Sept. 3, 2010 - When fall quarter starts on Sept. 13, CSU Bakersfield will see many new faces. First-time freshmen enrollment sits at record levels - more than 1,110 compared to 1,064 a year ago. Add to that another 1,000 transfer students, and CSUB is on track for about 2 percent enrollment growth year over year.

To better align the university in meeting its strategic goals, two of its four schools have been reorganized. The new schools are: Social Sciences and Education, and Arts and Humanities. The School of Business and Public Administration and School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics remain unchanged.

"I believe this reorganization will promote increased synergies among programs and departments within and across schools," said CSUB president, Dr. Horace Mitchell. "It also achieves greater balance and equity among the schools in terms of size and reaffirms our commitment to the unique contributions and linkage of the arts and humanities, the behavioral and social sciences, and our education programs."

In August, CSUB welcomed two new deans to oversee the newly formed schools.

Dr. Richard Collins joins the faculty in the School of Arts and Humanities in shaping a new vision and direction that is regionally connected and prepares students for a global environment.

Similarly, Dr. Kathleen Knutzen, in working with the faculty, will expand the outreach to the community and strengthen current programs, while also cultivating new areas of development. She will provide leadership in increasing partnerships with the K-12 community.

"I am especially pleased to have the two new deans join CSUB and the academic affairs team," said Dr. Soraya Coley, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Each brings intellectual achievements, strong academic experience, core values of access and diversity, and a commitment to excellence that will foster the advancement of the academic programs and the support of their faculty and staff."

As part of CSUB's Week of Welcome - an annual celebration that officially kicks off the new academic year - a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the new schools and deans will be held at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7 during University Day.