Taylor Adams
We are delighted to spotlight Taylor Adams, a dedicated Cal State San Bernardino staff member whose commitment and initiative have genuinely brightened our campus experience. Taylor's journey from construction to electrician exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a drive for excellence. He didn't initially know what he wanted to pursue professionally. However, when faced with a need to decide quickly to make a living and support his family, he began working in a family friend's electrical shop. He noticed he had a knack for it and completed an apprenticeship program, then secured his general electrician license.
April marks Taylor's tenure, celebrating ten years of service with the University. He was hired in 2014 as an electrician and promoted to Lead Electrician in 2022. Taylor also serves on the Joint Apprenticeship Trade Council, CSUSB Apprenticeship Committee, and a Teamsters Local 2010 Campus Safety Steward. Also, in 2022, he received the James H. Urata Award, and in 2023, one of CSUSB's coveted recognitions the President's Staff Award - Special Achievement category.
Taylor's decision to transition to Skilled Trades in higher education was fueled by a desire for stability and less travel, allowing him to spend more time with his family — a decision that has transformed his career and significantly contributed to our campus community. One remarkable initiative Taylor spearheaded was optimizing emergency light maintenance—a critical aspect of campus safety. Recognizing the importance of efficiency in this task, Taylor devised a plan that enabled his team to prioritize maintenance based on building occupancy and semester schedules. This innovative approach ensures that our campus remains safe and well-maintained while allowing his team to address other pressing matters promptly.
Moreover, Taylor's recent endeavor to enhance the ambiance of the Coussoulis Arena reflects his unwavering dedication to elevating our campus environment. After a colleague brought to his attention the dimly lit exterior of the Arena, Taylor took the initiative to explore lighting technologies to illuminate the area effectively. His proactive approach not only enhances the aesthetics of our campus but also fosters a welcoming atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.
When asked what motivates him to perform at his best in the workplace, Taylor responded, "I am choosing to be here, so why not give it my best?" His leadership, ingenuity, and commitment to excellence exemplify the values we hold dear at CSUSB. Taylor has accomplished so much during his time on campus. He reflects on some of his proudest moments, and collaborating with the Division of HR's Staff Development Center to roll out a career pathway program for Skilled Crafts (and those interested in journey-level work) is high on his list. Taylor appreciates the support from the leadership in Facilities Management to roll out the first Cohort this past year.
In addition to his professional achievements, Taylor is expanding his education portfolio by returning to school to get his Associate's Degree and plans to transfer to CSUSB for his Bachelor's. Another member of the Adams family will be a part of the CSU family, not as a staff member but as an incoming freshman. Taylor received the joyous news that his daughter, a high school senior, has chosen to attend Cal State San Marcos—a testament to Taylor's fatherly influence and commitment to education. During a campus tour with his family, Taylor visited Susan O'Connor, Director of CSUSM's Staff Center. Taylor met Susan during his participation in the CSUSB Administrative Professionals Career Pathway Program, where Susan served as a Coach to CSUSB participant(s).
If you haven't already seen it, we encourage you to stroll around the Coussoulis Arena in the evening to witness firsthand the transformative impact of Taylor and his team's efforts to beautify our campus landscape through lighting.
Published April 12, 2024
Written by Emily Alvarez and Rowena Casis-Woidyla
