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Channel Islands History

Located only minutes from the Pacific Ocean at the northern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, California State University Channel Islands is truly breathtaking. The entrance to the campus winds alongside lush agricultural fields, orchards, and picturesque foothills. Equally compelling is the campus architecture. Built in the early part of the twentieth century, the sprawling 1930's Spanish revival buildings house a state-of-the-art, 21st century university.

Planning for a public, four-year university began in 1965 when then Governor Pat Brown signed a bill authorizing a study for a state college for Ventura County. In 1974, Dr. Joyce Kennedy established the UC/CSU Ventura Learning Center. She went on to serve as director of the CSUN 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 it into the CSU's 23rd campus. In July 1996, the CSU Board of Trustees formally adopted the name California State University Channels Islands for the new University. In September 1997, Governor Wilson signed into law S.B. 623 (O'Connell) providing for the financing and support of the transition of the site for use as a university campus. Shortly thereafter, the state legislature and the CSU Board of Trustees, provided funds to begin the conversion of the facility from a state hospital into a college campus.

The CSU Board of Trustees appointed Richard R. Rush president of California State University Channel Islands and 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's strategic, academic and physical master plans.   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 freshmen class arrived in fall 2003. At full capacity, CSU Channel Islands will serve more than 15,000 full-time equivalent students.

To accommodate the rapidly growing numbers of students, in 2004 the University completed the first phase of student housing, Anacapa Village, which provides on campus housing for 350 students. Phase two housing, named Santa Cruz Village, is currently under construction and will provide space for an additional 464 students. It will be ready for occupancy when students arrive in fall 2007.   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 the campus was the Science Building completed in 2003. This structure provides much needed lab and auditorium space for students. Currently under construction is the prestigious John Spoor Broome Library which will provide a state-of-the-art digital teaching and learning library for students, faculty, staff, and the community.   CSU Channel Islands is a student-centered University, committed to academic excellence, civic engagement, environmental responsibility, and leadership for the 21st century.