Mike Curb
Music Publisher, Philanthropist, and Former California Lt. Governor
California State University, Northridge
Michael C. Curb is a California State University, Northridge alumnus, outstanding public servant and preeminent artist and music producer who is widely recognized for his distinguished career and commitment to higher education. Born in 1944 in Georgia, Mr. Curb attended San Fernando Valley State College (now Cal State Northridge) in the early 1960s. While a student he launched Curb Records, now the oldest and one of the most successful private record labels in the United States. In the years since, he has sung and/or written more than 400 songs and produced more than 250 No. 1 records, including 25 that reached gold or platinum status. His influence covers a wide range of musical styles, contributing broadly to the culture of our era.
Mr. Curb entered public service in the 1970s, serving as co-chair of the Ronald Reagan California campaign for President and as co-chair of President Gerald Ford's California campaign. In 1978, Mr. Curb was elected California's Lieutenant Governor. He served on the California State University Board of Trustees and the University of California Board of Regents. In 1982, he was elected chair of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors, and in 1983 he served as chairman of the Republican National Finance Committee. He currently serves on Fisk University’s governing board.
Mr. Curb has established an extraordinary record as a philanthropist, supporting music and higher education. In 2006, he made a generous contribution to support the study and public enjoyment of music and the arts at California State University, Northridge. In his honor, the CSU Board of Trustees named the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at Cal State Northridge. Mr. Curb has also endowed the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University; the Curb Institute for Music at Rhodes College; and the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University.
In recognition of the extraordinary impact he has made on American culture and the world, his outstanding record of public service, and his commitment to the university, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Northridge are proud to confer upon Michael C. Curb the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.