Emmy-winning producer brings experience to the classroom

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Christopher Contreras, director of student publications – broadcast at California Baptist University, brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role. A six-time Emmy Award-winning producer, he has worked on marquee events including the World Series, FIFA Women’s World Cup and Fox College Football.

Growing up, Contreras loved playing sports such as basketball, and he watched ESPN and SportsCenter every night.

“I’d even fall asleep to it,” he said. “So, I said, ‘Wow, that’s what I want to do when I grow up.’”

At California State University, Fullerton, Contreras jumped into broadcasting, gaining hands-on experience at the campus TV station. Dr. Brent Foster, a broadcast professor, became a mentor.

“He had a big impact on my life, and he didn’t even like sports, ironically,” Contreras said. “He was a big news guy, and he taught me a lot.”

Contreras expected to be on TV as soon as he graduated but reality hit. He then discovered he preferred working behind the scenes.

“Once I started working in the industry, I found that I didn't want to be on TV anymore. I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes storytelling, the producing side of it,” he said.

As a producer, Contreras managed logistics, coordinated interviews and videographers and wrote scripts. He traveled a lot, including being at every game of the 2017 World Series and the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas.

His first Emmy for MLB playoffs Outstanding Studio Show Limited Run remains close to his heart, a symbol of everything it took to get there: His parents moved from El Salvador for a better life for the family, the challenges of education and making a career in a competitive industry.

Contreras and his team formed a close bond through the travel demands of the job. Working on television is hard and pressure-filled, but the experiences are cool, he said.

However, after becoming a father in 2019, he realized he traveled too much.

“I was just missing a lot of time at home that I wasn't OK with missing anymore,” Contreras said.

Looking back at his time in college, he felt a pull to become a Dr. Foster for someone else.

“I always kind of thought I would end up teaching at some point. I appreciated how much he taught me,” Contreras said. “If I could be half of that for anybody else, it would be cool.”

When the opportunity to teach at CBU arose, he applied. Throughout his application process it felt like God led him to CBU, said Contreras, who started over the summer.

“My favorite thing about teaching is when my students learn what I've been saying, and they apply it themselves,” he said. “It’s been unbelievably rewarding.”

He encourages his students to go all in: “Work as if you’re doing it for the Lord. It’s whatever God chooses for us. Just be ready and accept it.”