CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis named 2025 Citizen of the Year

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, who has led California Baptist University for 31 years, will receive the 2025 Citizen of the Year award from the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. The award will be presented at the chamber's 126th Inaugural Celebration on Wednesday, April 8.

The recognition marks another milestone for Ellis, who in January 2025 reflected on his three-decade tenure with The Raincross Gazette, describing his career as "living my dream." He remains California's longest-serving university president.

Since assuming CBU's presidency in 1994, Ellis has overseen unprecedented growth at the Riverside institution. Student enrollment has jumped from 808 to more than 12,500 — a 1,450% increase. The university's endowment has grown from $3.8 million to $168 million, up 4,200%, while the campus has added 224 buildings through more than $630 million in investments.

Under Ellis's leadership, CBU expanded from a small Baptist college to a Division I university offering more than 150 undergraduate programs, over 40 master's programs, and 11 doctoral programs. Major campus additions include the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center, a new soccer stadium, and the Ernest Eugene and Billie Yeager Center.

Ellis also established CBU's International Service Projects program, which has engaged nearly 6,000 students in service work. Thousands of CBU alumni now work throughout the Inland Empire as educators, healthcare providers, and other professionals.

The April 8 event will also mark the transition of chamber leadership. Jennifer Binkley of Altura Credit Union will complete her term as board chair, with Stephanie Standerfer of Albert A. Webb Associates taking over.

More information: Individual tickets cost $150. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at the chamber's website, riverside-chamber.com.