CI announces director for Henry L. "Hank" Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies
Camarillo, Calif., Oct. 21, 2011 – Dr. Elizabeth Hartung has been appointed as the
new Director of the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies
(HLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CI).
The HLI launched in 2010 is named for workforce and community leader Hank Lacayo,
who has served as an advisor to United States presidents and governors. As a vital
part of the University, the HLI is CSU Channel Islands’ latest effort to apply CI’s
highly qualified faculty and student talent toward addressing issues on behalf of
the larger community.
The work of the Institute will help provide valuable resources and information critical
to the prosperity of businesses at the local, state, and national level, as well as
a focus upon the complexities of sustainable workforce and business practices such
as recycling and green technologies. The work of the HLI directly contributes to the
growth of small businesses throughout the region through student consulting assignments
– applying, in a real-world setting, the business and technology skills learned through
entrepreneurial studies coursework. The HLI has received funding from Southern California
Edison, Verizon, Southern California Gas Company, and AT&T, among others.
In keeping with the core values of the University, studies will be interdisciplinary,
balanced with environmental sensibility, and will consider international and ever-evolving
demographic influences.
"I am very pleased that Dr. Hartung has accepted the offer to lead the HLI. Her impressive
background and experience will serve the HLI well in enhancing the Institute's role
on campus, the surrounding communities and the Pacific Rim,” said Hank Lacayo.
Hartung, who earned her doctorate at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln will serve
as the director of the HLI. She is currently the chair of the Sociology and Anthropology
programs, a role she has held since 2005. Hartung stated, "I am delighted to have
this opportunity to both extend and build new relationships between the University
and community as we serve our students and their future employers in Ventura County
and beyond, and to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Hank Lacayo.”
“Dr. Hartung is a trusted and respected colleague whose expertise in community issues
will serve us well. Under her leadership, faculty and students will have the opportunity
to research important workforce issues and provide valuable information to local small
businesses,” said President Richard Rush.
As well as Hartung’s work with the HLI, she maintains her research interests in the
areas of stratification and inequality, especially as expressed in housing issues.
She is also committed to the interdisciplinary focus of the University’s mission,
the importance of cultural exchange and internationalism for learners of all ages.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County
and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives,
and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs
focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative
master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology,
and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.