CSUCI Pres. Erika Beck. Courtesy photos.
CAMARILLO — Since its beginning, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has been intrinsically linked with area industry and the economic vitality of the region.
The most recent CSUCI Economic Impact Report for the 2016-17 fiscal year shows that overall, CSUCI generated $517.2 million in economic output throughout California, including $296.8 million in Ventura County.
CSUCI’s most valuable contribution to the community is its human capital — the thousands of students CSUCI graduates who are prepared to lead the future workforce that is vital to the region’s continued economic growth.
To celebrate and cultivate that partnership between area industry and the University, CSUCI is launching the inaugural “Channel Your Network” speaker series at 8 a.m., Friday, Nov. 15 in the CSUCI Grand Salon. Cost is $35 per person and the public is welcome.
“We are reimagining higher education with an eye toward preparing graduates for 21st century challenges,” said CSUCI President Erika D. Beck. “I can’t imagine a better way to create the next generation of leaders than to work closely with the community to develop our vision. We have grown alongside this community from the very beginning and will continue to champion the future vitality of our economy.”
Mike Powers
CSUCI Vice President for University Advancement Nichole Ipach explained that the series is designed to explore how the University fits into the overall vision for the area.
“We are having the CEO of Ventura County come to speak about all of the things we’re doing to connect with area industry,” Ipach said. “For example, generating a work force that will be valuable over the long term to the region. The University views this event as a meaningful conversation with community and industry leaders that will serve to shape the region’s workforce in significant ways.”
After a period of networking from 8 to 9 a.m., Beck will open the “Pod Talk,” (a CSUCI dolphin version of a Ted Talk) followed by the CEO of Ventura County, Mike Powers.
“Economic vitality is critical for the future sustainability of Ventura County,” Powers said. “We are focused on workforce development and we’re working to match the needs of the county’s businesses to education. The businesses need qualified employees in fields such as health care, technology, engineering, agriculture, accounting and others. Our plan is to help leverage the existing business support organizations; cities and community organizations; and universities, colleges and schools to achieve this by facilitating job training and workforce development, focusing investment in infrastructure such as broadband, supporting the spirit of entrepreneurship and connecting local business to resources.”
There are numerous examples of how CSUCI and area industry have set up partnerships. CSUCI’s award-winning Nursing program, for example, provides a level of qualified, trained Nursing graduates to enter area hospitals, ready to work. The Nursing program’s Goleta campus offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in partnership with Cottage Health System in Santa Barbara.
Student teachers from CSUCI’s School of Education are in classrooms all over the county and Environmental Science & Resource Management faculty are working with landowners in coastal cities like Malibu and Ventura to help them plan for sea level rise.
The Computer Science program has partnerships with our region’s leading technology employers including the U.S. Navy, Trade Desk, HAAS Automation, and Meisner Filtration.
“We have faculty to provide expertise in a number of areas, and the University also serves as an information repository from all the research being conducted here,” Ipach said.
A sampling of student research projects highlighting community collaboration will be on display and breakfast will be provided.
Representatives from the business, industry and community sectors who are interested in learning more about how the community and the University can work together can RSVP before Nov. 6 at www.csuci.edu/cyn. Cost is $35 a person.
Sponsors for the event include Title Sponsor PeopleGrove; Presenting Sponsor Mill Creek Capital Advisors; Networking Sponsors: Premier America Credit Union, UCLA Health; Pod Sponsors: MWS Wire Industries, Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP; S.L.Leonard & Associates, Inc.; Visit Camarillo; and Media Sponsors: Noozhawk; Pacific Coast Business Times.
About California State University Channel Islands: CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is reimagining higher education for a new generation and era. We are an innovative higher education institution that enables students to succeed and thrive – serving as an engine for social and economic vitality that provides the intellectual resources necessary for a thriving democracy. With more than 7,000 students, 1,200 employees and 14,000 alumni, CSUCI is poised to grow in size and distinction, while maintaining one of the most student-focused learning environments in public higher education. Connect with and learn more by visiting www.csuci.edu or CSUCI’s Social Media.