Riverside, Calif. (April 7, 2016) – Dr. Micah Parker, director of athletics at California Baptist University, was named April Citizen of the Month by the mayor of Riverside, Rusty Bailey.

"Dr. Parker is a great example of how California Baptist University is helping students to 'live their purpose,'" Bailey said on why he chose Parker for the recognition. "The university is a blessing for Riverside, and Dr. Parker leads the Athletic Department toward excellence in athletics and academics in a faith-based environment."

The 2015-16 year marks Parker's seventh year as the head of the athletics department at CBU. During his time at CBU, the Lancers have had an unprecedented run of success, leading Parker to also be named The Press-Enterprise Most Influential Sports Figure in the Inland Empire in 2015.   

During Parker's tenure, CBU made the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II where the Lancers had 12 of 19 NCAA programs qualify for postseason in their first year of eligibility (2013-14). CBU now has 27 NCAA Division II conference titles. Additionally, CBU also has three individual NCAA Division II champions, two in women's swimming and the other in wrestling.

Since joining the PacWest in 2011, CBU has won three of four Commissioner's Cups — becoming the first school to do so — and is currently in first place in the 2015-16 standings. 

Outside of CBU, Parker is also a Christian motivational speaker, speaking at national youth gatherings, faith-based businesses, school assemblies, church events, graduations and Fellowship of Christian Athletes groups.