9Turning a small struggling college into a thriving university doesn't happen by accident. It takes vision. California Baptist University had just 808 students and a projected $834,000 budget deficit when Dr. Ronald L. Ellis was named president in 1994. Thirty years later, the university is thriving with nearly 12,000 students, a competitive athletic program, 10 colleges and professional schools, and an operating budget of $397 million. In We Are Ready: A President's Preparation and Purpose, Dr. Ellis shares his journey of becoming president and how choosing Matthew 28:19-20 as his favorite verse for a Vacation Bible School assignment became not only his life's verse but his vision for a University committed to the Great Commission. Dr. Ellis' humble storytelling of the lessons learned throughout life and his presidency is an inspiration for leaders looking to drive change in an organization and believers seeking to use their God-given talents to live their purpose.