Cal State San Bernardino welcomed law enforcement leader Ryan Tillman to campus for “Happy Eyes: Becoming All Things to All People,” an uplifting keynote hosted by the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration in partnership with the University Police Department. The event, held at the Santos Manuel Student Union South Theater, drew CSUSB students, faculty and staff for an afternoon focused on leadership, connection and personal growth.

Tillman, known for his work on “On Patrol Live,” his show “Switched,” and his online content challenging perceptions and strengthening community trust, shared the philosophy behind “Happy Eyes” — the practice of choosing to look for the good, even in difficult moments. Through humor, candor and heartfelt storytelling, he outlined three principles that shape the “Happy Eyes” mindset, each anchored by real experiences from his life and work.

His first lesson, Lead with Love, centered on the story of Adrian, a young man recovering from a gunshot injury whose family initially distrusted law enforcement. Tillman described how consistent care, presence and compassion helped build a meaningful connection with the youth and his family.

He then spoke about Leading with Empathy, illustrated through an encounter with a man named Gary and his family. Tillman shared how, as a police officer, he had responded to a call about a father who had slapped his teenage daughter. Recognizing it would be easy to misjudge the situation, he listened and approached the moment with humanity and kindness. Years later, Gary — who worked for Delta — recognized Tillman as he and his wife rushed to catch a flight to Hawaii, stepping in to help them make the flight just in time. It was a reminder of the lasting impact of empathy.

The third lesson, Lead with Respect, was grounded in a powerful conversation with a young inmate named Sam, who faced a 142-year prison sentence. Despite the gravity of his circumstances, Sam expressed a commitment to making the most of his life. Tillman said the interaction underscored the importance of honoring each person’s humanity, regardless of their past.

Tillman also explored the barriers that prevent people from embracing “Happy Eyes,” emphasizing fear as a common obstacle. To demonstrate the importance of moving through fear, he shared his own experience confronting a long-held fear of skydiving — and ultimately taking the leap. “The view from the plane is more intimidating than the jump itself,” he told the audience.

After the presentation, which took place on Nov. 20, Tillman spoke briefly about his aspirations following his career in law enforcement. “What I shared in this presentation — I want to take it to the state level, as I’m entering into politics. I’d like to cultivate change from the inside,” he said. “We’ll see what the future holds. I still have a lot more left to do.”

 

Disclaimer: The CSU does not support or oppose any candidate or position. The opinions expressed at this event are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the CSU.