The California State University, San Bernardino History Department is both delighted to congratulate Pamela Crosson, Administrative Support Coordinator (ASC), on a most well-earned retirement, and also sad to see her depart. She will be profoundly missed as both a delightful and perpetual presence in the History Department, and as an indefatigable and masterful member of the campus staff whose wisdom and deft navigation of so many processes saved our ships many, many times. 

The History Department faculty and students remember their time working with Pam.

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Tiffany Jones: “Pam will be dearly missed around campus. Pam was not only instrumental to the daily functioning of the department, she was a caring and steady source of support for all of us. I’ll miss having daily conversations with her about her travels, our lives, and the campus. Her calm presence and genuine kindness made even the worst days better. She always smiled, was welcoming, and ready to help. She was the heart of our department and I hope she enjoys her retirement and travels.”

Tim Pytell: “For more than twenty years, Pam was truly the bee’s knees of the History Department. Outstanding in every sense, she combined deep knowledge of the university with unfailing helpfulness, guiding faculty, students, and staff with her steady disposition and a gracious presence.  If there was a question, Pam knew the answer—or exactly who to call. She also stood consistently above the departmental political fray, treating everyone with fairness, discretion, and empathy.  To me, Pam was more than a colleague; she was like a sister. I am profoundly grateful for her years of service, her professionalism, and the steady, generous spirit she brought to our department and to my life.”

Kate Liszka: “Pam is one of the most genuinely compassionate people I have ever had the privilege of working with. She never speaks poorly of anyone and is always ready to help, even during her busiest moments. She is unfailingly reliable and deeply kind. I truly believe I thrived at CSUSB because of Pam’s support. She is always there—listening to stories, complaints, and concerns, and offering comfort to staff, faculty, and even students. As Pam begins this well-deserved retirement, her impact remains clear: she has made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people, and her legacy of kindness and support will continue to be felt for years to come.”

Michael Karp: “Even before I met Pam in person, as I was hired during the pandemic, I could tell she was a genuinely supportive and caring person. During the time I had the privilege to work with her, she was always there to help, no matter how small or big with the task at hand. I’ll always remember how she helped me get food and drinks ordered at the last second for Homecoming a few years ago. She worked for the best interests of the department and is already sorely missed.”

Cary Barber: “It's hard to put into words - or to limit myself to a single, discrete example - of how much Pam has done to help me transition from 'very junior itinerant scholar' to 'career professor'. ASCs contribute so much to the culture and 'feel' of a department, and Pam always made SBS a much warmer, welcoming, and open place owing to her presence. She had immense institutional knowledge, a genuine affability that made approaching her easy and enjoyable, and a sincere willingness (and ability) to fast-track any pressing issue or request. I certainly rested much easier knowing she had our backs.”

Brian Janiskee: “I first worked with Pam as a faculty member in the MA Social Science program, for which she was the ASC. More recently, I worked with her as an interim chair. Over the years, she has remained a constant positive presence in our college and CSUSB as a whole. Pam’s steadiness and kindness radiated out to all who had the good fortune to work with her.” 

Alicia Gutierrez-Romine: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Pam both as a student in CSUSB’s history department, and as a professor many years later. Aside from her professionalism and ability to handle any of our department needs quickly, she was also always a stabilizing presence who brought a sense of warmth to our office.”

Marc A. Robinson: “I remember first meeting Pam during my interview eight years ago, and from that point and onward, she has always been a pleasure to work with. As I transitioned into my faculty role at CSUSB those first few years, she was a consistent source of help and information. I could always count on her for guidance on issues, big and small, from academic advising questions, to research funds management, to office supplies. And, there were many times when I locked myself out of my office, and Pam was there to loan me a key. It is no exaggeration to say the history department will not be the same without her. Thanks for everything, Pam. Happy Retirement!”

Jeremy Murray: “Pam was one of the first people I met at Cal State San Bernardino, and her kindness and patience made the place feel like home. In 15 years at CSUSB, I've been very lucky to have Pam steer countless tasks in the right direction with expertise and diligence. When neighboring colleagues visited CSUSB, they would always remark on how smoothly things seemed to run, and this was always thanks to Pam's timely and expert work preparing forms and approvals. She had a particular knack for making a byzantine bureaucratic process seem as simple as a quick signature, whether for students, faculty, or guests. Thank you, Pam!”

Michelle Lorimer: “Pam’s presence in the History Department provided such a steady and constant source of support, calm, and clarity. Chatting with her about work, kids, travel, or other events in our personal lives brought a sense of comfort and familiarity to the department office. I will truly miss you! Pam - I hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement!” 

Pedro Santoni: “”Hey Pam! I haven’t looked at what everyone else has written (don’t want to be a copycat), and I also don’t want to take the mushy route with my remarks (which I will keep relatively brief). So, here goes this: Hope you enjoy the new chapter in your life! You helped me dispatch many tedious, work-related tasks in the 5-Chair Suite during the time I spent there, but I especially want to thank you for the love, attention, and warmth you gave Bianca throughout the years. Just as importantly, I miss (and always will do so) our extended chats with Keith around 11 AM (and apologies for often spending perhaps too much time with him discussing the intricacies of college football while you patiently listened, LOL).”

Cheryl Riggs: “I was chair of the History Department when Pam joined us and it was evident immediately that she was going to be an asset to the department. At that time, we had enjoyed the privilege of working with a series of excellent staff and Pam continued that tradition. So many words come to mind to describe her contributions:  she is knowledgeable, efficient, professional and dependable. Students and faculty alike benefited from her ability to navigate university policies and practices, which she always did with grace and aplomb. Personally, my experience working with Pam brings to mind the words trustworthiness, kindness and friendship. She made my job easier and I benefited from her partnership. Thank you Pam!”

Ward McAfee: “I remember that Pam liked to travel during the summer. China was one of her favorite destinations. And she was a pro on following through with keeping her faculty informed and up to date. In my memory, she is forever young.”

Hannah Knight (BA ‘15, MA ‘22), “My first interaction with Pam was at the beginning of my second year after I had unknowingly enrolled in the wrong course. As a young student, I was obviously stressed and concerned. I remember walking into the department, without any appointment, unsure of who to go to. Rather than send me to someone else, Pam took the time to help me find the correct course and explain the procedure. It has been quite a few years since then and yet I still remember this interaction and her kindness.”

Alexander Ponce (BA ‘13), “Pam was my first guide when I returned to school after a long period of aimless work. Because I had never been on campus before and didn’t know where any of the rooms were, she helped me find my classes and reach out to my professors. There was never a question she couldn’t answer, and her graceful handling of every concern was both reassuring and kind. Pam, you deserve a wonderful next chapter in your life. I hope you know how much your work has meant to the staff and the countless students you have guided through the History program. Enjoy this special moment!”

Bshara Alsheikh (BA ‘22, MA ‘25), “Pam was an essential presence in my educational journey. She consistently went above and beyond for students in the history department, always generously offering her support. Despite her busy schedule, she dedicated time to ensure her students received the guidance they needed to earn their degrees. Her assistance extended to both undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, Pam was instrumental in ensuring that the 'History in the Making' journal was both timely and successful. She provided invaluable support to me as both an author and an editor. Pam, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and please know that you will be deeply missed. Your absence will be deeply felt, and we are poorer for your leaving. Thank you for everything!”

Alexander Serrano (BA '18, MA '22), "My experience with Pam occurred during my undergraduate years at CSUSB. I was wandering the halls like a timid student looking for offices having never been there before. She was immediately welcoming and helped me in every situation that occurred since to help guide me on my journey. As a graduate student in the history department she was an instrumental beacon of light for many of us who likely could not have succeeded without her help. Though it’s been some time since I’ve been in the halls of the history department, she was vital for the success of the department, its students, and faculty who call it a second home."