Moorpark College is a Public college community college in Moorpark, California in the United States. It was established in 1967 with enrollment of 2,500 students, and enrolled 14,254 students in 2014.
In 1965, the citizens of Ventura County passed a bond for 8 million dollars to build the first part of the college. Construction of the administration, science, technology, gymnasium, and Maintenance buildings, and the Library and Campus Center began in 1966.
Moorpark College officially opened on September 11, 1967. The college's first president, John Collins, welcomed almost 1,400 students and 50 faculty members.
Robert Lombardi became the college's second president in 1971. During his tenure, enrollment doubled, and the college added emphasis on preparing students to transfer to four-year schools.
Ray Hearon is the longest-serving president, in office from 1974 to 1989. In 1980, the Moorpark College Foundation was formed to fund construction of an athletic stadium, amphitheater, and observatory. The 6,000-seat stadium, completed in 1985, was named after Paul Griffin Jr., a major benefactor. In 1987, the Charles Temple Observatory, the only public observatory in Ventura County, and Carlsberg Amphitheater were dedicated at the college's 20th anniversary celebration.
Nearby Oxnard College solicited Moorpark's help in establishing a Camarillo Center, located on California State University, Channel Islands's campus.
In 2000, a high school for juniors and seniors opened on the college campus, The High School at Moorpark College (separate from Moorpark High School but part of the Moorpark Unified School District). The first class to graduate in 2001 numbered 25.
For the 2007 transferring cohort of eligible students (2,252), Moorpark College transferred 130 to a university in two years, 480 in three years, and 793 and four years.
In 1973, the college started an Exotic Animal Training and Management program. In 2011, the college broke ground on a new center for the program to house over 200 animals on campus.
Bernard Luskin was appointed interim president of Moorpark College in September 2013." Dr. Luskin's Bio," Ventura County Community College District website. Retrieved 7 January 2017." VCCCD Board of Trustees and Mayor Janice Parvin join Chancellor's surprise dedication," Tri County Sentry, 16 July 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2017. Luis Pablo Sanchez was appointed for a term beginning February 3, 2015.Bullock, Brian. " Hancock's Sanchez named president at Moorpark College," Santa Maria Times, 14 December 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2017.Garcia, Agustin. " Introducing our new president: Luis Pablo Sanchez," Student Voice, 22 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2017.Moore, Jean Cowden. " Moorpark College gets new president," Ventura County Star, 23 December 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2017. After serving as interim president, Julius Sokenu was installed as president of the college on April 14, 2021.
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