HOME / ABOUT / HISTORY, MISSION & VISION HISTORY, MISSION & VISION Expand Menu Campus History CSUDH was founded in 1960; however, the campus sits on land that has a long and rich history. The university's 346 acres were once a section of the first private land grant in Southern California—the Rancho San Pedro. Juan José Dominguez (1736-1809), a Spanish soldier, received the original grant of 75,000 acres in 1784 from King Carlos III of Spain. While much of the acreage has been sold and developed, portions remain in the possession of Dominguez descendants. The site chosen for the university was known as the Dominguez Hills, named after the family. The California State Legislature authorized the establishment of the "South Bay State College" and Governor Edmund G. (Pat) Brown signed it into law on April 29, 1960. The need for a campus in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County became apparent in response to a rising population in the 1950s influenced by the growth of families of World War II veterans, and by emerging aerospace and defense industries. Innovative modernist architect A. Quincy Jones created a campus physical master plan in 1964 and oversaw the design of buildings and development of the campus until his death in 1979. In 1965, the university held its first classes at a temporary location in the California Federal Savings Bank in Rolling Hills Estates. The college was renamed California State College at Palos Verdes, and approximately 40 students enrolled and were taught by 11 faculty members, as well as administrators. In 1965, the Watts Rebellion devastated a community and awakened the nation, bringing longstanding grievances and inequalities into the spotlight. The Watts Uprising is considered by many to have been one of the key turning points in the African American Civil Rights movement, and has served to shape scholarly and public understanding of race rebellions and the development of race relations in the United States. Following the Watts Rebellion, Gov. Pat Brown visited the area and determined that the Dominguez Hills site in the soon-to-be City of Carson would provide the diverse, mostly minority population in nearby urban neighborhoods with the best accessibility to a college education. CSC Palos Verdes became CSC Dominguez Hills in 1966 and was moved into a temporary location known as the Watt Campus, after its developer Ray Watt, that stood across the street from the future permanent site of the college. The opening of the permanent campus occurred in October 1968. Our Mission We provide education, scholarship and service that are, by design, accessible and transformative. We welcome students who seek academic achievement, personal fulfillment, and preparation for the work of today and tomorrow. Our Vision A vital educational and economic resource for the South Bay, CSUDH will be recognized as a top-performing Comprehensive Model Urban University in America. We will be known as a campus community and gathering place where: Diversity in all its forms is explored, understood, and transformed into knowledge and practice that benefits the world. Technology is embraced and leveraged to transcend educational boundaries as we reach out to students, both locally and globally. Sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices are a way of life. Students from our community who aspire to complete a college degree are provided the pathway and guidance to succeed. Faculty and staff across the university are engaged in serving the dynamic needs of the surrounding communities. Student life is meaningful and vibrant. Our accomplishments and those of our alumni are recognized nationally and internationally. Ultimately, our students graduate with an exemplary academic education, a highly respected degree, and a genuine commitment to justice and social responsibility. Our Core Values The following core values are fundamental to our success: Accountability. We recognize and live up to our responsibility to our students, campus resources and finances, staff, faculty alumni, supporters, and the community at large. Collaboration. All segments of the campus community work together to support our vision as well as our students' success. Continuous Learning. We strive to continually improve teaching, scholarship and service. Rigorous Standards. We identify, implement and support excellence in all our practices. Proactive Partnerships. We actively engage with our communities and its members to promote educational opportunities and excellence for our students. Respect. We celebrate and respect diversity in all forms. Responsiveness. We are here to serve the needs of students, this community and society. LATEST NEWS Meals 4 Toros Program Distributes Thanksgiving Dinners To Students In Need CSUDH Highlighted In National 2021 Sustainable Campus Index CSUDH Presents “Forward Momentum” Dance Concert CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DOMINGUEZ HILLS 1000 E. Victoria Street Carson, CA 90747 310-243-3696 Map Contact Us Privacy Notice Facilities and Leasing Media Resources A-Z SITE INDEX USER SERVICES (HELP DESK) ADA COMPLIANCE GET ADOBE READER ACCESSIBILITY DH POLICE EMERGENCY INFORMATION ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT [PDF] TITLE IX CSU CAREERS AT CSUDH © 2021 California State University, Dominguez Hills Ask Teddy