook included statements such as act respectfully and dress with good taste.

“What does good taste mean? What does respect mean? We have to articulate that,” Lammons said. “We have to spell things out. The honor code once read, ‘Do your own work.’ Now it's three pages long.”

Over the years, Lammons has witnessed other changes, including the rise in CBU’s name recognition and the depth of academic programs. Because of the broader group of students at CBU now, Lammons is often at new student orientation explaining CBU’s core values.

“We're unapologetically a Christian institution. Expect to have conversations about spiritual matters,” he said.

Dr. Heather Hubbert, associate dean of students for Student Care, is stepping into the role of associate vice president for Student Services although some areas she oversees will be different than Lammons. Hubbert reported to him for about 14 years of her time at CBU.

“Anthony has been a joy to work with and has become both a mentor and good friend. He loves Jesus deeply, and that is evident in every interaction he has with students, parents, staff and faculty members,” she said. “I have had the privilege of observing how he leads with confidence and humility as he has consistently demonstrated how to care for students through very difficult circumstances.”

Dacus, who has worked with Lammons from the beginning, said he will miss Lammons’ laugh, his leadership and working together to help students.   

“It has been my honor and privilege to work alongside Anthony for the past 35 years. He is a man of immense integrity who has committed all his ways to serving the Lord. In his service he has made CBU so much better,” Dacus said. “He had a difficult and complex job and did with it with class and joy.”   

Lammons’ last day in the office is Aug. 7, and then he will work remotely until Dec. 31.

As he talks about his time at CBU, Lammons gets teary eyed.

“I'm honored that I'm paid to do something I love to do,” he said. “I have said, ‘May my last day at work be as enjoyable as my first’ and it has been.

“It’s been a blessing. I guess I'm a Live Your Purpose guy.”

Things to know
What will he miss most: “The people. How many places do you work where you get to know the people, their spouses, their kids and you pray with one another?”

His continual smile: “There are not many things in life we can choose, but we can choose our attitude. And I choose to have a good one.”

Plans for retirement: He and his wife want to find ways to serve and travel. They have four more MLB stadiums left to visit. Enjoying his two grandsons.

Fun fact: In the early years of working at CBU, Lammons also helped build walls and run electrical lines in the James Building.