Citrus experiment station

History

Breadcrumb
Ray of Light

History of UC Riverside

UC Riverside is a proud member of the prestigious University of California system, which in 2019 marked its 150th anniversary. Our history of high-impact innovation began with the university's earliest days as a Citrus Experiment Station and continues through today's transformative research. As we celebrate our past, we prepare next-generation scientists, engineers, performers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers to tackle tomorrow's challenges.

Since our founding, UCR’s evolution has mirrored the dynamic growth of Southern California. Once a small university in a small town, we are now the premier research and educational institution in the thriving Inland Southern California region. 

Explore our unique history through the milestone links below.

 

Past Chancellors

Gordon Watkins
Gordon Samuel Watkins was named UC Riverside's first provost in 1949 - a position he held until his retirement in 1956.
He was recalled to serve on the UC Santa Barbara campus as dean of the School of Education after that and died in 1970.
Gordon Watkins
Provost, 1949-1956

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

UCR Oral History Project

Hear the history of UCR from the mouths of faculty, administrators, students, and civic leaders.

UCR Oral History Project

University Archives

The designated repository for records, documents, publications and other material pertaining to the University of California, Riverside.

University Archives

UCR Citrus Gifts

The UCR Citrus Collection is a carefully curated assortment of gourmet products featuring the distinctive — and often unique — flavors of the University of California, Riverside (UCR) campus.

UCR Citrus Gifts

UCR Department of History

Interested in studying History? Learn more about our History Department.

UCR Department of History