Riverside, Calif. (June. 1, 2016) – Dr. David J. Pearson, a California Baptist University veteran, has been announced as the new dean of the College of Health Science (CHS).

Pearson will officially begin his new role on July 1. He has held several roles at CBU since he started 15 years ago, including professor, associate provost for administration and Department of Kinesiology chair.

"CBU has been a significant blessing in my life, and I am excited to take on yet another role in my service to this amazing university," Pearson said.

Pearson will oversee a broad range of programs including an associate degree program, 15 undergraduate and five graduate programs at CHS. During the 2015-16 academic year some 1,000 students were enrolled in CHS. Pearson expects that number to increase about 10 percent this fall. The top three programs by enrollment numbers are health science, kinesiology and communication disorders.

Pearson said the college is growing and the atmosphere is vibrant at the relatively new CHS campus (the former Riverside Christian School facilities), which began hosting classes in the fall 2015.

Pearson earned his bachelor's degree in health and physical education and a master's degree in sport management from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He also earned his doctorate in institutional leadership and policy studies from University of California, Riverside.

Founded in 1950, California Baptist University is a private comprehensive institution located in Riverside, Calif. CBU offers more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations, as well as more than 40 graduate programs and two doctoral programs. Affiliated with California Southern Baptist Convention, CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities.