BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Dr. Vernon B. Harper joined 17 News at Sunrise to discuss his newly appointed role and how he will bring the CSUB's community to new heights. On Wednesday morning, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr. as CSUB's sixth permanent president effective immediately. Digital Addiction: The time spent in front of cellphone screens has ‘rewired’ modern childhood Harper has been serving as the university's interim president since December 2023 following the retirement of President Lynnette Zelezny.