Making Waves: August 2024
Making Waves is a monthly column that celebrates accomplishments of the CSULB community.
July Employee of the Month: Data manager Julie Wilson
Science fiction writer Daniel Keys Moran once said, "You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data." Had he been working for University Relations and Development at Cal State Long Beach, he might have added: “And none of it matters without Julie Wilson.” Assistant director of database management for advancement services, Wilson oversees all incoming data and ensures its integrity in the support of everything from fundraising to strategic planning. Named July’s Employee of the Month, Wilson recently celebrated her 25th year at The Beach. Luc Tran, the desktop and network security administrator who nominated Wilson for Best of the Beach, praised her for outstanding work protecting alumni and donor data, gathering documents and vetting potential vendors. "It is thanks to her that we are able to properly vet all of these vendors. Without Julie, we may end up working through these requests for months.”
Sheffield receives Legacy Award from Mayor’s Fund
Just back from coaching at the Paris Olympics, Long Beach State track and field head coach LaTanya Sheffield received the 2024 Legacy Award from the Mayor's Fund for Long Beach at a ceremony aboard the Queen Mary Aug. 15. The Legacy Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. An Olympian herself, Sheffield was celebrated for her dedication to mentoring young athletes and recognized for her remarkable career in athletics. At this year's Summer Olympic Games, Sheffield led Team USA women’s track and field team, which took home seven gold, five silver and four bronze medals, helping the team win the most medals with 34 overall. Originally focused on education, the Mayor’s Fund has expanded to address a broader range of community needs, making Sheffield’s Legacy Award a testament to her enduring impact on both the sport and the Long Beach community.
Liberal Arts dean selected for Becoming a Provost Academy
College of Liberal Arts Dean Deborah Thien has been selected as a member of the 2024-2025 cohort for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Becoming a Provost Academy (BAPA). Offered in partnership with the American Academic Leadership Institute, the yearlong leadership development program began at the 2024 Summer Meeting for Academic and Student Affairs Leaders in Denver. BAPA prepares seasoned academic affairs administrators to become effective provosts through comprehensive training, networking and mentoring. Since 2016, 40 BAPA participants have become provosts, with 10 advancing to presidents or chancellors. Thien has been with Cal State Long Beach’s College of Liberal Arts since 2006, when she joined the Department of Geography as an assistant professor. She has been CLA dean since 2022.
Alumnus receives Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Distinguished alumnus Felton Williams '72, ‘75 received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award July 27. A former president and longtime member of the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education, Williams has an impressive academic and professional background. In addition to his role as assistant to the associate dean of instructional services at CSULB, Williams also served as dean of counseling services at Sacramento City College and dean of business and social science at Long Beach City College. He earned his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration, both from CSULB. Williams began his career at CSULB while still a student there, contributing to the design and implementation of the first computer-assisted registration system and to the graduate program in public policy and administration. He also served in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of E5. Williams retired in 2007.
Have an item for Making Waves? Send your submissions to Wendy Thomas Russell.
