Sociologists say most people have a fear of public speaking. Not so for former Inland Empire resident Leonard Robinson. Two years ago Robinson was called to Sacramento, tapped by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the state’s Chief Deputy Director for the Department of Toxic Substances Control. His responsibilities are vast. And extremely important. He oversees the Office of Legal Affairs; the Hazardous Waste Management and Statewide Compliance Program; the Site Mitigation and Brownfields Reuse Program; External Affairs; Legislative Affairs; and the Science, Pollution Prevention and Technology Program. Additionally, Robinson spearheads the California Take It Back! Partnership, a consortium of state and local governments, retail stores, nonprofit agencies and utility companies to provide free, local recycle centers. A busy man trying to keep us all healthy and the state “green,” following the mandate of Gov. Schwarzenegger, who Robinson says, “is California’s first “green” governor. He really does care about preservation, pollution and the population.” Naturally, being a major figure in state government, Robinson is often called upon as a prime meeting speaker, a convention keynoter and conference leader. “I love it,” he says, “speaking before the public. I’m not one of those people who stands before a group and reads their speech. They might as well copy it and hand it out. I like to interact with people, see what their interests are along the topic line, and find what they care about. Then address those concerns within the subject I’m there for. I’ll have my notes, though, to stay on target and not forget something obvious – like my name.” This former KTIE AM radio talk show has developed an ease at presenting his ideas and opinions to people, whether in a casual cocktail hour setting, a dinner meeting or addressing hundreds or thousands at a more formal presentation. As long as you’re confident in your knowledge, Robinson believes, the task isn’t a worry. There are no “butterflies.” In his various capacities as an environmental leader, Robinson has been a featured speaker before such groups as the California Waste Association, the Environmental Industry Summit, the Air and Waste Management Association, Law Seminars International, and the Product Stewardship Council. He recently appeared on KCAA-1050 AM’s evening talk show “Empire Talks Back” with Wallace Allen, publisher of Westside Story. “We explored a little known waste danger,” he says, “about fluorescent lights — those curly compact lights you screw into lamps as well as the more familiar tubes. The problem is, they contain Mercury, a known toxic substance. We all used to just toss them into the trash when they needed replacing. We can’t do that any more; in fact, California prohibits that. So, what do you do beside drive 20 miles to a hazardous waste site with your light tube?” Robinson was the featured luncheon keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual Orange County Business Conference at the Ford Company held recently in Irvine. Robinson’s future speaking dates include: • Guest speaker for the Household Hazardous Waste Information Exchange at the Goldy Lewis Community Center in Rancho Cucamonga, June 27. • Aug. 16 as a guest speaker for the Statewide Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Convention at San Francisco’s Holiday Inn Plaza. • Panelist, League of California Cities Annual Conference Sept.6 at the Sacramento Convention Center. • Keynote speaker at the SCADA Convention Sept. 14 at the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco. • Panel moderator Oct, 8 for the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association’s annual conference at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego. Robinson does these speaking engagements all the while continuing to manage the state’s department of Toxic Substance Control. “I love it all,” he says. “The busier, the better.” And he is working to keep us and our future generations healthy and safe – a noble calling for an equally noble man.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Part of Pam Wegis’ job as associate director of admissions at Argosy University/Inland Empire campus is to help student map out their education paths. It’s something she is very familiar with as she is also a student at the university.
Wegis is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership with a concentration in higher education. She said Argosy University’s programs are perfectly suited for working adults.
“There are a large number of working adults in the Inland Empire who need to degrees to advance in their jobs or change career fields,” said Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus president. “Our programs allow professionals to maintain their jobs while they continue their education.”
“What makes Argosy University different from other schools is that our programs are designed for working professionals,” Wegis said. Argosy University’s flexible programs, which offer online, evening and weekend classes, are perfect for working professionals. “Our flexible programs enable professionals to finish their degree programs in a timely manner,” Wegis said.
Wegis said students can choose how they take their course programs and take up 75 percent of their coursework online in certain degree programs. She also stated that the wide variety of class schedules makes it ideal for professionals with busy lives. “It’s very important for me to have a life and the class schedule allows me to do that,” Wegis said.
Like many returning students, Wegis, a former educator, went through a career change. She worked for 12 years in the real estate field in Branson, Mo. When her husband moved back to California, Wegis decided to return to the education field and joined Argosy University.
After she graduates, Wegis plans to continue working and teaching at Argosy University.
Wegis said what she likes about Argosy University is that the staff are committed to student’s succeeding academically and professionally. “They want us to experience success,” Wegis said. “It’s not just about getting a degree. It’s about changing your life and the lives of those around you.”
Argosy University/Inland Empire is scheduled to host an open house for the members of the public starting at 6:30 p.m., June 19. For more information call (909) 915-3800 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – As a clinical psychologist and mental health worker with San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Dr. Benjamin Barnes saw first hand some of the psychological problems affecting African Americans and Latinos in the Inland Empire. Argosy University/Inland Empire is hoping to train more mental health workers from a diverse background to address the growing needs of the community.
While working as both a professor at Argosy University/Inland Empire and a county mental health provider, Dr. Barnes has noticed the lack of African American and Latino psychologists.
“There are very few African American therapists,” he said. “Even now only 10 to 15 percent of the therapists in San Bernardino County are African American. And we don’t have many bilingual therapists.”
An African-American, Dr. Barnes is one of the ethnically diverse faculty members at Argosy University/Inland Empire who are dedicated to increasing the number of local African-American and Latino mental health workers. Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus president, said that Argosy University’s blended programs, which offer online, evening and weekend courses, are attractive to students in the Inland Empire who are often working full-time jobs.
“Many students entered the workforce right after high school or had to raise families, and now they need a degree to move to the next level,” she said. “Our programs fit the needs of working adults.”
Dr. Barnes says that, “Many of Argosy University/Inland Empire’s faculty members have extensive backgrounds working with the Black and Latino communities and have spent many years working on the front lines of the mental health field.”
Dr. Barnes said the psychology profession is still predominately white and female, and this may cause problems for people of color who are looking for a mental health provider. “In some cases, it may put up a cultural barrier. Some minorities may believe that the therapists are not sensitive to their cultural needs,” he said.
He added that there is also a lack of awareness about mental health issues in the Black/Latino communities. Dr. Barnes said most African-American and Latino college students go into the computer and business fields and shy away from psychology, because of the fear they may not get a job after graduating.
“They stay away from psychology because there is still a stigma about it in the African-American/Latino community,” he said “That is the reason why African-American and Latino people often don’t use mental health services.” He also said that the African-American and Latino community may be unaware of the signs of mental health problems because they are accustomed to dealing with other stressful issues such as racism and unemployment. “Our definition of mental health stressors are different from the mainstream,” he said.
Dr. Barnes is currently in a master’s degree program in psychopharmacology at Alliant University, and he holds a master’s degree and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He teaches courses in Clinical Psychology at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels at Argosy University. Dr. Barnes also teaches at San Bernardino Valley College.
He said he is pleased to see the ethnic diversity in his classes at Argosy. “Argosy University has many programs making it visible in local high schools and colleges,” Barnes said. “The solution to boosting the number of African-American and Latino psychologists is by reaching out to those communities through face-to-face marketing in non-traditional places such as community recreation centers, shopping malls, churches, sports clubs and public events.”
“Argosy University is going out and meeting people in their communities and neighborhoods,” Dr. Barnes said. He also stated that, “Argosy University is targeting potential psychologists earlier through associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, which are attractive to high school students, and by talking to individuals in the health, business and education professions who want to move to the next level of their career.”
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
One of the most surprising lessons the students learned was that smoking vs vape pen is not a stress reliever.
SANTA ANA, CALIF. – Although she is several hundred miles away from Southern California, Adielle Carrington is using the skills she learned as a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University/Orange County. Carrington is currently interning at Fresno City College where she is teaching a Smoking Cessation course offering students tips on how to quit lighting up.
She graduated from Argosy University on May 18. Carrington, a former Santa Monica resident, is a nurse who has worked at USC, UCLA and in Intensive Care Units in Southern California.
Dr. Jeb Egbert, Argosy University/Orange County campus president, said the university’s flexible programs, including online, evening and weekend courses, are perfect for working adults looking to change or advance their careers. “With her years of medical experience and her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, I am sure Adielle will make a great psychologist,” he said.
“This is mainly a psycho-educational class designed to assist in developing knowledge and techniques in reducing or stopping smoking,” Carrington said. “The class also provides supportive learning and group therapy for individuals who want to alter their behavior. The techniques used in the course are based on cognitive behavioral principles and therapy.”
The class is part of a research project started in 2004. Carrington said the project is funded by a Fresno City College alumnus who died of emphysema and willed $400,000 to study the most effective method of quitting smoking. Participants in the research project are divided into four groups, one control group, who try to quit smoking with no assistance; a group that uses the nicotine patch; a group that use the patch and group therapy; and a group that uses therapy but no patch.
Carrington said the course addresses topics such as stages of changes, behavioral principles for self-directed change, alternative coping skills and the pros and cons of smoking behavior.
“Students learn how to use a smoking monitor to identify thoughts and feelings associated with smoking behavior,” she said. “They also learn how to better manage thoughts, feelings, behaviors and emotional states that lead to smoking.”
One of the most surprising lessons the students learned was that smoking is not a stress reliever. Carrington said the course showed them smoking actually increases stress levels because smokers face criticism from their peers, spend money on the costly habit and it also has a negative effect on their appearance.
The 18-week course attracted people from all walks of life, some who have been smoking for more than 30 years. “The age for students taking the course is 28-52,” Carrington said. The course has shown signs of success. “In the Spring class all six students quit, but two went back to smoking,” Carrington said. However the smokers who returned to the habit reduced their consumption from 10 cigarettes per day to two-three per week, she said.
Carrington said vaping vs smoking its and endles topic but as working with the Smoking Cessation class was both a learning experience for her and the students. “I realized this course is very needed,” she said. “It could be an amazing asset to the community.”
The students learned a lot about themselves and the complexities of smoking. Carrington said the course includes research from the medical, psychological and biological fields, to show how smoking is both a physical and psychological problem. “The students learned that it takes up to seven times to succeed when quitting smoking,” Carrington said.
After her internship is completed, Carrington plans to return to the Los Angeles/Orange County area and begin her post-doctorate training. “I plan to have my license in Clinical Psychology next year, and I will be looking to combine my medical background experience and psychology,” she said. “I believe that mental health should be part of our total health plan.”
For more information go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty/ or call (714) 338-6200.
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Argosy University/Orange County campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in clinical and counseling psychology, business and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440,).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman
Sr. Director of Communications
912.201.8114
cflathman@edmc.edu
Manny Otiko
ARGOC-PR-135-SMOKING
Dameron Communications
(909) 888-0017
manny@dameroncommunications.com
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Dr. Edward Hernandez Jr., keynote speaker at Argosy University/Orange County’s commencement ceremonies congratulated graduates for completing university programs that would enhance their professional lives. “Earning a college degree will open doors for you in the working world,” Hernandez said.
The commencement ceremony, held at the Hilton in Costa Mesa on Friday, May 18, attracted more than 700 people. More than 130 students from the Argosy University Orange County, Inland Empire and Santa Monica campuses participated in the ceremony. Students who participated earned or will earn an associate, bachelor, master’s or doctoral degree in business, education, or psychology.
Dr. Jeb Egbert, Argosy University/Orange County president, said that graduation is a time for both students and families to celebrate. “The graduation robes you are wearing today are significant, because they show you have earned your degrees,” he said.
Hernandez is chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves more than 58,000 students at colleges throughout central Orange County. In his speech, titled “Your Education – Your Future – Your Success,” Hernandez said college graduates face a bright and exciting future. “I envy the technological changes you will see,” Hernandez said, noting that when he received his doctoral degree, more than 30 years ago, he never took any courses involving computers.
Argosy University’s Orange County campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in clinical and counseling psychology, business and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Riverside resident Stephanie Murphy has a busy life with a full-time job as a legal assistant and two small children. So when she was looking to finish her bachelor’s degree Argosy University/Orange County was the perfect fit.
“My advisor at Fullerton Community College had good things to say about Argosy University,” Murphy said. “So I went to the university and met with an admissions counselor. I liked what I saw. The course programs were flexible and allowed me to continue working.” Armed with an associate’s degree in liberal studies from Fullerton Community College, Murphy was able to complete a bachelor’s in psychology in about a year and half.
As a student at Argosy University, Murphy has taken online classes, evening classes and weekend classes. “Their programs allowed me to hold down a full-time job and be able to attend my son’s soccer games on Saturdays,” Murphy said. She is currently a graduate student at Argosy University working on a master’s in clinical psychology and a doctor of psychology in clinical psychology (PysD) degree.
Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University, Orange County, said that Argosy’s mission is to help working adults complete their degrees and work towards a career in their chosen professions.
“Argosy University provides course work which is flexible but also meets high academic standards,” he said. “Our instructors are industry professionals and understand the requirements needed to succeed in their fields.” Egbert said several instructors in the psychology department also work in private practice.
Murphy plans to work in rehab with traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries when she graduates. “I would recommend Argosy University to other students,” she said. “The professors are helpful and understand the demands of working and going to school full time. The course work can be intense at times, but that is part of getting an education. It’s been a great experience.”
Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Feb. 22, 2007 — Orange County mental health professionals have the opportunity to complete six credit hours of continuing education at a workshop hosted by Argosy University/Orange County on Friday, March 30.
The course, titled “Lessons from the Spider Page: Law and Ethics in Couples Work,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Argosy University/Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 110 in Santa Ana. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
The continuing education course is named after “The Spider Page,” a popular column in The Therapist, the journal of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). “The Spider Page” lists the cases brought before the ethical review board of the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the state regulating board for family therapists and social workers. The class counts towards the six hours of continuing education for marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
“The course is targeted at marriage and family therapists, social workers and pastoral counselors,” said Dr. Melody Bacon, assistant chair of the Counseling Psychology program at Argosy University/Orange County. “The goal is to provide a review of ethical issues, professional goals, ethical standards and risk management with a special emphasis on the unique challenges involved in working with couples.”
The course is taught by Dr. Bacon, a licensed psychologist, and her husband Ronald Bacon, a marriage and family therapist. Ronald Bacon is also an adjunct instructor at Argosy University. The Bacons are in private practice in San Juan Capistrano and specialize in couples counseling.
Early registration through Tuesday, March 20, is $85. Regular registration is $110. For more information about this continuing education course, call (714) 338-6200 or e-mail ekotomori@argosy.edu.
Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Most students work and go to school at the same time these days. However those jobs usually do not involve helping run a multi-million dollar company. But that is what Nabil Ajineh does. He is vice president and chief information officer for Farouk Systems USA, Inc. a Houston, Texas based company that produces high-quality hair care and spa products and he is also working on a doctoral degree in Business Administration from Argosy University/Orange County.
Farouk Systems is a sponsor of the Miss USA 2007 competition and supplies the hair care products for the cast of the ABC show “Ugly Betty.” The company also supplies cosmetics to large stores such as J.C. Penney, Super Cuts and Sally Beauty Supply. “Farouk Systems manufactures and distributes the world greatest professional hair products in more than 60 countries using advanced American technology,” Ajineh said.
As chief information officer, Ajineh designs and oversees the computer programs which track shipping, purchase and electronic transactions. He says his degree program at Argosy University compliments his business work. Ajineh says the critical thinking skills he uses to solve problems in the business world are also used in his degree program.
“In order to stay competitive in today’s global economy, businesses must overcome challenges such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, demand planning and resource management,” he said. “Only a doctorate of business administration can help develop the critical thinking skills necessary to face these and other challenges.”
Juggling a doctoral degree program and working for a major corporation is demanding, but not impossible, Ajineh said. “I realize I made a commitment towards an academic achievement and I am committed to achieving that,” he said. “Sometimes it gets difficult, but I never drop the ball on my academic work.”
Ajineh choose Argosy University because the degree program was relevant to his career field and also because of the university’s flexible course offerings. Ajineh used to work for the University of Houston, and continues to take courses at Argosy University/Orange County while living in Houston. He takes most of his courses online, and flies out to Southern California to take courses when needed.
“Online courses provide convenience and flexibility giving me time to focus on my career,” he said. “On campus courses provide the real college experience and allow interaction with professors and students.”
Ajineh said Argosy’s flexible programs allow him to enjoy campus life, without sacrificing his career or family life. “Nabil is a great example of the type of student Argosy University serves – working adults who need degrees to advance in their careers,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, campus president. ###
Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
(San Bernardino, CA) The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job Fair brings together about 40 businesses and hundreds of job seekers. 2007 events include: High Desert Diversity Career and Job Fair in Victorville Wednesday-March 14, 2007 at the Ambassador Hotel in Victorville and Wednesday-September 19, 2007 at the San Bernardino Airport. The Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair is in San Bernardino –Wednesday-April 4, 2007 at The San Bernardino Airport and Wednesday-September 5, 2007 at The San Bernardino Airport. Past employers searching for capable area talent include San Bernardino County, Union Pacific Railroad, Colton Unified, Chaffey Joint Union and Rialto Unified school districts, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Temps Plus, Inc. the United States Army, the United States Navy, the University of Phoenix, 909models.com and more. But, who are the attendees? Who are the people looking to work in the Inland Empire instead of slugging their way to Orange or Los Angeles County? From past fairs, organizers know that among teens, one-third are Hispanic, one-third are African American and one-fourth are white. About half are searching for career changes, another 23 percent are already working part time and at least 16 percent are scouting for their first job. More than half, 54 percent, are female with the rest, obviously, male. Numbers change, however, with people in their 20s. Males will comprise 55 percent and females the remaining 45 percent. Around 40 percent are working full time, 25 percent are part timers, 9 percent are looking to switch positions and as many as 45 percent are currently unemployed. Attendees in their 30s and 40s have a slightly different makeup, with approximately one-third each African American, Hispanic and white. Up to 60 percent are looking to change jobs, 25 percent are employed part time while only 15 percent are working full time. About 70 percent are female and the rest are male. Among older job seekers, those from 50-70, the figures are radically different. That is, half are white, a quarter are African American and just 8 percent are Hispanic. As many as 60 percent of the seniors are employed part time, just 20 percent are working full time and 15 percent are unemployed but looking to change that situation through the Diversity Job Fair. Males make up 63 percent and females the remaining 37 percent . What’s it all mean? To organizers it’s simple: People of all ages, races, and backgrounds want jobs. And the Inland Empire Career Diversity & Job Fair is there to help. The producer, Carl Dameron of Dameron Communications, puts it this way: “Our goal is to put together those who want work and those who want workers. Too often, employers assume minorities won’t fit in or won’t be interested in their companies. Nothing could be further from the truth. “The hundreds of people coming to our previous Job Fairs each year are proof of that. Remember, the unemployment rate for Blacks and Hispanics is three times greater than for whites, and the Job Fairs can remedy that on the spot.” The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job fair is sponsored by: San Bernardino County, the Inland Empire and Victor Valley African American Chambers of Commerce, 99.9 KOLA Radio, X-103.9, NAUA, 909Models.com, Hispanic Connect, The Black Voice News, Precinct Reporter, WestSide Story and El Chicano, plus Dameron Communications. For details, call Dameron Communications at (909) 888-0017.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – As a clinical psychologist and mental health worker with San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Dr. Benjamin Barnes saw first hand some of the psychological problems affecting Blacks and Latinos in the Inland Empire. “I saw a lot of cases of schizophrenia, depression and chemical dependency, or people with dual diagnosis (more than one illness),” he said.
Barnes has worked as both a college professor and a mental health provider. He became interested in the healthcare field after going through extensive physical rehabilitation from a car accident. Currently a professor at Argosy University/Inland Empire, Barnes said while working as a county mental health worker he became aware of the lack of African American and Latino psychologists.
“There were very few African American therapists,” he said. “Even now less than 15 to 10 percent of the therapists in San Bernardino County are African American. And we don’t have many bilingual therapists.”
An African American, Barnes is one of the ethnically diverse faculty members at Argosy University/Inland Empire who are dedicated to increasing the number of local Black and Latino mental health workers. Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus director, said the university’s Spring Quarter enrollment statistics show that more than half of the student population is Black and Latino.
Vasquez-Osborn said that Argosy University’s blended programs, which offer online, evening and weekend courses, are attractive to Black and Latino students in the Inland Empire who are often working full-time jobs. “Many students entered the workforce right after high school or had to raise families, and now they need a degree to move to the next level,” she said. “Our programs fit the needs of working adults.”
Barnes said many of Argosy University/Inland Empire’s faculty members have extensive backgrounds working with the Black and Latino communities and have spent many years working on the front lines of the mental health field.
Dr. David Sellen, a professor in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, is involved in several local community groups including the American Red Cross, the United Way, Interfaith Council of Churches, Habitat for Humanity and the Foothills Family Shelter, a local homeless shelter. Sellen also works with law enforcement agencies in Critical Incident Debriefing, assisting victims recover from violent acts.
Barnes said the psychology profession is still predominately white and female, and this may cause problems for people of color who are looking for a mental health provider. “It puts up a cultural barrier, some minorities may believe that the therapists are not sensitive to their cultural needs,” he said.
He added that there is also a lack of awareness about mental health issues in the Black/Latino communities. Barnes said most Black and Latino college students go into the computer and business fields and shy away from psychology, because of the fear they may not get a job after graduating.
“They stay away from psychology because there is still a stigma about it in the Black/Latino community,” he said “That is the reason why Blacks and Latinos people often don’t use mental health services.” He also said that the Black and Latino community maybe unaware of the signs of mental health problems because they are accustomed to dealing with other stressful issues such as racism and unemployment. “Our definition of mental health stressors are different from the mainstream,” he said.
Barnes is currently in a master’s degree in psychopharmacology at Alliant University, and has master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He teaches courses in Clinical Psychology at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels at Argosy University. Barnes also teaches at San Bernardino Valley College.
He said he is pleased to see the ethnic diversity in his classes at Argosy. “Argosy University has many programs making it visible in local high schools and colleges,” Barnes said. “The solution to boosting the number of Black and Latino psychologists is by reaching out to those communities through face to face marketing in non-traditional places such as community recreation centers, shopping malls, churches, sports clubs and public events.”
“Argosy University is going out and meeting people in their communities and neighborhood,” Barnes said. “We go out of our way to show we are wiling to help in anyway.” Barnes also stated that Argosy University is targeting potential psychologists earlier through associate and bachelor degree programs, which are attractive to high school students, and by talking to individuals in the health, business and education professions who want to move to the next level of their career.
For more information about Argosy University/Inland Empire, call (909) 915-3800 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
