Chapman University

Chapman University is a private, non-profit university located in Orange, California, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Chapman University encompasses eight schools and colleges: Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics, Schmid College of Science & Technology, College of Performing Arts, Dale E. Fowler School of Law and College of Educational Studies, and the School of Pharmacy. 

For the 2010–11 academic year, Chapman University enrolled 6,398 studentsFounded as Hesperian College, the school began classes on March 4, 1861. Its opening was timed to coincide with the hour of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration. Hesperian admitted students of both sexes and all races.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 Chapman College,[after the chairman of its board of trustees (and primary benefactor), C.C. Chapman. In 1954, Chapman College moved to its present campus in the city of Orange.Chapman established a Residence Education Center Program to serve military personnel in 1958. 

This evolved into the Chapman University College.Chapman University is the largest private university in Orange County, and is ranked in the U.S. News and World Report's top-tier of western region colleges and universities. It comprises three schools and five colleges, including the Dale E. Fowler School of Law, the Argyros School of Business and Economics, the School of Pharmacy, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the College of Educational Studies, the College of Performing Arts, the Schmid College of Science, and the Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It offers 46 undergraduate and 17 graduate majors. Chapman co-produces the OC Channel in a partnership with KOCEChapman College became Chapman University in 1991. In that year, Dr. James L. Doti became president of Chapman University. 

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 was also chairman of the Association for Independent California Colleges and Universities, and was a member of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Council of Economic Advisors and served 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.Schmid College of Science and Technology has a plan for a 140,000 sq. ft. Center for Science & Technology on Chapman’s main campus in Orange, California opening in fall 2018.


In 1959 Chapman University broke ground for Braden Hall, a men's dormitory on campus. It later became a co-ed dorm and was best known for it's basketball court. It was torn down in 2007, replaced in 2009 by Sandhu Residence Center which includes a cafeteria and rock climbing wall for studentsChapman University's College of Educational Studies (CES) offers undergraduate education degrees, teacher credentials and graduate education degrees, including a Ph.D. in Education. The mission of CES is as follows: “Guided by our values, vision, and principles, the College of Educational Studies (CES) commits to develop critical scholarship and skillful leadership that inspires and respects individuals, serves communities, strengthens diversity,