CBU president encourages students to lead with purpose at Distinguished Lecture event

Riverside, Calif. (March 27, 2025) – A longtime goal of Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, was to prepare students to earn a seat at the table where important decisions are made, he told faculty, staff and students. Ellis spoke to more than 650 people for the University Writing Center Distinguished Public Lecture and Award on March 26.

“Being prepared to provide an effective voice when decisions are made can mean that a very small change can have a multiplied effect on numerous people,” he said. “I can only dream of the impact you and other CBU graduates will have globally 40 years from now. And that is a big part of my motivation and the vision when I came.”

The writing center organizes the annual lecture with a distinguished Christian professional who embodies its mission to cultivate purpose-driven writers, communicators and influencers.

Ellis spoke about setting goals, his time as CBU president and his recently released book, “We Are Ready: A President’s Preparation and Purpose.” His own journey was often filled with more closed doors than open ones, he said.

“The difficult times help develop needed skill sets that are hard to come by except by learning to accept rejection and persevering,” Ellis said. “Often through trial and error, one develops the ability to discern the difference between obstacles that one must overcome and doors that are closed.”

In his book, Ellis shares his journey of becoming president and also how Matthew 28:19-20 became his life verse and then his vision for a university committed to the Great Commission.

“Each of us gathered here has been chosen for this time, in this place, and gifted specifically by God to live our unique purpose,” Ellis told the crowd. “Our life's goal is to seek God's will, find God's will and spend the rest of our lives doing God's will.”

During the event, Dr. Charles Sands, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, moderated a discussion with Ellis and Dr. Mark Wyatt, co-author of the book and emeritus vice president of Marketing and Communication at CBU.

Wyatt discussed how having strong communication skills allows students to convey their ideas effectively.

“When you have that kind of written skill and verbal skill, then you have a much better chance of being persuasive whether you already have a seat at the table or you're preparing to get that seat at the table,” Wyatt said.

Ellis talked about the idea of “having your head in the clouds but your feet on the ground.”

“When you have a vision for something that you want to accomplish … you have to have a well thought-out, clear vision of what it is you want to do,” he said. “But if we never put our feet on the ground, it never happens.”

Ellis encouraged students to live every day to the fullest.

“Have goals and really enjoy your life and get up and go at it every time and then serve the Lord all the way. Focus on how you can help people. That's probably the biggest thing — when you help people, you help yourself,” he said.

In conjunction with the lecture, students had the opportunity to join reading groups that read and discussed his book. 

Abbey Maust, an English and preliminary single subject credential major, said a main lesson she took from the book was the importance of goal planning while also understanding the need to remain adaptable as life changes.

“Something I learned is the importance of being more present and maintaining a positive attitude, even when things don’t align with my desires. Sometimes, it’s necessary to step back, trust God to do the work,” she said.

Elizabeth Perry, an English and business double major, appreciated that Ellis was so focused on goal setting.

“From the very first chapter we see how he chooses to make plans,” Perry said. “By making plans and announcing them, not only is he preparing for success, but he also forces himself to be held accountable by others. I think this is an excellent tactic that I would benefit from implementing.”

Both students said CBU has helped prepare them to have a seat at the table.

“Being part of the greater commission that Dr. Ellis refers to in his book has shown me that having a seat at the table is not just about occupying a position but about having access to opportunities, influence and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the world,” Maust said. “It’s about being a contributor to something bigger than myself.”

Perry is thankful for the faculty and staff for preparing her for life after college.

“At CBU, I have found myself developing a supportive and successful community, which has in turn pushed me to be my best,” she said. “The people here really care about you, and, because of that, they do everything in their power to help you grow. I have been challenged and pushed here, but I have also found myself making lifelong connections.”

Dr. Ellis’ book “We Are Ready: A President’s Preparation and Purpose” is available on Amazon. All proceeds go toward the Ronald L. and Jane D. Ellis Endowed Scholarship, which provides scholarships for emerging leaders around the world to attend CBU.