March 4, 2019— State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) today honored CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. as Senate District 19 Woman of the Year.
In commemoration of Women’s History Month, the California Senate and Assembly celebrated the state’s remarkable women during the regular floor session. Each of the 121 state senators made a selection from their district. Jackson’s district encompasses all of Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County.
“Erika Beck is a committed advocate for quality education and a dedicated community volunteer,” Jackson said. “Her academic credentials, experience, and contributions to our community make her an inspiration to young women and girls everywhere. I am proud to honor CSUCI President Erika Beck as the Senate District 19 Woman of the Year.”
Since 1987, California legislators have designated women from their district to honor in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Beck said she is proud to be President of a university that has achieved so much since she took the reins in 2016, including being ranked 23rd in the nation for improving the social and economic mobility of its students and experiencing record numbers of graduates each year, making CSUCI the fastest-growing campus in the California State University system.
The release of an economic impact study also found that CSUCI generated $517 million in economic output in California in 2016 alone.
“As President of CSU Channel Islands, I am deeply honored to receive this award which truly is a reflection of the tremendous work our entire university is doing to transform the lives of our students and our community,” Beck said.
Beck will also be honored locally with a celebration in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. The Ventura County “Women of the Year” event is scheduled for Friday, March 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ventura County Credit Union Headquarters at 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Suite 100 in Ventura. In addition to Beck, Senator Jackson and Assemblymember Monique Limon will recognize three other exceptional women from Ventura County.
A celebration in downtown Santa Barbara will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday March 28 with the exact location to be announced.