Dr. Mark A. Wyatt, California Baptist University’s vice president for Marketing and Communication, announced Oct. 15 that he will be retiring, effective Jan. 31, 2020.
Wyatt, also an assistant professor of communication arts, has worked at CBU for 18 years, leading the school’s Division of Marketing and Communication since Aug. 1, 2002. Wyatt said he is fortunate to have worked with Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, and his executive leadership team.
He said he has enjoyed assembling and leading the professionals responsible for the institution’s branding, public relations, advertising, media relations, publications and internet marketing.
Wyatt said, “I count myself very fortunate to have served with President Ellis and his executive leadership team during this golden age at CBU.
“Few other colleges in the nation, if any, have experienced the sustained increases in enrollment, enhanced quality of academic programs, athletics and institutional reputation that CBU has achieved during this period. That all of these have happened together at CBU is a testament to bold visionary leadership, practical know-how, hard work and divine favor.”
John Pate, assistant professor and chair of communication arts, has known Wyatt since he started working at CBU. As soon as Wyatt got the job, Pate said he reached out to get to know the Communication Arts Department.
“He’s always been able to provide wise counsel to us. Even in different situations where we’ve gone outside the university for business meetings, luncheons and trips and things, he has been the perfect reflection of what we should be showing to the general public.”
Lisa McDonald, administrative assistant to the vice president for Marketing and Communication, has worked with Wyatt for five years.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with Dr. Wyatt,” McDonald said. “I wish him the very best as he pursues his next adventure.”
Wyatt said the time feels right for him to retire after a prolific professional life.
“I have worked for more than a half century in various professional pursuits,” Wyatt said. “It feels like the time is right for me to step away and pursue other interests.”
After his retirement, Wyatt said he is looking forward to traveling with his wife and spending time with their family and nine grandchildren.
“I feel honored and humbled to have had a hand in all of this and the tremendous impact CBU is having on so many lives here and around the globe,” Wyatt said. “I can only imagine what God has in store for the Lancer Nation in the years ahead. I look forward to celebrating the next wave of achievements at CBU from a new vantage point.”
