Meet the Speakers
The next generation of highly qualified teachers are not hard to find. They are here, our diverse CSUSB students from all walks of life who are highly capable and driven to pursue excellence and share their passion for learning. With encouragement and support from our trained staff, advisors, faculty, and administrators, we can help these students develop a love of learning into a love of teaching and pursue the honorable and rewarding teaching professions. The need for teachers—especially those from underrepresented and minority backgrounds—has never been greater. To that end, we are pleased our Celebration of Teaching event can play a robust role in uplifting and assisting the next generation of educators forward, toward a brighter, diverse future.
Sastry G. Pantula, Ph.D., dean of CSUSB's College of Natural Sciences, has an extensive career including roles at Oregon State University, the NSF, and over 30 years at North Carolina State University in various statistical and leadership positions.
Chinaka DomNwachukwu, Ph.D., Dean of CSUSB's Watson Rodriguez Watson College of Education, oversees academic and administrative leadership across three departments. His background includes theological studies and a role in accreditation at Azusa Pacific State University.
With 36 years in education, Dr. James Huff is the Project Impact Director, a veteran, and a former Assistant Principal at Patriot High School. His career spans UC Riverside, Jurupa School District, and Special Education teaching, emphasizing inclusive learning and educational excellence.
Robert Morales, Ed.D., is the dynamic Principal of Cesar E. Chavez Middle School in the SBCUSD, an ACSA Admin Coach, a NISL Local Facilitator, and a Crucial Accountability Facilitator. He brings comprehensive leadership and educational strategies to his roles.
Wilson Cuellar has been the Principal at Riverside Unified School District and an Adjunct Instructor at Brandman University since March 2014. His roles bridge practical K-12 administration experience with higher education, enriching both fields with his expertise.
Juan Carlos Luna is a dedicated educator, leader, and advocate for student success with over 20 years of experience in education. A proud product of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, he earned multiple degrees from CSUSB and is completing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Recognized for his contributions to education and the community, he has received numerous accolades, including induction into the CSUSB College of Education Hall of Fame. Passionate about empowering students, Mr. Luna strives to create equitable opportunities and inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams through determination and hard work.
Dr. Jordi Solsona-Puig is an Assistant Professor at the Watson College of Education, Department of Teacher Education & Foundations. He serves as the Bilingual Authorization co-coordinator at the WCOE, where he also acts as the Dual Immersion Symposium Chair, and as Principal Investigator for the IBAP and ExMILE grants. He is a proud Co-Chair of the Council on Plurilingual Educators Preparation (CPEP), and he has been selected to serve as a Board member of the California Association for Bilingual Teaching (CABTE). With over two decades of dedicated teaching experience and research, Dr. Solsona-Puig initially ventured to California in 2012 as a visiting teacher, immersing himself in a Spanish dual immersion program while also instructing Social Studies and Digital Literacy in English at the Middle School level before transitioning to higher education.