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

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.

A collection of baskets from four generations of Mountain Maidu Weavers of the Meadows-Baker Family sits in the Valene L. Smith Museum.

Chico State Museums Help CSU Preserve the Past, Define the Present, and Direct the Future

The Valene L. Smith Museum supports a broader mission to advance knowledge, learning, and culture by introducing the community to global cultures, history and people.

Diana Castellanos gives a virtual campus tour, holding out her self-phone while filming herself in front of the California State University, Chico monument sign.

Admissions Innovates to Recruit Wildcats in the Virtual World

In-person visits help showcase Chico State to prospective students. Amid COVID-19, Admissions staff have found creative ways to connect virtually.

Chico State Leads New Future for Agriculture Industry

To mitigate the ag industry's environmental impact, researchers at the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems are finding new methods and teaching them to the next generation.

Night falls on the Arts & Humanities Building.

English Professor Wins Award for First Published Children’s Book

Teresa Traver's son's relationship with a gargoyle inspired her to write her first children's book—an award-winning tale of courage.

5 Questions with Lauren Gruwell

A psychology degree and minor in marketing proved the perfect combo for Lauren Gruwell ('09) to work in business development in a major tech company.

A woman speaks toward her computer while wearing rubber gloves.

Older Adults Learn Online Together with OLLI

OLLI has launched its first virtual summer term, uniting hundreds of older adults to show that social distancing doesn't require social isolation.

students talk with the airport manager on the tarmac of the airport with a plane in the background.

Marketing Students Get Chico Airport Rebranding Off the Ground

Students in "Brand Strategy" are working to create a new identity for the Chico Airport, which they hope will be approved by the City Council.

The exterior of University Police Station

UPD Response to Killing of George Floyd

Chief John Reid speaks out on the death of George Floyd and affirms University Police Department's commitment to cultivating community trust.

A student waves at a friend on her iPad while Facetiming.

Together Apart

Photo essay captures how the campus community has united to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Kendall Hall with spring flowers in the foreground

Class Notes: Spring 2020

Whether it's starting a new business or achieving a lifelong dream, the Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. We check in on professional and personal updates from our alumni.

How To: Grow a Victory Garden

UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator Karina Hathorn (Agriculture, '11) shares tips to ensure a rich summer garden harvest.

Lilah Nielsen poses on top of the California State University, Chico sign.

Positivity Wins all Battles

Graduating senior Lilah Nielsen reflects on how Chico State transformed her and the lessons the COVID-19 pandemic has taught her about what values in life.

Daniel Hernandez performs a song from his home.

Songwriting Class Showcase Moves to YouTube

Without the chance to share their self-written songs in person, students in one music class shared their performances virtually.

Self-Reliance Leads to Self-Discovery

Ryan Lobsien struggled with imposter syndrome when he arrived at Chico State but grew into a confident student with a passion for helping others.

Double Major Connects Passion with Purpose

When picking a major, first-generation college student Jasmine Vang chose to follow her heart—which led to not one but two degrees she'll use to help others succeed in life.

Jonathan Najera poses next to cattle at the University Farm.

Animal Science Major Finds His Inner Lion

Jonathan Najera won't let anything stand in the way of his dream of becoming a veterinarian, while also filling his days with school, work, and research.

On Pace to Finish Strong

Student-athlete and graduating senior MacKenzie Deeter may have missed her last season of competition due to COVID-19 but she left a legacy of sustainability on and off the track.

A view of campus with the Trinity Bell tower.

Faculty Expert: Public Health Chair Holly Nevarez

Holly Nevarez explains how COVID-19 will change the landscape of the public health profession and society for years to come.

Troy Cline and student do research in a lab

Faculty Expert: Virology Professor Troy Cline

Virologist Troy Cline shares what stands out to him about the novel coronavirus and how he’s been incorporating the crisis into his lessons.

Anna Paladini smiles behind a mask as she gives blood.

Answering the Community’s Call

Creating sanitation kids, supplying protective equipment, and donating blood, Wildcats put their heart into community service

Amy Peet stands in front of Enloe Hospital wearing a face mask and her commencement attire.

Local Hospitals Keep Nursing Students on Track to Graduate

With a change in requirements and creative solutions to clinical hours, COVID-19 will not stand between School of Nursing students and their diplomas.

Green leaves provide some shade in front of an academic building.

Adapting to the Virtual Classroom

Computer animation and game development professor Kevin Taylor has found a way to maintain his positive, engaging classroom spirit.

The sun shines through the trees on the Kendall Hall lawn.

A Plea for Kindness and Rejecting Racism

As a first-generation Asian American, professor Chunyan Echo Song is deeply and personally troubled by racism surrounding COVID-19.

The author poses with a friend near a canal in Venice.

Reflections on a Study Abroad Cut Short

Junior Alexandria Ingvardsen reflects on returning from Italy, months earlier than planned, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A view of a student speaking to her laptop for a video on tips for online learning.

Distance Education Students Share Online Learning Tips

Six students produced videos to help their fellow Wildcats make the transition to virtual learning.

Honor César Chávez Day safely and respectfully

University and student leadership encourage the campus community to honor César Chávez's legacy in a safe, respectable way—that also heeds the statewide Stay at Home Order.

AS President Trevor Guthrie works on his laptop at home

Finding Resiliency in Difficult Times

Associated Students President Trevor Guthrie calls upon his fellow Wildcats to come together, uplift one another, and persevere.

New Dean Named for College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management

Provost Debra Larson announces Blake Wentz will be the new dean for the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management.

A student hikes hunched over with a heavy backpacking pack on her back as other students follow behind in a forest.

Getting Wild in the Great Outdoors

Wildcat Wilderness Orientation primes students for success by pushing them out of their comfort zone and introducing them to new people.

A faculty member leans over a group of students to help them work through a problem.

Supporting Students Past the Tipping Point

Takeaways from the Tipping Point Student Success Summit share best practices to ensure students achieve their educational dreams.

A student sits at a computer with dramatic lighting streaming in from a window.

Cybersecurity Students Achieve No. 1 National Ranking

The Chico State Usr0 Club has finished in the top 10 at the National Cyber League Team Competition five years in a row.

A young girl clasps her hands in prayer with her eyes closed.

Religion Professor Bruce Grelle Featured in TIME Magazine

The director of Chico State's Religion and Public Education Project is among the experts to address prayer in schools for TIME Magazine.

Portrait of Jeremy Olguin in the OATS office.

Putting a Priority on Accessible Technology

The Office of Accessible Technology and Services strives to make inclusive technology part of the campus ethos.

A person walks across a campus bridge, toward the rising sun.

Bold Visions for 2020

Whether wrapping up their time as an undergraduate or diving deeper into their studies, Wildcats are making big plans for the year ahead.

Pengcheng sits on the floor of a classroom surrounded by small children in uniform.

Study Abroad Experience Ignites Self-Discovery

English education major Pengcheng Xiong returned to his parents' homeland and experienced a true connection with his Hmong identity.