At California Baptist University, professors’ offices are more than just a workspace, they reflect what makes them unique and different from one another.
These personal touches turn ordinary offices into meaningful expressions of who CBU professors are beyond their roles as educators. Their offices showcase what makes them tick, things they love and parts of their life stories.
On the first floor of the W.E. James building, many offices catch your eye with only a glance. James 128 and James 140 reflect the uniqueness of their professors, from film decor and Olympic memorabilia to a room full of greenery. These details express their personalities aside from the department they teach.
Dr. Ed Garrett, department chair of undergraduate psychology, director of the center for sport and performance psychology and professor of sport and performance psychology. His office in James 128 reflects the uniqueness of his personality and life story.
When students walked into his office, they were greeted with music playing from a record player, Lego sets and an Olympic-themed wall. A large chair gave students a place to recline and feel more comfortable when they came to speak with him.
Part of Garrett’s story was heavily influenced by his life experience. From managing the U.S.A. beach volleyball team in the 1996 Olympics to traveling to London, these moments were reflected in the decor in his office.
Garrett said the items hanging in his office were not for his satisfaction but gave students a glimpse of the possibilities their lives could have as well.
“If [Dr. Garrett] believes in me and he believed in himself to make this happen, maybe I can do it,” Garrett said.
On his walls hung thirty years of life, where he experienced much of the world beyond CBU’s campus. He wanted students to see that if he could do it, so can they. Garrett wants them to be inspired and encouraged use the gifts God gave them. Many of the experiences he had were things he never thought he would do but he did. He wants others to do those things they never imagined possible and make them flourish.
“I want [my office] to be inviting to students, I want them to be able to come in and forget about life, enjoy and get inspired. I’ve been very blessed with what God has given me…if I can do it, my students can do it.” Garrett said.
Farther down the first floor of James, located in room 140, is Dr. Liza Arellano’s office. When her office door is open, passersby can’t help but notice the amount of greenery, revealing a room full of life. Her office is adorned with plants, each one adding vibrant greens and a sense of vitality.
Arellano, assistant professor of social work, program director for the master of social work and accreditation coordinator for the division of social work created a homey, welcoming atmosphere to those who visited.
Her office did not always look that way. Over the years, Arellano started with only one or two plants and gradually added more. When she moved to James 140 from a smaller space, she began running out of room and turned to Pinterest for shelf ideas to display more plants.
Arellano explained the greenery and pictures around her office help make the space feel homey, allowing students to feel comfortable and open up.
“I’m here a lot, so I want something that is comfortable, brings me peace and I enjoy being around. Some of the paintings and pictures reflect people who make me happy, like my family and co-workers.” Arellano said. “Students enjoy coming in here, they always comment on [the plants], hopefully it makes them feel comfortable, safe and able to open up…and enjoy the room.”
Arellano’s office shows how professors create environments where students feel welcomed, seen and supported.
Offices filled with family photos, greenery or travel mementos create spaces where students see their professors through a new lens. More than just educators, they are people experiencing this journey we call life.
