California Baptist University Appoints New Associate Provost and Adds to Marketing and Communication Division

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (May 30, 2025) – California Baptist University (CBU) announced today two administrative changes, including the appointment of a new associate provost for academic services and a new department reporting to the Marketing and Communication Division.

New Associate Provost Appointment
CBU appointed Grace Brown the new associate provost for academic services. Brown has served in various roles at CBU since 2014, most recently as the dean of academic advising. Beginning on July 1, 2025, she takes over for Dr. Wayne Fletcher, who served in the role since 2017 and will continue as a professor at CBU.

“Grace has played an instrumental role within the academic services unit, especially in recent years as we made the shift to the student success coaching model,” said Dr. Charles Sands, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “I look forward to the contributions her leadership will bring as we continue to provide students with personalized support and further strengthen pathways to graduation.”

As part of her new role, Brown will oversee a variety of academic operations including the Office of Academic Advising and Student Success Coaches, Office of the Registrar, Office of Student Success, Office of Disability Services, and Retention, among others.

Reorganizing Campus Units
Effective July 1, 2025, the Office of Conferences and Events, which previously reported to the Finance and Administration Division, will move under the purview of the Marketing and Communication Division, which is led by Vice President Angela Meluski. The Office of Conferences and Events supports the planning and facilitation of both internal and external activities such as banquets, summer camps, student events and meetings. The change is meant to further align areas focused on campus branding and external relations while providing a greater balance of responsibilities among university leadership.

The move is the latest for the Marketing and Communication Division, which has expanded in recent years. The Career Center and Campus Store joined the division in 2023, and the print and copy shop and mail room transitioned in 2024. The division also includes the marketing and communication department and splits with Athletics the responsibility of university ticketing operations.