Cal Poly Humboldt - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Cal Poly Humboldt, officially California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, is the northernmost campus in the California State University (CSU) system and the third polytechnic university in the state. It transitioned to a polytechnic institution in January 2022. The university is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable education, fostering diversity, and pursuing a more just and sustainable world. Cal Poly Humboldt aims to be a premier center for interdisciplinary study of the environment, climate crisis and resilience, conservation, and just global societies. The university supports accessible higher education and applied research, particularly in STEM, environmental science, and natural resources.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Provide hands-on learning experiences.

Promote sustainability through environmental, economic, and socially responsible actions.

Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion [].

Engage with community arts partners and employers [].

Partner with Indigenous communities [].

Focus on workforce development in the academic enterprise and beyond [].

Specialization Areas

Cal Poly Humboldt specializes in:

STEM programs.

Environmental science.

Natural resources.

Target Markets

Cal Poly Humboldt targets:

Students seeking hands-on learning experiences.

Students interested in STEM, environmental science, and natural resources.

Students from diverse backgrounds.

Students from California and beyond.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Cal Poly Humboldt has a budget of over $300 million.

The General Operating Fund Budget is approximately $178 million, primarily from tuition and state funding.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Sponsored Programs Foundation (SPF) secured $52.3 million to support research and creative projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $23 million to the Schatz Energy Research Center for the Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty (TERAS) project.

The program secured $899,999 in funding from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the Pelican Bay Bachelor of Arts in Communication program.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Cal Poly Humboldt is adding 27 new academic and experiential programs by 2029, with a focus on STEM programming.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Cal Poly Humboldt's Schatz Energy Research Center is a leader in clean and renewable energy technology research.

The university is building a new Engineering & Technology Building with sustainable design, lab and research spaces, faculty offices, and student support spaces. The rooftop will have solar panels.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Michael Spagna: Interim President.

Jenn Capps: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university's academic mission.

Sherie Cornish Gordon: Vice President for Administration & Finance and CFO.

Mark Johnson: Interim Vice President for University Advancement.

Chrissy Holliday: Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success.

Adrienne Colegrove-Raymond: Special Assistant to the President for Tribal & Community Engagement.

Nick Pettit: Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreational Sports.

Bethany Gilden: Acting Chief of Staff.

6. Competitive Analysis

This information is not available.

7. Market Analysis

This information is not available.

8. Strategic Partnerships

Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty (TERAS) Project: Partnership with the Hoopa Valley, Karuk, Yurok, and Blue Lake Rancheria Tribes to address power outages and promote energy resilience.

UC Davis and Stanford University: Collaboration to diversify the biomedical workforce and advance reproducibility in regenerative medicine studies.

College of the Redwoods: Partnership to launch a men's and women's rodeo program and improve access to higher education.

Ferndale Fairgrounds: Strategic partnership for the rodeo programs, providing access to facilities and resources.

California Department of Insurance: Joint effort to create the nation's first public wildfire catastrophe model.

Pacific Offshore Wind Consortium: Joint effort with Oregon State University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

9. Operational Insights

Cal Poly Humboldt emphasizes sustainability, hands-on learning, and community engagement. The university is committed to social and environmental justice and offers programs that address community resilience and social progress. Cal Poly Humboldt has a longstanding commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The university worked through $8.3 million in reductions to balance the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25.