Dec. 17, 2025 鈥 Cal State Channel Islands (海角社区CI) 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鈥2022) and Associate Dean (2022鈥2024). Hampton joined 海角社区CI 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鈥1991).
鈥淒r. Hampton brings rare continuity, institutional knowledge, and credibility to this role,鈥 stated 海角社区CI Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti. His long-standing commitment to 海角社区CI鈥檚 students, faculty, and community partners positions the School of Arts & Sciences for both stability and forward momentum.鈥
In addition to Hampton鈥檚 faculty and leadership roles, he has held numerous administrative positions at 海角社区CI, 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鈥揚rincipal 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 海角社区CI Science Carnival鈥攏ow renamed the STEAM Carnival鈥攁 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鈥檚 Teaching & Innovation Award; the Maximus Award; and the Business & Technology Partnership Faculty Leader of the Year Award.
鈥淚t鈥檚 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,鈥 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 海角社区CI鈥檚 mission and values. Together, we will continue building opportunities that allow every student to thrive.鈥