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Public Administration Chair/Professor Honored For Service

Photos of Jonathan Anderson
After 30 years in higher education, including a decade at CSUSB,  JHBC Public Administration Department Chair and Professor Jonathan F. Anderson announced his retirement earlier this summer. His final day is Aug. 15, but he will continue to teach part-time in the department. Victoria Seitz, marketing department chair, will oversee the department in the interim. 

Colleagues, students and staff acknowledged his contributions to the university and community in a recent impromptu online celebration. Among attendees were CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales, members from the community, university and outside organizations such as NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) and ASPA (American Society of Public Administration).  

“Dr. Anderson has always not only supported and nurtured the development of the staff that he worked with directly in the PA program, but he was concerned about his colleagues throughout the university,” said President Morales, who further noted Anderson’s initiative in starting the CSUSB MPA cohort, a program that has prepared hundreds of staff members for leadership roles. 

“I really have to recognize Jonathan for his vision and his commitment to the staff of Cal State San Bernardino. Jonathan has been incredibly innovative and has taken the initiative to grow our Cal State San Bernardino PA program at so many levels.”   

Anderson was also recognized for helping spearhead the creation of the only MPA/MSW concurrent degree in California, establishing new California county cohorts for students to complete and receive their MPA degree, and earning NASPAA re-accreditation and Quality Matters Certification for online teaching. He is also known for his demonstrated shared leadership and genuine advocacy and support for faculty, staff and students.

Prior to joining CSUSB, Dr. Anderson taught at the University of Alaska, Walden University and Indiana State University. Before teaching, he was a U.S Department of State foreign service officer, taxi driver and owner, as well an elected city/county assembly member in Juneau, Alaska for six years. 

Celebration remarks encapsulated a big THANK YOU

“The Leadership team benefited greatly from Jonathan’s leadership, from his collegiality and from his personality,” said Mike Stull, director and professor for the JHBC School of Entrepreneurship, representing the JHBC Senior Leadership Team. “I always appreciated that Jonathan was a great person.”

Bob Miller, a former police chief and part-time faculty member, described Anderson as one of the best mentors he’s had in his career. Speaking on behalf of the part-time lecturers he said that whenever he’d have a problem with a student, Anderson would give him great advice on how to deal with the situation, making things more amicable and successful.  

Humbled by the countless remarks and recollections, Anderson thanked everyone and said he hoped to stay connected.