CSUCI President Richard Yao to Step Down; Appointed President of DataPhilanthropy
July 1, 2025 -- Dr. Richard Yao, President of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), has announced that he will step down from his role effective August 1, 2025. Yao will assume the presidency of DataPhilanthropy, the giving arm of the Jeff T. Green Family Foundation. The Foundation, led by Jeff Green, Co-Founder and CEO of the Trade Desk and signatory of The Giving Pledge, focuses on applying data science to make its philanthropic efforts as impactful as possible.
Latest CI News
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute lineup for Fall includes topics ranging from brain health to the solar systemJuly 29, 2025 -- Did you know your brain craves certain types of exercise? And music? And play! Gerontologist Kelsey Uyeda will explore the science of brain health with "The Brain And...," one of 13 courses offered during the Fall I session of CSU Channel Islands' (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).
- Julia Heck recognized as Top 50 Women Leaders in EducationWomen We Admire announced The Top 50 Women Leaders in Education for 2025. Julia Heck, AVP for Student Life and Support Programs and Dean of Students at CSU Channel Islands was among those selected.
- CSUCI earns funding from Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovation ChallengeThe California State University (CSU) announced the winners of its first-ever Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovations Challenge (AIEIC). Sixty-three faculty-led projects were selected for their potential to enable transformative teaching methods, foster groundbreaking research and address key concerns about AI adoption within the academic environment.
- Rowing Team Coached by CSUCI Student Takes National AwardAn Ojai rowing team coached by CSUCI Art History student, Raleigh Mendez, took home a national award in a sport generally associated with the Ivy League schools.
- Provost Awarded Latino Business Award by PCBTJuly 18, 2025 - Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti was honored with a 2025 Latino Business Award by the Pacific Coast Business Times (PBCT) on July 17 at the Limoneria Ranch in Santa Paula. Dr. Lavariega Monforti was one of eight honorees chosen by the PCBT to receive the award, which is to recognize the achievements of Latina/o entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders in the region.
- Campus Phone System to be UpgradedJuly 18, 2025 -- The campus phone system is undergoing a major upgrade to support more modern and flexible communication while benefitting from significant cost savings. The current phone system will reach its end of life in August 2025, making this transition both necessary and timely. The new platform offers improved features and improved integration with existing campus tools.
