Jeffrey Beal
Jeffrey Beal of Facilities Management-Custodial Services is just a few weeks shy of celebrating his two year work anniversary at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jeffrey moved to the Inland Empire and began searching for new employment after working in the automotive and food industries for 10 years.
“CSUSB stood out to me”, says Jeffrey, “I had two nieces that graduated from here, and I had been on campus before. I was looking for longevity and something stable and thought that working here might be a good opportunity.”
Jeffrey describes his time at CSUSB as an ongoing opportunity to learn, grow, and recognize his potential.
“I knew that I was intelligent, but I think I realized that I had potential when I arrived to CSUSB.”
Working at CSUSB has allowed Jeffrey to realize that everyone is different when it comes to ability and potential, and it is these differences that make up the uniqueness of the campus community.
Jeffrey’s first impression of CSUSB began at CSUSB Onboarding (New Employee Orientation) where he learned about the University’s history, professional growth opportunities and additionally met Rowena Casis-Woidyla (or simply “Ro”) who was an HR Manager at the time.
“I learned to be more vocal. All the tools at CSUSB are for learning and development. You can go back to school, take [eLearning courses] through the MyCoyote Portal, or go to the Staff Development Center and have conversations about your talent and learning capabilities. I began to think to myself that I can do this”.
As someone who is always looking for the next opportunity to contribute his talents towards the campus community, Jeffrey remembers meeting with his director, Jennifer Sorenson, to discuss his professional development goals at CSUSB.
“I remember sitting down with my director and talking about where I wanted to see myself in five years. She listened, we compared notes and she told me to go for it.”
It was this encouragement that led Jeffrey to San Bernardino Valley College where he completed two semesters, earned his Automotive Technician certificate and is on his way towards completing a second certificate in Heavy/Medium Diesel Truck Technology.
When asked what advice Jeffrey would give to colleagues who are looking to grow in their careers, he says, “My advice would be to sit back and look at your surroundings at CSUSB. Look at where you’re at and ask yourself where you want to fit into all of this. Put a plan together to find out what you need to do to be a part of this and go from there. You have to look at your own personal skillset and what you can realistically do.”
Jeffrey is an active member of the CSUSB community and serves on the Staff Council, has served on the 2017 Employee Development Days Committee, helped his intramural flag football team win two championships, and helped to start a new intramural softball team for Facilities Management.
Jeffrey’s proudest accomplishment at CSUSB is being one of three S.T.A.R. Award recipients for the Administration & Finance Division’s 2018 spring quarter where he was recognized for his unique contributions to the University.
What’s next for Jeffrey?
“Management would be my next step and then the sky is the limit.”
Jeffrey recognizes that his successes at CSUSB would not be possible without the help of those who have come alongside him to help him grow including, Rowena Casis-Woidyla (Staff Development Center), Jenny Sorenson (Facilities Planning & Management), David Wilson and Brandon Hernandez (Facilities Management – Custodial Services), the Facilities Management team, the Recreation and Wellness Center department, as well as other departments that he has collaborated with.
When asked about the type of legacy Jeffrey would like to leave with CSUSB, he replies, “I want to be known as someone who is not only a hard worker, but a team player. My son and two grandkids motivate me and I’m trying to create a blueprint for them to follow.”
About Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a proud father and grandfather who enjoys all things automotive, sports (specifically football), and spending time at the gym. When he’s not working, you can find him developing his automotive skills or spending time with his son and grandsons.