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News from the Provost's Office
Most Recent Announcements
John Sutter has accepted the position of Associate Director within the University’s Student Academic Support Services (SASS). This role will include responsibility for advising students in most STEM degree programs.
Sutter’s office is located in PSC 225, which will make him conveniently available to advise students in the following programs:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Math
- Physics
- Pre-Engineering
- STEM Education
He can be reached at jsutter@lasierra.edu and x2480. Students can book an appointment with John at: https://johnsutter.youcanbook.me.
John first came to La Sierra as a student in 2007, ultimately earning a degree in Psychology. After graduating in 2013, John joined the La Sierra staff as an Academic Coach.
Within OACS John has served as Adviser and Lead Adviser, as Assistant Director for First Year Experience, and most recently as Assistant Director for Testing and Application Administration. He was involved in activities arising from La Sierra’s involvement in AVID for Higher Education, sponsored by our first Title V grant; Title V experiences included attending the 2017 AVID Summer Institute and serving on the La Sierra AVID for Higher Education Committee.
La Sierra has begun awarding badges. Badges area a form of microcredential that recognize students' academic and co-curricular accomplishments. They benefit students by displaying skill sets they have developed.
Click here to view La Sierra's six badges: La Sierra Badges.
The Provost’s Office is delighted to introduce its new Executive Coordinator, Jasmine Wilson. Jasmine will provide support work for the Provost and Associate Provost for scheduling, coordinating with administrative and academic units, and planning events such as graduation. Her strong writing skills will underpin production of minutes and reports. Additionally, she will serve as a friendly entry point for students and staff desiring access to the Provost.
Provst April Summitt notes that “La Sierra University Provost’s Office has not had a full team for the last five years. With the addition of Ms. Wilson, the Office can once again thrive.”
Ms. Wilson comes to La Sierra after five years as Executive Assistant to the CEO of Humetrix, a consulting firm that helps companies recruit, select, and retain employees and managers. At Humetrix she supported company leadership with document creation, event planning and interactions with staff and outside entities. Previously, Jasmine worked for LPL Financial for two years and Ronald Wilson Architects for eight years. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego, from which she graduated cum laude.
Jasmine describes herself as “people person” who enjoys working collaboratively in teams.
La Sierra's Title V Grant Project Director Marvin Payne has submitted a report on the ninth year of grant activity. Three grants are currently active:
- Guided Pathways (which will be completed in 2024-25)
- STEM Teacher Training (nearing the end of Year 3)
- Sustainability Program (still in its first year)
Highlights of the 2023-24 report include:
STEM Guided Pathways
80 students participated in the Pathways program, which provides additional support for STEM students. 21 STEM-focused events were sponsored, addressing topics such as career / alumni talks, internship information sessions, and networking events.
STEM Bridge
23 students participated in a two-week event in September 2023 that introduced them to campus resources, reviewed math skills, and surveyed scientific research methods.
STEAM Camp
Eight students from local high schools experienced this program in June 2024. Students began the day with either in a biology lab with Dr. Nate Sutter or a chemistry lab with Dr. Natasha Dean. After lunch, students pursued other learning opportunities, ranging from First Aid certification to study of Robotics or Natural History.
STEM Education
The grant projects provided seminars guiding students toward success in the Cal TPA, one of the final hurdles for students seeking teacher credentialing.
Sustainability
Besides sponsoring the inaugural Sustainability Speaker Series (with Arizona State University's Dr. Joni Adamson), two new faculty have been hired to develop the University's sustainability program.
Sam McBride, Ph.D.
Associate Provost
I am pleased to announce the selection of Dr Sam McBride as Associate Provost as of July 1, 2024.
Sam McBride joined the La Sierra English Department faculty in 2007, after teaching for 18 years with DeVry University (Pomona). Besides teaching English classes, he oversaw the Basic English program and started the Writing Center. In 2013, CAS Dean Adeny Schmidt asked Sam to take on the half-time role of Associate Dean of the College.
A few years later, La Sierra received its first Title V grant as an Hispanic-serving institution; McBride was asked to serve as Project Director for the first grant, overseeing development in Basic Skills Math and English, tutoring, and faculty development programs in conjunction with AVID for Higher Education. He was then appointed Dean of General Education and later Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, where he has served the last four years.
McBride's research focuses on the lives and writings of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien; his most recent book, Middle-earth Metaphysics, examines the activities of divine beings in Tolkien's legendarium. When not at work, Sam adds to his stamp collection while listening to opera.
A search for an interim dean is currently underway and a national search for a permanent Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences will commence soon.
Please join me in congratulating Dr Sam McBride for his new role as Associate Provost for La Sierra University.
I am pleased to announce the launch of our university's new sustainability program, showcasing our dedication to environmental stewardship and creating a sustainable future. La Sierra University's Program in Sustainability Studies is designed to nurture enduring and sustainable connections among society, the economy, and the environment, both on our campus and in the broader community. Our focus is on generating lasting benefits for present and future generations.
Central to the Program in Sustainability Studies is our commitment to preparing graduates who can effectively tackle practical issues in various fields, including agriculture, food science, global studies, agricultural entrepreneurship, and sustainability science. This program adopts a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, integrating the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. This approach empowers students to develop innovative solutions for complex global challenges affecting the environment and society. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Program in Sustainability Studies aims to cultivate leadership and social responsibility among students. The program will encourage deep engagement with critical issues such as climate change, inequality, and the challenges a growing global population poses.
As we embark on this transformative journey together, I invite each of you to join us. Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for future generations.
Office Location
Administration Building
Suite 225