Chapman University - History and Background

History and Background

Founded as Hesperian College, the school began classes on March 4, 1861. Hesperian admitted students of both sexes and all races—a radical educational concept at that time.

In 1920, the assets of Hesperian College were absorbed by California Christian College, which held classes in downtown Los Angeles. In 1934, the school was renamed after the chairman of its board of trustees (and primary benefactor), C.C. Chapman.

Chapman University is the largest private university in Orange County. It comprises four schools and four colleges, including the School of Law, the Argyros School of Business and Economics, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the School of Education, the College of Performing Arts, the Schmid College of Science, the Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences and University College. It offers 46 undergraduate and 17 graduate majors. Chapman co-produces the OC Channel in a partnership with KOCE.

Chapman offers the Juris Doctor (law) and LL.M. degrees, and M.A. degrees in education, educational psychology, English, film studies, psychology, school counseling, special education, teaching (elementary), and teaching (secondary). It offers M.S. degrees in communication sciences and disorders, food science and nutrition and human resource management. Also offered are a Master of Business Administration; a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing; a Master of Fine Arts in film production, film and television producing, and screenwriting; a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education. Public school credential programs include multiple subjects/BCLAD, single subject, single subject CLAD, pupil personnel school counseling (PPS), special education credentials mild moderate and moderate severe Level 1, special education credentials mild moderate and moderate severe Level II, and preliminary administrative services credentials. Many of the degree programs offer specializations.

Research facilities include the nationally recognized A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research, Albert Schweitzer Institute, Center for Non-Profit Leadership, Ludie and David C. Henley Social Science Research Laboratory, Walter Schmid Center for International Business, Ralph W. Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship Business Ethics, Center for the Study of the Cold War Era, John Fowles Center for Creative Writing, Center for Educational and Social Equity, Paulo Freire Democratic Project, a state-of-the-art human performance laboratory and research vivarium, food science and nutrition food-tasting and research laboratories, a community clinic for psychological counseling and research, and the Barry and Phyllis Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education.

Dr. James L. Doti has been president of Chapman University since 1991. Dr. Doti has received the Horatio Alger Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was honored by the Council for Advancement of Education as 2003 CEO of the Year. Doti is also chairman of the Association for Independent California Colleges and Universities, and is a member of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Council of Economic Advisors and serves on the Advisory Committee on Education Excellence. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Doti earned $1,542,270, which placed him at number 10 among private college presidents.

As of June 30, 2009, Chapman University’s endowments totaled $134.6 million. There are 44 endowed chairs and professorships.

Chapman is accredited by and is a member of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also a member of the Independent Colleges of Southern California, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Western College Association, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

It is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business International, the Institute of Food Technologists, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the Joint Review Committee of Athletic Training Standards and Guidelines, and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy. The School of Education is a member of the American Council on Education and the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education. Its teacher training and credential programs are approved by the California State Department of Education, Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The graduate program in school psychology is fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. The law school is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is accredited by the American Bar Association.

Being affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Chapman University is committed to the church, emphasizing spiritual faith and values, and cherishing a commitment to a liberal-arts education.

Chapman University's main campus displays the second largest piece of the Berlin Wall owned by an American university. It is also home to the largest free-standing spiral staircase west of the Mississippi River.