Our History
Founded in 1994, we’re one of the youngest universities in the CSU system—but our location has more than a century of history.
Long before our school was established, this stretch of Monterey Bay was still a vibrant training ground. Built upon a historic military base, we’ve been preparing ambitious students for bright futures for more than three decades.
Our Foundation: Fort Ord, Through the Decades
Our campus grew out of Fort Ord, a decommissioned U.S. Army base with a rich history dating back to 1917. Between the 1950s and 70s, more than 1.5 million enlistees received basic training here—including legendary entertainers Jimi Hendrix and Clint Eastwood. The final basic training classes were held in 1975, but the Fort retained an active infantry division until it officially closed in 1994.
1994 - Our Founding
When Congress decided to shut down Fort Ord, the local community proposed the base be converted into a university. In June 1994, that plan was approved and Cal State Monterey Bay began. Hank Hendrickson, then executive dean of CSUMB, signed the deed on August 29, 1994.
The opportunity to create a new university drew some of the most dedicated, creative and talented people in the field of higher education to Monterey Bay. Within a few months, that team adopted our founding vision statement, which set out our core values, educational philosophy, and still defines what we aspire to be.
1995 - First Day of Classes
August 28, 1995, marked the first day of classes, and as our pioneer alumni can attest, the campus was still a bit rough around the edges. Even so, then-president Bill Clinton paid a visit to the university's opening dedication ceremony. The entrepreneurial spirit and camaraderie that those early classes embodied still exists on-campus — students are empowered to get involved, start things up, and grab every opportunity they can imagine.
The 1990s through Now
Over the years, CSUMB continued to expand and evolve. We launched new academic programs that align with workplace demands and societal needs. We added athletic teams competing in more sports. Brand new state-of-the-art classroom buildings and residence halls went up, and we started getting attention and recognition for what we had accomplished — our Service Learning program was highlighted in U.S. News & World Report, Intel praised our wireless accessibility, and the team of scholars who accredited us said, "It is our view that CSUMB is a product of scholarship at its best — rigorous, ethical, socially responsible, and respectful of the values and strengths of a diverse group of people who have adopted a common vision and sense of purpose."
Today, you'll still find pieces of Fort Ord's past across campus — in murals, in renovated buildings, and even in newer facilities like the Alumni & Visitors Center, where the lobby ceiling is made of wood recycled from demolished Army barracks. And you'll still find the wisdom and creativity of the founders in the curriculum, with a fresh focus on social mobility and career readiness, and a host of services, departments, and clubs to support students.
Our campus has since grown dramatically, with the addition of a soaring library, an impressive student union, tasty eateries, and a renovated stadium. We’re also building new traditions, like The Plunge, a beginning-of-the-year group dip into the Pacific Ocean with the president, and the spirit, fun, and treats of Otter Thursdays.
And you'll have a chance to weave your own story into ours, and become a part of our history as it continues to unfold.