CBU honors 2026 Distinguished Professor, Scholars and Employee of the Year

Riverside, Calif. (May 15, 2026) — California Baptist University honored employees at their annual faculty and staff awards banquet on April 30. This banquet, occurring each year at the conclusion of the Spring semester, celebrates the dedication and service of the CBU community. 

Along with honoring longtime service, CBU awarded Employee of the Year, Distinguished Professor and Distinguished Scholar. 

Employee of the Year Award 

During the school year, one employee is chosen each month who represents excellent performance and commitment to their role at the university. At the end of the year, these 12 employees are eligible to be chosen as Employee of the Year.

Frank Garcia, assistant director of video production in Marketing and Communication, received the 2026 Employee of the Year award. Garcia started with CBU as video production specialist in 2017.  Prior to that he worked as a sound recording contractor for commencement videos and then an editor for the State of the University video, showcasing an annual speech by Dr. Ronald L. Ellis reviewing university achievements from the past year. 

Upon being named Employee of the Year, Garcia was shocked. 

“There are so many talented and hard-working individuals who were recognized for employee of the month this year,” Garcia said. “This award may have my name on it, but to me this is a video team award, acknowledging our efforts to support the university’s goals.” 

Distinguished Professor Award 

Dr. Heather Ontiveros, chair of the department of physician assistant studies, received the 2026 Distinguished Professor award. This award is given to a faculty member who consistently achieves the highest level of excellence in the classroom and has a significant history of contributions to the university.

“I am really still processing Thursday night,” said Ontiveros, professor of physician assistant studies.

Starting in 2015 as a clinical coordinator, Ontiveros said she had little faculty experience.  

“I was a practicing physician assistant in the emergency department, urgent care and university medicine,” she said.  

She was hired to develop clinical rotations for the PA program that would soon begin. Between being hired and the program’s opening, Ontiveros taught a few undergraduate classes. Now, she runs the program while still teaching courses. 

“The award is an honor,” she said. “I admire many of the past recipients and am still adjusting to the reality of my inclusion.” 

Distinguished Scholar Award 

Dr. Anthony Chute, professor of church history and associate dean of the School of Christian Ministries, received one of the Distinguished Scholar awards. This award is given to individuals whose work is both scholarly and of public interest. 

Chute was recognized for his efforts to publish the second edition of his book, “The Baptist Story,” co-authored by Nathan A. Finn and Michael A.G. Haykin.  

Chute was hired in 2003 as an assistant professor and taught classes on church history.  

In the 23 years he has taught at the university, Chute said he has always appreciated its commitment to faith in Christ.  

“The professional environment with a focus on excellence in all things, and equally important, the family feel, has been a staple at CBU,” he said. 

He feels that he has not only helped others but has been helped through his career.

“Every class has helped me walk more closely with the Lord and has impressed upon me the privilege of serving Him at CBU,” Chute said.   

“I cannot say enough about the faculty I serve with and the administration I work under.”

Dr. Seong Kong, professor of biomedical engineering, was the second recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award.  

“I never imagined that I would receive this award,” he said. 

Kong came to CBU in 2015 after a friend and current professor encouraged him to apply. 

“I joined this institution with a dream of teaching Christian students and helping them grow into outstanding leaders,” Kong said.  

Over the past 11 years, he has done just that. Through teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, Kong passes down his well-earned knowledge to students.  

Kong was awarded for his years of cardiac research. He has been invested in studying how to improve the efficiency of drug therapy while minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy. This research has the potential to introduce a new drug delivery system for numerous heart-related conditions. 

“I pledge never to lose my passion for research and to always do my utmost to fulfill the calling God has entrusted me,” Kong said.  

Employee Longtime Service Awards 

Additionally, during the faculty and staff awards banquet, 218 employees received service awards for combined service to CBU totaling 2,175 years. Ninety-five marked five years of service, 70 employees were honored for 10 years, 29 recognized for 15 years, 13 for 20 years, seven were recognized for 25 years, two for 30 years and two for 35 years of service.