Richard Yao
Richard Yao

Richard Yao, president of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), has announced he will step down from his role effective Aug. 1.

Yao will assume the presidency of DataPhilanthropy, the giving arm of the Jeff T. Green Family Foundation.

The foundation, led by Jeff Green, co-founder/CEO of the Trade Desk and signatory of The Giving Pledge, focuses on applying data science to make its philanthropic efforts as impactful as possible.

“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as president of CSUCI,” said Yao. “This campus has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience through an era of unprecedented challenges.

“I have never wavered in my belief in our mission or in the transformative impact of our work.”

During Yao’s tenure, CSUCI navigated a turbulent period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple wildfires, budget constraints, and enrollment challenges.

Investments in enrollment management and student success are now showing signs of progress for the university, including a 5% increase in continuing student retention compared to this time last year, the school said.

Yao’s administration oversaw the successful eight-year re-accreditation from the university’s accrediting body, WASC Senior Colleges & Universities; the establishment of cultural centers for students; and a major increase in the University Foundation’s total net assets — from $26 million in 2021 to over $90 million in 2025.

“After four and a half years of extraordinary collective work, I believe the university is poised for renewal and a powerful new chapter,” Yao said. “Now is the right time for a fresh perspective to guide CSUCI into the future.”

Jed Nahum, vice president of metrics at DataPhilanthropy said, “At CSUCI, President Yao’s focus on using data to demonstrate impact and improve performance stood out.

“I’m delighted that he’s bringing his vast experience and skill set to DataPhilanthropy so we can expand his scope to all the organizations that we fund.”

Before joining CSUCI, Yao served as a psychologist conducting therapy and forensic evaluations and then transitioned to faculty and senior administrative roles in higher education.