Beach Excellence

President's Awards for Outstanding Faculty

Sandy Jimenez, Area Coordinator for Parkside Central, is the recipient of the President’s Award for Employee of the Year for Inclusive Excellence in recognition of her transformative leadership and deep commitment to fostering belonging.

Scot Woodyard, a dedicated member of the California State University, Long Beach community for over three decades, is the recipient of the President’s Award for Staff Employee of the Year for Innovation.

Jason Deutschman, Associate Director of Advising in the College of Engineering’s Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC), is the recipient of the President’s Award for Staff Employee of the Year for Leadership.

Michelle Linton is the recipient of the President’s Award for Staff Employee of the Year for Student Success, recognized for her impactful leadership in advancing ��’s mission.

The BeAChampion Facilitation Team—Caitlin Broadwell, Cameron Cecil, Loren Edwards, Liz Grimes, Tamika Spivey, and Tiffany Edlin—is the recipient of the President’s Team Achievement Award for their exceptional collaboration in transforming the student-athlete experience at California State University, Long Beach.

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Jermie Arnold

Jermie Arnold is the Director of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. He was appointed Director of Bands in 2022. Prior to these appointments he served as Associate Director of Bands beginning in 2012. He is the principal conductor of the Wind Symphony and teaches courses in conducting, wind band literature, and music education.

Reo Song

Reo Song,Ph.D., is a professor of marketing in the College of Business at California State University, Long Beach, where he also serves as the director of the Master of Science in Marketing Analytics program. In this role, he leads curriculum development and program initiatives that integrate advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven decision making to prepare students for rapidly evolving digital markets.

Lindsay Pérez Huber

Lindsay Pérez Huber Once a first-generation college student, Dr. Lindsay Pérez Huber is an internationally recognized scholar of race, immigration, and education whose research has significantly shaped the fields of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Chicana/Latina feminisms, and critical qualitative methodologies.

Dr. Erin Biolchino | Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award

Erin Biolchino, J.D., Ed.D., is an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership Department (EDLD), and a colleague and friend. Erin graduated summa cum laude from Azusa University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She received her Juris Doctorate from UCLA before obtaining a doctorate in Educational Leadership from ��. That's right; she an alumna of The Beach! Having served as a Social Studies Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal in PK12 education, she is now an Associate Professor in higher education.

Dr. Eun Jung Chae | Distinguished Faculty Advising Award

Dr. Eun Jung Chae joined the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (��) as an Assistant Professor in 2017. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Prior to joining ��, she served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in both the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Fei Wang | Distinguished Faculty Advising Award

Dr. Fei Wang is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her B.S. in Electronics and Information Science from Peking University in Beijing, China, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Her research interests include non-volatile memory devices, as well as RF and microwave electronics, with particular expertise in the design and testing of Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) based on GaN HEMT devices.

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John’s impact extends beyond problem-solving. He is deeply committed to fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. “He does not simply resolve issues; he empowers staff,” taking time to explain processes and guide colleagues so they can confidently navigate challenges on their own.

Loren brings care, consistency, and follow-through that extend far beyond her job description. As Tiffany Edlin, Senior Associate Athletic Director, shared, “It’s hard to fully capture the impact she makes on our campus…Loren supports all 325 of our student-athletes, and she still finds a way to make every one of them feel seen.”

“As a first-generation college student myself, that role was incredibly meaningful,” Penelope reflects. “I saw myself in many of the students I supported—especially when they were learning how to ask for help, navigate campus resources, and build confidence during their early years at the university.”

Updates coming soon!

Dr. Elaine Villanueva Bernal | Changemaker

Dr. Elaine Bernal has been with �� for 19 years, spreading sustainability initiatives on and off campus. Their leadership roles and efforts are fully recognized through this award.

Kimberly Cruz | Changemaker

"Kim’s leadership has set the standard for how sustainability can be integrated across campus. Kim ensures that sustainability programming remains inclusive, accessible, and collaborative, aligning with the PCS’s mission to embed sustainability into the fabric of campus life."

Kent Hayward | Changemaker

Kent supports the faculty and students at CINE through his leadership skills, motivating them to also practice sustainability in their work. "A shining example of ‘walking the walk."

Pedro Ramirez Godoy | Honorary Award

“Pedro’s “boots on the ground” leadership style sets a powerful example—not only for his team but for our entire campus community. His work reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and operational sustainability.”

Nataliya Acc-Nikmehr | Honorary Award

Nataliya's commitment to a greener campus and community through student engagement and partnerships are recognized through this award.

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Updates coming soon!

Lakeysha Carter | 2025 Excellence in Service Award

The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFAS) is proud to present the inaugural Excellence in Service Award, honoring a Black �� employee who demonstrates exceptional service, leadership, and advocacy in support of the Black Beach community. This award recognizes an individual whose consistent actions embody the values of connection, care, and commitment—going above and beyond to advocate for, empower, and uplift Black students, staff, faculty, or alumni.

Updates coming soon!

Taylor Buhler- Scott | Staff of Distinction

A 3+ year Student Affairs staff member who demonstrates excellence in their role by going above and beyond, performing exemplary work, and making a difference.

Norma Salcedo | Inclusive Excellence

Advanced inclusive excellence through initiatives, programs, or other significant activities.

Drew Bowles | Champion Collaborator

Came together across teams, departments, groups to work on a project or ongoing effort.

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Staff Council Outstanding Staff Award Banner

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Christina Salvador | 2024-2025

As Associate Director of Prospect Research, she has played a critical role in nearly every major fundraising campaign at The Beach.

Allesandro Russo | 2023-2024

Alessandro has contributed to the �� campus in many different roles, including as an undergraduate and graduate student, student organization leader, staff member and leader, and guest lecturer.

Sylvana Cicero | 2022-2023

Sylvana Cicero served as the Assistant Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Student Auxiliary Enterprises.

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Rashida Crutchfield | 2025 Outstanding Faculty Service

Dr. Rashida Crutchfield, a professor in the School of Social Work at Cal State Long Beach, is credited with significantly changing universities’ understanding of how housing and food insecurity create barriers to students’ success.

Kelly Ansely Young | 2024 Outstanding Faculty Innovator in Student Success

Hired in 2003 in the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Young committed early on to make her classroom and research laboratory student-centered. While she was recognized for her effective and innovative teaching and mentoring, Young strove for student success beyond students she worked with directly by creating learning communities for colleagues.

Loucine M. Huckabay | 2022 Outstanding Faculty Service

Throughout her 42-year tenure at California State University, Long Beach, Dr. Loucine Huckabay has been a strong supporter and advocate for all students, especially those from historically underserved backgrounds. She is well known for mentoring students struggling academically, or those whose home or work situations interfere with their academic success.

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