Dec 17, 2025 CSUCI announces new Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences

Dec. 17, 2025 - Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) has announced the successful conclusion of a nationwide search. Dr. Philip Hampton has been appointed as the next Dean for the School of Arts & Sciences, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Hampton has served as the Interim/Acting Dean for the School of Arts & Sciences since February 2024. He previously served as Interim Associate Dean (2020-2022) and Associate Dean (2022-2024). Hampton joined CSUCI in 2001 as one of the original faculty members as Associate Professor of Chemistry and was promoted to Professor of Chemistry in 2002. He began his academic career at the University of New Mexico after earning his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1989 and completing postdoctoral work at the California Institute of Technology (1989-1991).

"Dr. Hampton brings rare continuity, institutional knowledge, and credibility to this role," stated CSUCI Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti. His long-standing commitment to CSUCI's students, faculty, and community partners positions the School of Arts & Sciences for both stability and forward momentum."

In addition to Hampton's faculty and leadership roles, he has held numerous administrative positions at CSUCI, including Safety Compliance Liaison for the School of Arts & Sciences; Director of Educational Partnerships; Chair of Chemistry; Interim Director of Faculty Development; and Program Coordinator of Liberal Studies. He served as co-Principal Investigator and Project Director/Activity Director on two U.S. Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institution STEM grants totaling nearly $12 million (Project ACCESO and Project PROMESAS).

Hampton is also the founder of the annual CSUCI Science Carnival-now renamed the STEAM Carnival-a major community outreach event established in 2009. Additionally, he founded and directed the Ventura County STEM Network.

His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the El Concilio Distinguished Community Leader Award; the President's Teaching & Innovation Award; the Maximus Award; and the Business & Technology Partnership Faculty Leader of the Year Award.

"It's an honor to serve as Dean for the School of Arts & Sciences, a community that has shaped my career and continues to inspire me every day," stated Hampton. I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty, staff, and students to advance innovative teaching, meaningful research, and community partnerships that reflect CSUCI's mission and values. Together, we will continue building opportunities that allow every student to thrive."