California Baptist University revealed a monument dedicated to Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, the president of the university, and his 30 years of leadership on Sept. 26. Located near the Kugel, the monument resides in the Ronald L. and Jane Dowden Ellis Great Commission Plaza for all to see upon arrival.
Presented by CBU’s Board of Trustees, the monument was built “In honor of three decades of faithful service, visionary leadership and transformative results,” as written on the top of the plaque. The monument references one of Dr. Ellis’ signature phrases, “May the Lord continue to bless.”
According to an article published by CBU News on Sept. 29, 2025, Dr. Anthony Dockery, chair of CBU’s Board of Trustees, recognized this adage and some of the blessings that have touched CBU under Dr. Ellis’ leadership.
“That blessing is not abstract — it is seen in lives changed, in students sent out across the globe and in a university that continues to flourish,” Dockery said. “Perhaps the greatest blessing has been God’s provision of faithful leadership. Building CBC into the wonderful institution it is today did not happen overnight. It took a targeted vision — strength to stay the course yet a nimbleness to pivot when needed.”
By the grace of God and Dr. Ellis’ dedication to the Great Commission, CBU flourished, consistently growing and reaching record enrollment numbers. Paula Hau, junior accounting major, shared her thoughts on how this addition to the university honors its president.
“I think it’s an amazing way of giving back to him too,” Hau said. “Like, he gives so much into this university and it’s just a way of honoring all the work and time and effort he puts into us, and just showing how much we appreciate him.”
Anthony Frazier, junior film and broadcast and digital media production double major, discussed the legacy this monument will leave behind for future generations of CBU students.
“I believe that it’ll let people in the future know what type of president he was for the campus,” Frazier said. “It can lead people into looking into who he was, what he did, how he helped build up this program from when he started to what it is now to what it’s gonna be in the future.”
In the article published by CBU News on Sept. 29, 2025, Dr. Ellis shared a few words from him and his wife, Jane, at the monument unveiling ceremony, expressing his appreciation for this honor.
“I extend my sincere and deep gratitude to the trustees for allowing us to live our dream,” Ellis said. “This recognition really touches our hearts.”
