Some History that you should know.

The California State University Channel Islands just didn't appear out of thin air. The University took nearly37 years to become a reality. What you will read over the next few paragraphs comes from the 2009-2010 CSUCI Catalog.


"Planning for a public, four-year university began in 1965 when State Senator Robert J. Lagomarsino co-authored Senate Bill 288 with Assemblyman Burt Hansenm calling for establishment of a four year college in Ventura County. Later that year, Governor Pat Brown signed a bill authorizing a study for a state college in Ventura County. In 1974, Dr. Joyce Kennedy established in Ventura the UC/CSU Ventura Learning Center and went on to serve as director of the CSUN (California State University Northridge) Ventura Campus for more than 15 years."

"In 1996, J. Handel Evans began as Planning President charged with beginning development of a public, four-year university in the region. In September 1997, on the recommendation of the chancellor and a community task force appointed by the Governor, the CSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the former Camarillo State Hospital site for the purpose of transforming in into the CSU's 23rd campus. In July 1996, the CSU Board of Trustees formally accepted the name California State University Channel Islands for the new University. In September 1997, Governor Wilson signed into law S.B. 623 providing for the financing and support of the transition of the site for the use as a university campus. In 1999, the Ventura Campus moved to the Channel Islands campus and began a four year phase out of its academic programs."

"The CSU Board of Trustees appointed Richard R. Rush Founding President of California State University Channel Islands and he assumed his duties on June 2001. Dr. Rush's formal inauguration was held in April 2002. During the course of establishing the initial structures of the University, Dr. Rush has overseen and been directly involved in the hiring of faculty and the University's senior staff. In addition, he has directed the development of the University strategic, academic and physical master plans, infrastructure and road improvements, the acquisition of adjacent land, as well as successfully leading the University's efforts to achieve initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)."

"The formal opening of CSU Channel Islands was held on August 16, 2002. The public ceremony included participation by Governor Gray Davis, as well as educational and community leaders from throughout the state. Classes began on August 24 with approximately 1,320 full-time transfer students enrolled for the first year. The first freshman class arrived in fall 2003. At full capacity, CSU Channel Islands will serve more than 15,000 full-time equivalent students."

"The physical campus continues to grow at a steady pace to keep up with student and academic needs. The first major University construction project on campus was the Science Building completed in 2003. This structure provides much needed lab and auditorium spaces for students. The prestigious John Spoor Broome Library designed by world-renowned architect, Foster+Partners, opened in Spring 2008 and provides a state-of-the-art teaching and learning library for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Martin V. Smith Center for integrative Decision -Making opening in May 2009, and includes a 'case study' classroom equipped with advanced audio/visual equipment to show in real-time the indices of the major world financial markets."

"CSU Channel Islands is a student-centered University, committed to academic excellence, civic engagement, environmental responsibility and leadership for the 21st century."