The Power of Purpose: CBU’s Commitment to Military Families

Every person is created for a purpose, regardless of who they are and their life experiences. This belief is at the heart of California Baptist University (CBU). With this as a foundation and our mission to provide students with a biblical education, we are proud to serve people with diverse life backgrounds – especially those who have sworn to support and defend our country.

To fulfill this mission, CBU welcomes and embraces active-duty military members, veterans, and their families as part of Lancer Nation. As a Yellow Ribbon school, CBU has partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to participate in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, which helps cover tuition and fees beyond the maximum amount the VA provides under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

One such veteran benefiting from this program is Chris May, an Air Force veteran who served for 10 years before transitioning to the National Guard and now has 24 years of total service.

“I never planned on going back to school, but God directed me to CBU,” says May. “The CBU Yellow Ribbon Program was such a blessing to my family because my education was covered through the GI Bill and what CBU’s program offered.”

Having served across the states and overseas, Chris’ military experiences fostered personal growth and learning, skills he now applies in his career working with others. Feeling a calling to become a missionary pilot for his church, Chris connected with Dr. John Marselus, chair of the Department of Aviation Science, to discuss the program at CBU. This conversation led Chris to pursue a degree in Aviation Flight with a commercial concentration.

“Aviation is a whole different world, but - having come from the Air Force - there is a wonderful community at CBU that supports you through it,” explained May.

To ensure military-affiliated students receive an award-winning education, CBU makes education affordable and accessible through scholarships, grants, and loans available to undergraduate and graduate students. Each year, more than 100 student veterans and dependents utilize their Veterans Education Benefits for tuition assistance.

Once accepted, dedicated military counselors are available to guide students through financial aid options and the university’s application process. The admissions staff at CBU provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals, offering academic advice, career counseling, and flexible schedules to accommodate deployments and duty assignments, ensuring academic success that will benefit their future careers.

A testament to the support CBU offers is Steven Bell, a veteran who served in the Marines and is an MBA graduate student. Bell’s journey to pursue a college degree is one of perseverance through many trials and tribulations.

After he retired from the Marines, he worked as an EMT at Children’s Hospital of Orange County before deciding to go to school full-time. He started taking classes at Riverside Community College (RCC) so he could transfer to a university when, shortly thereafter, his mother, who lived out of state, was diagnosed with cancer. He went to be with his mother and could not continue at RCC.

It was at this time that his wife encouraged him to apply to CBU. He did so with help from a friend and an admissions counselor at the university who informed him about the Yellow Ribbon Program; he would be able to attend school without worrying about finances. His faith led him to CBU and CBU offered a path forward.

During his first month at CBU, Bell’s mother passed away and CBU was by his side to support him during this difficult time.

“I communicated this with professors, and they encouraged me during this time,” says Bell. “I connected with Dr. Ron Foist, who I shared a common bond with of serving our country and who had a parent pass away. He stayed by my side all four years until I graduated with my undergraduate degree.”

Understanding that families face unique challenges, CBU aims to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Bell recalls a professor allowing him to bring his newborn baby to class during the times when his wife was working, and he was trying to keep up with his classes.

“CBU’s programs are set up for success, and the brotherhood and sisterhood I experienced are similar to a military family,” Bell explained. “The small class sizes nurture a sense of community, and professors care about you as a person, not just a student.”

CBU is consistently seeking ways to create meaningful engagement opportunities for students. The Student Veterans of America Chapter helps active-duty veterans and their families stay connected on campus. The Veterans Resource Center is another way students can receive administrative support and connect with other members of the military community. Anyone can Live Their Purpose – and CBU can help.