Inside Academic Affairs email header.

Office of the Provost

July 13, 2026

Updates on events, resources, & achievements.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Graduate student Amber Peek turns adversity into award-winning research

When Amber Peek transferred to CSULB, they were living out of their car. Years later, Peek has become one of The Beach’s most celebrated graduate researchers, earning statewide recognition for their scientific work and communication skills. Through mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and a campus community committed to student success, Peek found the support and opportunities to thrive. Read more about Peek’s journey, their colorectal cancer prevention research, and how CSULB opens doors for students to transform challenges into achievements.

Beach EDGE celebrates first dual-degree graduates

CSULB recently celebrated the first graduates of Beach EDGE, an accelerated dual-degree program that allows students to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in less time. Since launching in 2024, the program has expanded opportunities for students to pursue graduate education while reducing both time and cost. Read more about the inaugural graduates and the streamlined pathways available through Beach EDGE.

In Memoriam: Thomas Gufrey

The CSULB community mourns the passing of Thomas Gufrey, retired professor of chemistry. Professor Gufrey joined CSULB in 1977 and retired in 2019 after more than four decades of service to The Beach.

Throughout his career, Professor Gufrey inspired generations of students to discover an interest in chemistry and is remembered for the care, kindness, and encouragement he brought to his teaching. His mantra, “Kindness Matters,” reflected the way he approached his work and the lasting impact he had on students and colleagues alike.

We honor and thank Professor Gufrey for his many contributions to CSULB and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former students, and colleagues.

EVENTS

July 14 – Good Fit or Good Add? How Belonging Expands the Table

July 16 – Beyond Hearing: Becoming a Better Listener

July 22 – Summer Staff Day

July 25 – Sharks @ The Beach

July 31 – Evening Music in the Garden

Aug 4 – Empower Your Mind: Transform Negative Thought Patterns

POINTS OF PRIDE

CSULB earns 5 out of 5 stars in ‘Best Colleges in America’ ranking

In a new Money college ranking, Cal State Long Beach has been recognized as one of the “Best Colleges in America,” earning 5 out of 5 stars for the third year in a row.

University Honors director’s article reaches university leaders across the nation

Dr. Sandra Pérez, Director of University Honors at CSULB, recently published an article advocating for the value and importance of honors education in the United States. The article was featured in the National Collegiate Honors Council’s Honors Forward: A President’s and Provost’s Digest on Honors Education newsletter, reaching university presidents and provosts across the nation. This national recognition highlights Dr. Pérez’s leadership in honors education and her commitment to promoting high-impact learning opportunities that support student success at The Beach.

CSULB leads the CSU in General Education Math & Quantitative Reasoning Completion

The latest Legislative Report on Academic Preparation of First-Year Students ranks CSULB No. 1 among all 22 CSU campuses for General Education Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning completion. The recognition reflects the university's continued commitment to helping students build a strong academic foundation and achieve early academic success in mathematics.

CSULB Study Abroad students meet President of Ireland at Dublin Art Festival

Assistant Professor Yulia Gasio’s study abroad course this past June took more than 20 CSULB students to Ireland. The course provided plenty of cross-cultural opportunities, as well as daily opportunities to sketch, draw, and paint en plein air. Students met with Irish art faculty and visited some of the country’s top art institutions. While their artistic journey through the country culminated in a professional exhibition at the Sparknet Art Gallery in Dublin, our CSULB students also got the chance to enter their work in the Dublin Plein Air Festival, where two of our young artists, Tess Anderson Thompson and Sydney Kate, won awards, and where all of our CSULB students got to meet and show their work to Catherine Connolly, the President of Ireland.

MSW student receives prestigious Sally Casanova Scholarship

Master of Social Work student Yailanis Cruz has been selected as a 2026-27 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar, one of the California State University's most prestigious graduate student honors. The award provides mentorship, funding, and research opportunities to support students pursuing doctoral degrees and careers in higher education.

CSULB alumnus lands leading stage and screen roles

Theatre Arts alumnus Raymond Lee '08 continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry with leading roles in television and theater, including an upcoming performance as Hamlet at South Coast Repertory. Lee credits the mentorship and opportunities he found at CSULB with helping launch his career.

Dr. Shadi Saadeh receives fifth Caltrans grant

Dr. Shadi Saadeh from the Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management Department has received his fifth grant from Caltrans in support of the Joint Training and Certification Program (JTCP), for $1,481,856. The JTCP is a partnership between Caltrans, industry, and the State of CA, and is jointly run by CSULB and SJSU. The program provides a 3-year certification on construction materials and materials testing that is required for all technicians working for Caltrans and other companies.

CSULB Trauma Recovery Center awarded $2.2 million grant to expand services

The Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center has received a $2.2 million renewal grant from the California Victim Compensation Board to continue and expand trauma recovery services over the next two years. The funding will support additional clinical staff, expand training opportunities for CSULB graduate students, and strengthen the center's partnerships providing trauma-informed care throughout the Long Beach community.

In the News

Check out how faculty members are contributing as experts in the news.

IN THE NEWS

Grants & Gifts

Stay up to date on colleagues that have acquired the latest CSULB grants and gifts.

GRANTS & GIFTS

NEWS & UPDATES

Jessica McBride appointed Engineering and AI Librarian

The University Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica McBride as Engineering and AI Librarian. Previously serving as Assistant Librarian, Jessica will continue supporting the faculty and students of the Hung Family College of Engineering through research services, instruction, and consultations. She is also available for instruction, consultations, or on AI implementation and usage.

CAPS temporarily relocation

By Aug 1, 2026, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) will be temporarily located in the Foundation Building, Room 332. All services and appointments will continue without interruption. Visit the CAPS Temporary Location website for updates and more information.

No-cost dental services available for students

CSULB Student Health Services, in partnership with West Coast University, now offers students no-cost dental screenings and cleanings on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please share this with students and encourage them to sign up through the Patient Portal on their CSULB Single Sign-On. Visit the Student Health Services website for more information.

CSULB Law Society launches first undergraduate law review in CSU system

The CSULB Law Society has launched the Beach Undergraduate Law Review, the first undergraduate law review in the California State University system and one of only four at public universities in California. The student-led publication provides aspiring legal scholars with opportunities to publish original research, strengthen their legal writing skills, and contribute to academic discourse with support from the Department of Political Science. Check out the Long Beach Current article for more details.

Graduate Studies prepares to welcome incoming graduate students at the Graduate Student Orientation

The Graduate Studies office will host its annual virtual New Graduate Student Orientation on Thursday, August 13. The University-Wide Orientation covers grad student milestones, campus resources, and opportunities that promote graduate student success, growth, and achievement.

Enjoy summertime with colleagues at Summer Staff Day

It’s almost time for Summer Staff Day! Staff Council’s popular event is returning on July 22 from 11a.m. - 1 p.m. Catch up with colleagues, enjoy food, and have fun with a variety of activities, including the always popular Pot-A-Plant activity.

Student Spotlight: Ryan Craig is bringing Swiss style to CSULB’s Hospitality Management Program

Hospitality Management student Ryan Craig has been a snowboarder, a surfer, and a world traveler for as long as he can remember. The problem was that he never really knew what he wanted to pursue as a career – until he landed in CSULB’s Hospitality Management Program.

CCPHIT interns gain hands-on experience in public health technology

This summer, five CSULB students are participating in the California Consortium for Public Health Informatics & Technology (CCPHIT) Workforce Program, gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of technology and public health. Through paid internships with local and state partners, students are applying classroom knowledge to real-world public health challenges while preparing for careers in a rapidly growing field. Meet this year's interns and learn how their experiences are shaping the future of public health in California.

Astronomy and Dance meet in new course

Physics and Astronomy Professor Joel Zinn collaborated with Dance Professor Rebecca Bryant to create a new grant-funded class utilizing a dual-disciplinary curriculum combining science, astronomy, dance, and movement. The course encourages students to explore complex scientific concepts through creative expression. Discover how this unique collaboration is redefining interdisciplinary learning at The Beach.

Graduate Center connects students and campus partners to graduate school success through workshops

The Graduate Center (GC) hosts various workshops for current and prospective students. Topics include writing skills, time management, graduate school processes, and statement of purpose. In the 2025-2026 AY, the GC hosted 81 workshops/presentations. Of these, 33 were offered with campus partners (e.g., McNair Scholars, LSAMP, Basic Needs, Mellon Mays [MMUF], colleges, faculty classrooms). Campus departments and student clubs/organizations may request workshop/presentations or GC tours from the Graduate Center.

Seven books by CSULB faculty worth packing this summer

Looking for your next summer read? Check out these seven books written by CSULB faculty, featuring topics that range from history and culture to science, food, and social justice.

Student innovators harness AI for healthier living

Student teams participating in CSULB's Sunstone Innovation Challenge are using artificial intelligence to tackle real-world health and wellness challenges. Their projects demonstrate how emerging technologies can support healthier communities while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Preparing the next generation of school psychologists

As demand for school psychologists continues to grow, CSULB is expanding opportunities for graduate students through a federally funded training initiative. The program provides specialized preparation, hands-on clinical experience, and community partnerships that equip future professionals to support K-12 students throughout California.

Mediation Certificate Program gives students real-world experience

CSULB's Mediation Certificate Program provides students with hands-on opportunities to resolve real disputes while developing communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. Through partnerships with local organizations and the courts, students gain practical experience that prepares them for careers across a variety of professions.

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