Provost's Message June 2025
CSULB Selected for IIE American Passport Project
CSULB is proud to announce its selection for this year’s IIE American Passport Project. The university will receive a grant to assist first-year students who are Pell grant eligible in obtaining a U.S. passport. The Office of International Education and Global Engagement will select 25 students to receive their passports, in coordination with the campus passport office.
President’s Commission on Sustainability Seeks Nominations
The President’s Commission on Sustainability is seeking nominations for the following positions:
• 1 Faculty Commissioner
• 1 Staff Commissioner
Selected Commissioners will have the opportunity to contribute to developing and supporting campus sustainability initiatives that benefit students, faculty, and staff. Commissioners serve a 2-year term starting fall 2025 and concluding at the end of spring 2027.
Interested parties should email a statement of interest and qualifications to the Co-Chairs (Holli Fajack and Kim Kelly) by Friday, June 13, 2025.
In Memoriam: Arlene Nelson

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Arlene Nelson, faculty member and Beach alum, in May 2025. Arlene dedicated many years of service to our campus, first as Assistant Director – and later as Interim Director – of the Child and Family Center. She went on to become a faculty member in the Child Development and Family Studies program, where she inspired countless students and colleagues.
We thank and we honor all the contributions of Arlene Nelson on behalf of The Beach.
Wed - Fri Weekly - INSIGHTS 2025 at Kleefeld Contemporary
June 19 - Juneteenth (Campus closed)
June 26 - Unlocking the Power of New Quizzes
Rapid Rehousing Efforts Show Promising Results
Rashida Crutchfield, professor in the School of Social Work and Executive Director for the Center for Equitable Higher Education at CSULB, co-authored a report evaluating the College Focused Rapid Rehousing program. The report found that students participating in CFRR had a significantly higher probability of staying in school or graduating than students who received short-term housing assistance. The report was covered by Inside Higher Ed.
Professors Honored for Years of Excellent Service at The Beach
Chemistry & Biochemistry professors Dr. Kensaku Nakayama and Dr. Lijuan Li were recently honored with certificates of recognition for their years of excellent service at The Beach. The certificates were presented by former Cerritos Mayor Laura Lee on behalf of the California State Senate, California Legislature, and the County of Los Angeles.
Dr. Nakayama's recognition included his 38 years of service at CSULB, dedication to students, and Alzheimer research.
Dr. Li's recognition included her 27 years of service at CSULB, mentorship of students, and leadership as department chair.
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Nakayama and Li for their dedicated service!
CSULB Announces 2024-25 Graduate Award Winners
Congratulations to our 2024-25 Graduate Award winners for their hard work, dedication, and achievements! We are honored to recognize 78 recipients across 5 categories.
View the latest accolades and see how our Academic Affairs faculty members are contributing as experts in the news.
View the latest grants and gifts recipients of our Beach community.
CSULB Launches Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice Program
Under the direction of Dr. Connie Ireland, the B.S. Criminology & Criminal Justice program is offered in partnership with CPaCE and the College of Health & Human Services’ School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management. The fully online degree program is helping The Beach to expand access for learners from all walks of life.
Thesis & Dissertation Office Reviews & Clears 300 Theses & Dissertations
The Thesis and Dissertation Office (TDO) supports and guides graduate students preparing their theses and dissertations for online publication and clearance to graduate. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the TDO team – Cecilia Paredes (TDO Lead); Cathi Cribbins (Manuscript Evaluator); Johann Long (TDO Intern & MA English Graduate); Jolee Estrada (TDO Intern & MA English Student) – received 300 submissions for review and clearance.
American Language Institute Welcomes International Students
What’s it like to be an international student at CSULB? Hear directly from the American Language Institute (ALI) students as they share their experiences, from campus life to personal growth.
Graduate Studies Supports Social Mobility by Funding Professional Development Opportunities
The Graduate Travel Fellowship (GTF), from the Graduate Studies (GS) office, funds graduate students to present or attend academic and professional conferences. Graduate Studies has funded the Graduate Travel Fellowship since 2014. Funding is available for both the Fall and Spring semesters. GS funded 82 students through the GTF for the Fall 2024-2025 academic year totaling over $51,000!
Carpenter Center’s 2025-26 Season Announced
The Carpenter Center has announced its 2025-2026 season which includes Manny Patinkin, Miles Electric Band, Bilal, Noche Flamenca, and many more!
Single tickets go on sale July 1. From September 1-14, faculty and staff can save 50% on select season shows. Details to follow.
Faculty and staff can also save $10 on tickets all season long when purchasing with a @csulb.edu email address, beginning July 1.
Watch the Master of Social Work Poster Session
Meet the graduating class of 2025 Master of Social Work students who worked with campus and community partners this year as part of their MSW Applied Projects & Thesis work to address a variety of social topics including homelessness, financial literacy, cybercrime, student support services and more.
Logistics Pro Navigates the Twists and Turns of Supply Chain Career Change
Over his 35-year career, Christopher Mosley has specialized in delivering products in the final miles of their international journey—from the ports of Southern California to customers’ front doors. Read about how the Global Logistics Professional program expanded his knowledge of the supply chain, provided new collaborative experiences, and helped launch the next phase of his evolving profession.
Vocal Jazz Students Reflect on Transformative Cuba Tour
Cal State Long Beach’s Pacific Standard Time vocal jazz ensemble recently took the trip of a lifetime, traveling to Cuba during spring break. The journey dramatically changed the students’ perspectives on life abroad and here in the U.S.
Meet the Team Who Brought the Championship Back to CSULB's 'Volleyball Nation'
Long Beach State’s Men’s Volleyball players, less than 24 hours after an on-court victory celebration during which they literally jumped for joy while spectators cheered at the top of their lungs, returned to their home campus with a souvenir that only they could carry — the 2025 National Championship trophy.
CSULB Class of 2025 Celebrates Commencement
Angel Stadium in Anaheim was transformed into a celebratory scene of black and gold, pageantry, music, accolades and fireworks as more than 9,490 students attended Cal State Long Beach’s Commencement during five days of ceremonies, May 18-22.
Contest Winners Prove Entrepreneurship is Open to All at CSULB
Students’ vision to use technology to help aspiring healthcare professionals have better conversations with patients led to the formation of their start-up, CuraVoice, and engagement with Beach programs cultivating entrepreneurial thinking.
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