For many students, professors seemed to exist only within the California Baptist University bubble. Whether grading assignments or holding office hours, it was easy to forget that these mentors live lives beyond their roles. Dr. Lisa Hernandez, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, offered a glimpse into her life, passions and hobbies outside of CBU.
Entering her 20th year at CBU, Hernandez recalled her first year on campus as a visiting assistant professor. Fresh out of graduate school with a Ph.D. in mathematics, she held several roles that led to her current position as dean.
The College of Arts and Sciences houses a variety of disciplines, ranging from biological sciences to communication arts to history and government. As dean, Hernandez said she strives to support her students by building an environment where they can learn and grow into their individual disciplines.
“The Provost’s Office mission is to create conditions for success, and I think that cycles down to the college level where we try to create opportunities for both students and faculty to flourish in their disciplines and really to grow academically,” Hernandez said.
Dedicated to her role in supporting both students and faculty members, it could be difficult to unplug from those responsibilities. However, Hernandez said she focused on setting boundaries and making time for herself amid this busy academic year.
“When I’m off the clock, I try to be very off the clock,” Hernandez said. “The phone is tempting always, to be checking your email but when I go on vacation, I turn off the angry red dot that tells me how many emails I have pending … and just completely try to disconnect as much as possible, and I think that helps.”
Despite the temptation to remain plugged in, Hernandez said she spent her free time with family or pursuing some of her favorite hobbies.
“I like to travel, so I’ve been to 50 countries outside of the United States and I also like to bake,” Hernandez said. “I bake a lot, usually at least every other week, I bake something and then … during the summer months, I jam a lot. So, I pick fruit and then make jam and can it.”
Another unique hobby she enjoys is making balloon animals. After teaching herself how to make them for an International Service Project trip, Hernandez began volunteering her talents at local events, such as the College of Arts and Sciences Carnival.
“I’m pretty sure I started making them when I was going on ISP to an orphanage in Russia,” Hernandez said. “Just kind of a way to connect with the kids.”
In sharing her hobbies alongside her leadership role, Hernandez reminded students and faculty members that life does not end with one’s studies or career. Whether reviewing budgets or baking a cake, she stayed connected with her passions in all aspects of life, living her purpose.
