As Founding Dean, I am pleased to welcome you to the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Stanislaus, where the outstanding faculty and staff are dedicated to student success.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in California. I am a product of the state’s public education system — the University of California system in particular. I received my bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego, and master’s and Ph.D. degrees from UC Davis in Physics. I then spent 20 years as a researcher and professor with Louisiana State University, specializing in the research field of high energy particle physics, as well with the preparation and professional development of secondary education teachers of math and science.

Last year, I decided to further concentrate the remainder of my career on the challenge of producing more qualified mathematicians and scientists in the U.S. This is why I am thrilled to be the new Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. My vision is for this College to be a center for science and math education and scholarship in California’s Central Valley. Our College provides the State and region with outstanding medical, technical and scientific professionals, and also responds to the national and regional need for science leading to the sustainability of our valuable environmental resources.

The College of Natural Sciences consists of 57 full-time faculty and 14 administrative and technical staff in five departments: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics/Physical Science/Geology.  The College is also home to the San Joaquin Valley Endangered Species Recovery Program (ESRP), a cooperative program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The College establishes a scientific community that nurtures in its students the intellectual and technical capacity to succeed in their academic pursuits. Our undergraduates, numbering more than 750, pursue degrees in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Cognitive Studies, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics and Physical Sciences. Our graduate students are engaged in the disciplines of Marine Sciences, Ecology and Sustainability, and Genetic Counseling. Our programs combine a strong emphasis on the theory and methods of the science disciplines with their practical applications.  Classroom lessons are reinforced by real-world applications through laboratory, clinical, and field experiences. Our innovative curriculum encourages students to explore their potential and to prepare for challenging scientific careers or to pursue advanced studies.  Faculty advisors provide guidance on the different options and opportunities.

This past August, three of our departments — Biology, Chemistry and Physics/Physical Sciences & Geology — moved into the University’s newest building, the Nora and Hashem Naraghi Hall of Science. Naraghi Hall provides 110,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities for science instruction, with room for the College to grow and to develop new and distinctive programs that serve students and the community, region and State.

The College of Natural Sciences invites you to explore your future with us. Peruse our Website or call (209) 667-3153. We will be pleased to introduce you to our programs, faculty and staff.

Roger R. McNeil, Ph.D.
Founding Dean | College of Natural Sciences