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Chico State

Chico State

Chico State

Founded in 1887, California State University, Chico is the second-oldest CSU campus and one of the highest-ranked master’s-level public universities in the West.

Contact Chico State at publicaffairs@csuchico.edu

Manny Lopez stands in a field of sheep with a feed bucket.

Animal Science Major Embraces Role of Lead Shepherd in Sheep Unit

Since arriving at Chico State in fall 2019, Manny Lopez has been an integral part of the University Farm’s Sheep Unit and today serves as its lead shepherd.

Fall colors of red and gold in the downtown street trees brighten Broadway Street in downtown Chico.

Alumni-Owners of Downtown Chico Businesses Share Their Stories

Whether they opened their store shortly after graduation, took over a longstanding business, or brought something new to the area mid-career, the owners of four downtown businesses share what makes the Chico State connections special to them.

Clouds laden in sunlight float behind an academic building with the words "Joy of Learning, California State University Chico" in the foreground

Joy of Learning Showcases Faculty Expertise

With topics ranging from neuroscience to animal nutrition to sustainable electronics, eight faculty members who reflect the top of their disciplines will present on their area of expertise.

Anthropology Faculty Reflects on Fulbright Experience in Jordan

Anthropology faculty Jesse Dizard shares about his experience as a Fulbright Scholar in Jordan.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Retired History and Social Science Professor Ken Rose

Ken Rose was an impassioned and well-respected historian and history professor, as well as a beloved musician in a local Irish band.

Two people butcher meat at the Meats Lab

How To: Stay Sharp at the Meat Counter

As inflation and food costs continue to set record highs, Chico State Meats Lab staff and students offer tips to include meat as a part of your healthy diet.

Students stand with their award certificates at the international AMA competition.

Marketing Students Take Top Honors at International Conference

Ten students from the Chico State chapter of the American Marketing Association netted multiple awards at the AMA International Collegiate Conference.

Terry Nilsen poses with a woman

Fond Farewell: Psychology Major Terry Nilsen

After changing his major, Terry Nilsen embraced both psychology and art and loved spending time in Chico.

College students and faculty stand in a coffee processing plant, with dozens of bags of coffee beans stacked up in the background.

Agriculture Majors Explore Puerto Rico in Immersive Trip

A 10-day agricultural exploration trip over winter break pushed eight Chico State students outside their comfort zones, gave them new perspectives on experiential education, and immersed them in a culture they will never forget.

An academic building sits in the early evening sun with colorful clouds swirling behind.

Chico State Stands with the People of Ukraine

President Gayle Hutchinson encourages the campus community to support one another and offers resources related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Today Decides Tomorrow is inscribed in stone above the entrance to Kendall hall

Tomorrow Transformed

Thanks to the generous support of its benefactors, Chico State's first comprehensive capital campaign raised $106.6 million, transforming lives across campus.

A graphic image shows the Wildcat statue with the phrases, "Wildcats Do and Dare" and "Today Decides Tomorrow."

Wildcats Do and Dare

What might the world look like if, rather than wondering about some distant future, we took daily action toward the tomorrow of our dreams? Meet Wildcats who are doing exactly that.

Student Guadalupe Cruz sits in front of her Dia de los Muertos altar she set up at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.

Day of the Dead Altar: A Celebration of Life

In honor of this year's Dia de los Muertos, student Guadalupe Cruz created an altar—borrowing many beloved items used by her family—for the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.

A rock decor inscribed "Home Sweet Home" is placed at a destroyed home from the Camp Fire along Newman Avenue in Paradise.

Paradise Continues to Rebuild and Evolve Three Years After the Camp Fire

Three years after the Camp Fire scattered the residents of Paradise, the town continues its rebuilding process—while also evolving.

Winemaker Vanessa Pitney holds a glass of wine at her winery.

Five Questions with Winemaker and Nutrition Educator Vanessa Pitney

After falling into winemaking by accident, Vanessa and her husband, a fellow alum, love teaching others about the process.

Derek Sohnrey, his wife, and three daughters stand with harvesting equipment.

5 Questions with Fifth-Generation Farmer Derek Sohnrey

Derek Sohnrey ('13) blends the lessons he learned at Chico State with modern technology and five generations of family farm experience to carry their operations into the future.

Eduardo Europa holds a sign that says "curiosity."

New Faculty Share Messages of Inspiration

As 17 new faculty join Chico State this semester, they spent a few minutes creating signs to inspire students with a word or phrase for the new school year.

President Hutchinson stands on stage next to banners of our new logos.

Chico State Announces New Visual Identity for University, Athletics

During President Gayle Hutchinson's Convocation address Thursday, she revealed new logos and a narrative identity for the University.

Lindsay Woychick, her husband, and french bulldog pose in a colorful forest in Spain.

Alumna Predicts Post-Pandemic Upgrades Will Enhance Study Abroad Experience

After a decade living in Spain, Study Abroad alumna Lindsay Woychick (Journalism, '12) shares how COVID-19 has transformed the international experience.

Kym Crosby crosses a finish link on a track

Alumna Kym Crosby Readies To Run for Team USA at 2021 Paralympics

A bronze medalist in Rio in 2016, Kym Crosby ('17) claimed the 100- and 400-meter titles at the US Paralympic Trials. She heads to Tokyo in August.

Jill Gaylor

Alumna Leads Third-Generation Family Lumber Business

As president of Healdsburg Lumber Company, Jill Ziedrich Gaylor ('06) knows that changing attitudes about women and building supply starts from within.

A portrait of Patricia Stock in front of a white background.

CSU, Chico Announces Stock as New Agriculture Dean

Following the completion of a national search, Chico State's College of Agriculture's new dean is Patricia Stock.

Yellow and red roses bloom in the foreground with academic buildings in the background.

Class Notes: Spring 2021

Whether it's starting a new business, writing a book, or achieving a lifelong dream, the Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for spring 2021.

Jesus Barba

Agricultural Business Major Thrives in His Field

Jesus Barba was raised by farmworkers but didn't consider a career in agriculture until he discovered the range of possibilities he could pursue.

Christy Levine stands in a business suit in the hallway of Glenn Hall.

Entrepreneurship Student Finds Niche in the Business of Excellence

Proactive and self-motivated, Christine Levine found success everywhere she went, thriving in her work, her studies, and sales competitions.

Edward Berdan smiles and leans against a wall.

Diversity Fellow Finds Niche in AAPI Politics

As a master’s student in political science, Edward Berdan has bloomed into a scholar destined to change the study of AAPI politics.

Natsumi Kawamura performs a dance routine as Megan Glynn Zollinger films on an iPhone.

Dance Students Rediscover Groove in Virtual Collaboration

The CSU Dance Collective, cofounded by Professor Megan Glynn Zollinger, has not only kept dance alive at Chico State during the pandemic, it’s transformed collaboration and creativity for students, faculty, and campuses alike.

Stars shine above Trinity Hall.

Fond Farewell: Retired English Professor Sharon Paquin

As an alumna and a professor, Sharon Paquin cultivated a lasting passion for writing, teaching, human rights, and environmental conservation during her time at Chico State.

A cartoon of a student at a computer with map of world behind him with other student faces in different countries.

Students Engage Globally, Virtually, Amid COVID-19

Studying abroad looks different in the age of COVID-19, but the pandemic hasn’t stopped students from expanding their world-views, gaining new skills, and building lasting relationships.

Jared Axen holds a mug while dressed in his scrubs and a stethoscope around his neck.

5 Questions with ‘Singing Nurse’ Jared Axen

Registered nurse Jared Axen (MS, Nursing, ’20) has built a national reputation as the "Singing Nurse." When COVID-19 pandemic happened, the types of patients he treats have changed, but he's still crooning love songs and hymns to boost spirits and overall health.

An image of a sun rises behind a mountain and trees with the numbers 11 and 08 on either side.

Chico State to Join Greater Community in Camp Fire Remembrance

At 11:08 a.m. November 8, the Trinity Hall bells will chime to begin 85 seconds of silence commemorating the 85 lives lost in the Camp Fire, with the bells chiming once again to conclude the remembrance.

A view of Kendall Hall at Chico State

Class Notes: Fall 2020

Whether it's starting a new business, writing a book, or achieving a lifelong dream, the Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for fall 2020.

students walk out of the bell memorial union on a fall day.

AS Takes Step Against Systemic Racism by Honoring Juneteenth as Paid Holiday

By honoring Juneteenth as a paid holiday, the Associated Students hope to acknowledge its historical significance and contribute to efforts to dismantle systemic racism.

CRAAP Test Separates Good Resources from Bad

Sarah Blakeslee's checklist of questions known as the CRAAP Test helps users around the world determine the nature and value of a resource.

A student works at her computer in her room.

How to: Find Happiness and Leisure Amid a Lockdown

Faculty experts share their ideas on everyday and bigger picture activities people can embrace to foster happiness during COVID-19.

Students throw bean bags as part of a cornhole tournament.

Chico State Nearly Wins World Record Title with Cornhole Tournament

Chico State broke one world record and nearly set a new one with 398 students participating in a campus cornhole tournament.

An aerial view of campus shows trees turning color in fall as students walk on campus.

History Majors Embrace Groundbreaking Research with Inaugural Adelante Grants

This summer, three history majors—Vivian Hernandez, Jose Valadez, and Juan Vega—tackled topics much of the world knows little about with support from a national grant.

Marianna Paiva smiles as she works on her laptop on the floor of her closet.

Professor Discovers Closets are for More than Clothes

Imagining podcasts could be a great way for her students to connect with their coursework virtually, professor Marianne Paiva began recording where she found the best acoustics.

The sun shines through the oversized statue of two hands near the Chico City Hall buildling.

History Professor Laird Easton Shares Optimism for Economic Recovery in The Washington Post

History shows our global economy will probably bounce back from COVID-19, and brighter days are on the horizon, says history professor Laird Easton.

A student tests concrete in a lab on campus.

Concrete Graduates Have Strong Hold on Job Market

With unique degrees in concrete industry management, Wildcats experience career success straight out of college.