Biography of Dr. Richard R. Rush
President, California State University Channel Islands
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Dr. Richard R. Rush was appointed president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) on June 18, 2001. In preparation for the Grand Opening of CSUCI in August 2002, Dr. Rush has been responsible for hiring the first cadre of faculty and senior administrative staff, as well as overseeing the development of the academic and physical master plans.
Prior to joining CSUCI, Dr. Rush was president and professor of English literature at Minnesota State University Mankato. During the nine years of his presidency, he revised the university mission statement and approved the strategic plan, which emphasizes applied research, student mentoring and close ties between the university, business community and other educational partners. Focusing upon partnerships beneficial to all parties, he expanded the Minnesota campus facilities and curriculum through public/private relationships and embarked upon a major construction campaign to support university programs. These efforts resulted in the most significant private construction projects in state university history in Minnesota and enabled the university to enhance its presence and quality of programs.
Dr. Rush graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University, having pursued programs in classics, English, and philosophy. He also holds a Ph.D. in English renaissance literature from the University of California, Los Angeles, completing his dissertation in residence at The Huntington Library as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Subsequently, he accepted a position on the faculty at San Diego State University and received support for his research there that included a Mellon Foundation Fellowship and a University Faculty Fellowship.
Dr. Rush is the father of two daughters and lives in Camarillo, California.