Faculty Q&A: Jason Watkins

Watkins is director of Basic Needs and lecturer for Psychology Department

By California State University, Bakersfield

May 16^th, 2023

Q: What initially sparked your interest to work at CSUB?

A: Having attended CSUB as a student, I knew this was a special place to be for a few reasons. First, I love the sense of community here. I don't think you necessarily get that on larger campuses. Second, I believe we have some of the best students. I am grateful to work as part of an institution that helps students grow personally and academically, while also promoting upward mobility.

Q: What does your role entail?

A: As the director of Basic Needs, I oversee the Food Pantry, Edible Garden, Monthly Food Distributions, CalFresh Outreach and emergency services related to housing and financial crises. In addition to campus responsibilities, I serve as the co-chair for the CSU System-Wide Basic Needs Workgroup and support various other statewide and local initiatives related to basic needs. I also have the pleasure of serving as an adjunct faculty in the Psychology Department, where I teach a variety of undergraduate courses.

Q: What do you love most about your role here?

A: I love the variety with this job. Every day is a bit different and that keeps things fresh for me. I love being able to support student success through such fundamental needs like food and housing. I also have an amazing team to work with, and their passion for helping others inspires me regularly. Each of them is dedicated to serving others and helping students succeed. As an instructor, I love my time in the classroom. The connections made with my students and the shared learning is beyond rewarding for me.

Q: What do you wish more people knew about CSUB?

A: I wish more people knew about the wonderful staff and faculty here. I think people often see CSUB as a backup option, yet once they are here, they realize just how great of an education they are actually getting.

Q: Why are you so passionate about what you do?

A: I think my passion comes from wanting to help students and a belief in the value of connection. I am happy to be a small part of the solution, in whatever form that takes for students.

Q: Do you have a favorite space on campus that you like to visit or spend a lot of time in?

A: I don't get to spend as much time there as I would like, but the Edible Garden is an amazing and peaceful space. I am also grateful for the bike path. I use it almost every weekend riding through campus.

Q: Do you have any interesting/important facts to share from this academic year and the work your department has been doing?

A: This year, Basic Needs has been busy on multiple fronts. With the campus population returning, our Food Pantry and Edible Garden have been busier than ever. The Edible Garden team just wrapped up the first year of our School Field Trip Program, a partnership with Stockdale Elementary. This program allows fifth-grade students to visit the garden and connect their in-class learning to a working farm. We have also launched our Basic Needs Peer Ambassador Program, [which has] developed 'Rowdy's Kitchen', a monthly cooking competition where teams prepare dishes that they present to a panel of judges. The interest and support from the campus has been tremendous and we look forward to continuing the program in the years to come.

Q: How can the campus and the community support your area best?

A: The campus and community can support Basic Needs in several ways. First, we are always in need of volunteers in the Edible Garden. No experience is necessary and every bit of help makes a difference. In the Food Pantry, donations are very much appreciated. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about in-demand items. People can also help by spreading the word and encouraging students to visit the pantry and garden.

Q: What would you say the significance of this department/area is on campus? How does it enhance student success and the overall college experience?

A: Basic Needs are critical for student success. As many as 40% of students are food-insecure and another 10% are at risk for homelessness. The services provided by our department promote student success by allowing students to focus their efforts in the classroom instead of worrying about where their next meal is coming from or where they are going to sleep tonight. Moreover, data indicates that when students' basic needs are met, they experience greater academic success and personal well-being.