CSUB Liberal Studies

05/26/2026

Shout out to our LBST 4908: Senior Seminar instructor, Vanessa Zepeda!

Vanessa was recently recognized at the California Teacher Association (CTA) Sierra Service Center WHO (We Honor Ours) awards ceremony as the 2026 recipient for Human Rights Award!

The Human Rights Award recognizes individuals who actively promote human and civil rights within Kern County. Honorees demonstrate a strong commitment to equity through community engagement, leadership development, advocacy for the teaching profession, and efforts to eliminate discrimination while strengthening connections between schools, families, and communities.

Vanessa was also the recipient of the WHO award for Kern High Teacher Association (KHSTA) for exceptional service to California educators. This is the local teacher union under the Kern High School District.

And if that wasn't enough, Vanessa also recently achieved their 2nd Master's degree through Grand Canyon University (GCU) for Higher Education and Student Affairs!

Congratulations, Vanessa! You are an immense asset to the team!

05/18/2026

Summer Schedule!

CSUB is now on its summer schedule! 🌴

We are open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Campus is closed on Fridays!

Congratulations to the class of 2026! We hope everyone enjoys their summer and the beginning of their next chapter.

We'll see returning students in the fall. 😊

05/14/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Eric Samuel McGuire!

We asked Eric to share what class had the most impact on his education at CSUB. Eric shared, "One class that had the biggest impact on my education at CSUB was my Technology for Educators course. This class helped me better understand how to effectively implement technology in the classroom to support student learning and engagement. I also learned how to create my own website, which was a valuable and rewarding experience. Beyond the technical skills, the course taught me practical strategies and tools that I can use in the future to better teach and connect with my students."

Eric also shared with us what he most looked forward to in his future career. "I look forward to building a career where I can continue growing professionally while making a positive impact on others. I am excited to continue challenging myself, developing meaningful relationships, and building a successful future for myself and my family."

Congratulations, Eric! Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey! The future is looking bright with you at the head of the classroom!

05/13/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Monique Lopez!

We asked Monique to share her favorite memory at CSUB with us. "My favorite memory at CSUB was Future Runner Day, the orientation for new students. It was an exciting experience because it made me feel more connected and ready to start my journey there. What made it even more special was being able to share that day with my parents. Having them there to experience such an important milestone with me made it feel even more meaningful and memorable as I began this new chapter in my education."

We also asked Monique to share advice she would pass on to new students at CSUB to which she stated, "My advice to new students is that the more you pour into yourself, the more you grow into the person you’re meant to be. The process isn’t always easy, but every challenge, late night, and moment of doubt shapes your growth in ways you don’t always see right away. Trust yourself, keep going, and remember that everything you’re putting in now is building your future."

Congratulations, Monique and thank you for sharing those incredible words of wisdom with us!

05/13/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Josalynn Brown!

We asked Josalynn what class had the most impact on her education at CSUB. Josalynn stated, "The class that was most impactful was KINE 3340 with Professor Rob Sinclair. Throughout the course of this class, he taught us students that classwork and homework isn't the only thing that matter, it's about showing up. In the field where we are working and supporting others it is important to show that we care and are present in the moments inside and outside of the classroom and all the in-betweens. This class gave a great perspective of how to ensure in any field working with people, it requires a person to be willing support and help a person flourish to the best of their abilities together or by themselves."

We also asked Josalynn to share her favorite memory at CSUB to which she responded, "My favorite memory was at the Antelope Valley campus' Halloween Bash. It was one of the largest events that was held where we were able to enjoy the night full of games, music, and dance. A few of students and staff did a surprise dance during the event, to which our Tuesday Zumba practices finally paid off. It ended with a few of us student workers ending the night doing karaoke, which is my favorite thing to do. It was most definitely a memory I will not forget."

Congratulations, Josalynn! We hope you'll carry this experience with you for the rest of your life! We have no doubt of the impact you will have on generations to come!

05/13/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Iceli Marie Salas!

We asked Iceli to share what class had the most impact on her education at CSUB and why to which she responded, "The class that had the most impact on my education at CSUB was EDTE 4100 because I loved being able to learn about teaching English Language Learners and learning how to adjust my teaching to fit the needs of all students."

In addition, Iceli shared, "I look forward to making a positive impact on others and helping them grow. I'm also excited to continue developing my teaching skills and creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment."

Congratulations, Iceli! We can't wait to see you embark on the next phase of your journey!

05/13/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Georgia Jackson!

Georgia, tell us about a challenge you overcame.

"I hit a bump in my college career where I really doubted myself a lot and was contemplating if I would make a good teacher or not. During this time I was super negative and hard on myself and often times was comparing myself too much to others. It was during this time that I had some of the best family and friends who picked me up and got me out of that mindset. I started working in a school district as an aide and I instantly knew that education and working with kids is where I belong. From there on out I learned to be gracious with myself because at the end of the day I was still learning things and growing."

Congratulations, Georgia! We're so proud of you and how far you've come! We know you'll provide that same level of encouragement and support to all your future students!

05/13/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Tiffani Ann Mistoyo Mata!

We asked Tiffani to share her favorite memory at CSUB with us to which Tiffani responded, "One of my favorite memories at CSUB was my first semester in my Kinesiology course, where I ended up meeting some really good friends. We stuck together through classes and finals, and over time those friendships just grew. It is really special to be graduating together and to look back at everything we’ve gone through from the start, especially knowing we already took our graduation photos together and can now reflect on how far we’ve come."

Congratulations, Tiffani! We're so happy you made some strong connections at CSUB. We hope you look back on these memories with fondness for years to come!

05/13/2026

🎓Spring 2026 Liberal Studies Graduation Spotlight: Martha Villafuerte!

We asked Martha what class had the most impact on her education at CSUB and why. Martha responded, "Chicano/a/x Studies. It made me be even more proud of where I come from."

We also asked Martha what advice she would pass on to new students at CSUB, "Enjoy the campus fully, it has a lot to offer."

Congratulations, Martha! We can't wait to see what the future holds for you!

05/01/2026

On Wednesday, April 29th the College of Social Sciences and Education celebrated the Outstanding Graduates in each major for the 2025-26 school year and this year's Liberal Studies Outstanding Student was none other than Jacqueline Muratalla! Jacqueline was presented by faculty mentor, Robin Valente and staff mentor, Araceli Carrasco. Congratulations, Jacqueline!

04/30/2026

Teaching future teachers! LBST 3600 students show their creativity during game night. Students created Social Studies games that meet California Common Core State Standards.