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California State University Governance and Administration

CSU Historical Milestones

The individual California State Colleges was established as a system with a Board of Trustees and a Chancellor in 1960 by the Donahoe Higher Education Act. In 1972, the system was designated as the California State University and Colleges, and in 1982 the system became the California State University (CSU). Today, the CSU is comprised of 23 campuses, including comprehensive and polytechnic universities and, since July 1995, the California Maritime Academy, a specialized campus.

The oldest campus—San José State University—was founded in 1857 and became the first institution of public higher education in California. The newest—CSU Channel Islands—opened in fall 2002, with freshmen arriving in fall 2003.

In 1963, the State Academic Senate was established to act as the official voice of CSU faculty in systemwide matters. Also, the California State College Student Presidents Association—which was later renamed the California State Students Association—was founded to represent each campus student association on issues affecting students.

Through its many decades of existence, the CSU has continued to adapt to address societal changes, student needs and workforce trends. While the CSU’s core mission has always focused on providing high-quality, affordable bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, over time the university has added a wide range of services and programs to support student success – from adding health centers and special programs for veterans to building student residential facilities to provide a comprehensive educational experience.

To improve degree completion and accommodate students working full- or part-time, the educational paradigm expanded to give students the ability to complete upper-division and graduate requirements through part-time, late afternoon, and evening study. The university also expanded its programs to include a variety of teaching and school service credential programs, specially designed for working professionals.

The CSU marked another significant educational milestone when it broadened its degree offerings to include doctoral degrees. The CSU independently offers educational doctorate (Ed.D.), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs. A limited number of other doctoral degrees are offered jointly with the University of California and private institutions in California.

In 2010, in an effort to accommodate community college transfer students, the university, in concert with the California Community Colleges, launched the Associate Degree for Transfer, which guarantees transfer students admission to the CSU with junior status.

Always adapting to changes in technology and societal trends to support student learning and degree completion, the CSU initiated another milestone in 2013, when it launched Cal State Online, a systemwide collection of services that support the delivery of fully online programs from campuses. Now, full-time students also have access to fully online courses offered at other CSU campuses.

The CSU is dynamic and ever changing to ensure a quality higher education to the students of California. With 23 campuses, 437,000 students and 44,000 faculty and staff, the CSU plays a critical role in preparing outstanding candidates for the job market. The CSU is committed to continually developing innovative programs, services and opportunities that will give students the tools they need to meet their full potential.

Trustees of the California State University

Ex Officio Trustees

The Honorable Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Governor of California

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Lieutenant Governor of California

The Honorable John Pérez
Speaker of the Assembly

The Honorable Tom Torlakson
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Dr. Timothy P. White 
Chancellor of The California State University

Officers of the Trustees 

The Honorable Edmond G. Brown, Jr. 
President

Bob Linscheid 
Chair

Framroze Virjee
Secretary

Sally F. Roush (Interim)
Treasurer

Appointed Trustees 

Appointments are for a term of eight years, except student, alumni, and faculty trustees whose terms are for two years. Terms expire in the year in parentheses. Names are listed alphabetically.

Roberta Achtenberg (2015)
Talar Alexanian (2015)
Rebecca D. Eisen (2018)
Douglas Faigin (2017)
Debra S. Farar (2014)
Margaret Fortune (2016)
Lupe C. Garcia (2020)
Steven M. Glazer (2019)
William Hauck (2017)
Bob Linscheid (2013)
Lou Monville (2014)
Hugo N. Morales (2020)
J. Lawrence Norton (2019)
Steven Stepanek (2015)
Cipriano Vargas (2014)

Correspondence with Trustees should be sent to: c/o Trustees Secretariat, The California State University, 401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, California 90802-4210.

Office of the Chancellor 

The California State University
401 Golden Shore Long Beach, California
90802-4210
562-951-4000

Dr. Timothy P. White, Chancellor – CSU System
Sally F. Roush, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Ephraim P. Smith, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer
Mr. Garrett P. Ashley, Vice Chancellor, University Relations and Advancement
Ms. Gail E. Brooks, Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Mr. Framroze Virjee, Executive Vice Chancellor and General Counsel
Mr. Larry Mandel, University Auditor

Catalog Cycle:14