RIVERSIDE, Calif. (May 4, 2016) -- California Baptist University awarded top honors to two faculty and a staff member during its annual faculty and staff awards banquet on April 28.

Each year, CBU's board of trustees selects the Distinguished Professor and Distinguished Scholar award recipients.

Dr. Daniel Prather, founding chair and professor of aviation science, was named Distinguished Professor, a faculty member who has established a record of distinguished service to CBU.

Prather came to CBU in 2012 to launch the university's flight school.

"Being recognized shows great appreciation on the part of students and university leadership. I am exactly where Christ intends for me to be," he said. "I desire for our programs in aviation science to prepare students to impact the aviation industry for Christ."

Dr. Kathryn Short, professor of education, was named Distinguished Scholar. Her proposal is to conduct research on the use of NAO, a humanoid robot, as a communication tool for 4-year-old children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Short, who has taught at CBU for 10 years, will collaborate with the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering, which has several NAO humanoid robots.

Short has a heart for children, as a professor, one of her goals is teach students how to serve families.

"I have always hoped that my students serve children and their families with love, knowledge and passion," she said. "I want my students to remember that every encounter they have with young ones is an opportunity to model what a man or woman of God looks like."

Daron Hubbert, director of residence life, was named Employee of the Year. CBU's Executive Council selects the Employee of the Year recipient from those staff members who have been named employees of the month during the year.

Hubbert's job duties include overseeing the staff of residence life and the various living areas on campus. His department strives to provide quality living environments for the students.

"I am humbled and honored to be recognized with the award," Hubbert said. "For me, it is a reflection of how hard my entire staff works to create a great environment for the students who are living on campus at CBU."