Staff

John Futch became part of the Multicultural Center in September 1997 as a graduate student assistant. Upon graduation John intended to travel to the Middle East and come back to teach International Relations and Comparative Government at a Community College. Instead John found himself in the position as the Coordinator of the Multicultural Center giving him the opportunity to make a difference on the campus and in the lives of students.

By working together, John and students were instrumental in changing the name from Multicultural Center to the Cross Cultural Center in October 1998, because they wanted the center to represent all the students from different cultures and as well as the under represented.

He was the co-founder of the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, Around the World and many more collaborative ventures with the community.  John was pivotal in bringing the San Manuel People of the Pines and the Pow Wow to CSUSB. Students have always trusted John.

Denise K. Benton - I have worked on campus for over 24 years. My passion in life and the reason for my being is to work for the betterment of human beings. I have been an administrator for many grant programs in my tenure here on campus, including the Upward Bound program, JTPA summer work program, USDA Summer Food programs, and I have written grants for over 25 years.
I attended the University of California, Riverside and graduated with a BA degree in Black History and Urban Studies. I completed a Certificate in Management and Leadership Skills here at CSUSB and currently I attend the University of LaVerne working on my MS in Management and Leadership. I'm married to Michael Benton and we have one daughter named Kimberlee.
I am now the Coordinator for the Cross Cultural Center, in addition to being Coordinator for Special Programs for Undergraduate Studies. I hope to see more students use the services in the center and engage in the planned cultural activities here. In keeping with the mission of this campus, students will enhance their cultural and personal development. With the doubling of space coming in the future with the completion of the Santos Manuel Student Union in Fall of 2005, CSUSB students will be able to share together the change that is coming in the 21st century.

Tess Vaughn - I was born in Michigan where I lived until I graduated High School. Upon completion of High School I joined the United States Navy. I enlisted for 10 years as an Aviation Electrician and later I changed my job to Religious Programs Specialist.

After my enlistment I moved to California where I acquired a staff position with the Cross Cultural Center as an Administrative Support Assistant.

My two boys are my hobbies (my world) and my goals are to attain a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in accounting.