President's Message

Looking to the Future

Another academic year successfully has ended and I am extremely proud of this year’s 1,600 graduates prepared with their credentials, bachelor's and master’s degrees to take on the world. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by our newest alums at our recent Commencement ceremonies was electric! Our graduates invested long hours alongside faculty and mentors as they studied, performed research and shared their knowledge with one another, in order to fulfill their dreams of receiving an excellent education and beginning the next chapter of their lives.

Similarly, the University also looks to the future as we plan for the next generation of students who will attend CI. With less state funding and increasing demand for qualified workers in California, we need to look at innovative ways to provide for students and to accomplish the magic of learning. We need to innovate to serve prospective students—including underserved populations —and enable our outstanding faculty to continue doing what they do best in teaching, research and hands-on academic experiences.

We have entered an agreement with advisory firm Jones Lang LaSalle to apply their extensive expertise assessing CI’s current state. Their knowledge and experience will inform the development of a creative plan to leverage existing assets, enabling the University to add programs and facilities in concert with the growth of the campus. They will study campus demand for facilities, evaluate alternative financial structures, identify opportunities for partnerships, and recommend new funding opportunities to finance development components. The plan is targeted for completion this fall.

From the very beginning of CI we have built partnerships and our community has been generous and forthcoming. In turn, we are preparing a workforce that will enhance economic development and enrich quality of life throughout our region. We invite you to join us in this endeavor as we continue to provide an excellent education for the residents of Ventura County and beyond.

Sincerely yours,

Richard R. Rush
President