For more than a decade, Dr. David Pearson has roamed the campus of California Baptist University as an educator, professional and now as the dean of the College of Health Science.
“The transition to becoming dean has been very smooth,” Pearson said. “I’ve been working here for 16 years now, so familiarity with the campus and the people has made it go well.”
As dean, Pearson deals a lot with what goes on within the College of Health Science, including the new construction and renovations taking place at the Health Science Campus on Monroe Street.
“The more difficult transition has been getting our campus project completed over here and ready for the school year,” Pearson said. “As you can see, we are almost there and anticipating great things, but still (with) a little bit of work to be done.”
For Pearson, there are expectations and goals he wants to achieve while holding the deanship.
“What I want to see is a robust college that offers all the programs our students desire and that are going to be helpful to the community at large,” Pearson said.
Although Pearson holds a high role as dean, he still takes the time to teach and pour into his students.
“Currently, my teaching is mostly involved with graduate sport management students,” Pearson said.
Prior to becoming the dean of the College of Health Science, Pearson held many positions during his time at CBU, including being a professor of kinesiology, the associate provost of administration and the department chair of kinesiology.
Chris Hofschroer, assistant dean of students and former student of Pearson, knows firsthand the type of person Pearson is, both inside and outside of school.
“He was a professor I really admired and I think we had a good relationship,” Hofschroer said. “Once I became a professional, it was fun to be able to look behind the curtain and get to know him personally.”
For Hofschroer, Pearson did more than just teach him in classes; he also had an impact on Hofschroer’s career path.
“I never really considered a career in recreation, I just felt that recreation happened,” Hofschroer said.
Despite Pearson having a busy schedule while in school, he does not let that stop him from enjoying the company of his family and friends.
“My very favorite things in the world are just to be with my family, to do things with my wife and two sons,” Pearson said. “We enjoy working out and my kids are into martial arts and parkour training, so just being active and doing physical things.”
Pearson’s main advice as dean is to connect with professors and communicate regularly.
“People want to get to know you, they want to know who you are as a person and they want to help you,” Pearson said.
