Skip to Main Content
Chico State

Editor’s Picks

An illustration of Kendall Hall at Chico State, with the words 'Wildcat Conversations' written in whimsical letters above it.

Wildcat Conversations, Episode 1: The Future of Artificial Intelligence

To help us learn more about where AI is going, why it’s moving so fast, and how we can think about it with more optimism than dread, we looked to three alums working at the forefront of this technological evolution.

A graphic showing president Steve Perez posing and racing in an SAE Baja vehicle.

How To With President Perez: Baja Racing

This spring, President Steve Perez is going back to class in a series of how-to videos that explore the projects Chico State clubs and organizations are taking part in outside of the classroom.

Smoke rises from burnt clumps of deergrass adjacent to a walkway on the Chico State campus.

Mechoopda Tribe and Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Partner to Conduct Cultural Burn on Chico State Campus

This collaboration makes the Mechoopda the first tribe to utilize new legislation to carry out a burn on a campus within the California State University System.

Looking across the Gus Manolis Bridge on a bright spring morning.

Journalism Alum Leads DEI Efforts at Groundbreaking Agency

Cheyenne Cameron-Pruitt has put the valuable experience she gained in Chico State's journalism program to practice at FleishmanHillard (FH), a leading-edge public relations firm.

Donning her pink lab coat, microbiology major Nayellie Barragan-Mejia smiles for the camera while conducting research at a lab at Chico State.

Biology Major’s Grit Strengthened by Faculty and Staff Support

Although Nayellie Barragan-Mejia has faced myriad health issues and social barriers to pursuing her goals, she has found encouragement from a network of support at Chico State.

A bright, colorful designed image that shows three people who work in artificial intelligence.

AI: The Business of Change

Three alumni working in different areas of the AI space share their stories of change that led to careers at the edge of a new frontier.

President Perez

Now Introducing: Steve Perez

Chico State’s 13th president is not only our “Cheerleader in Chief"—he foxtrots, loves coaching, and brings a deep family connection to education into a role he’s been building toward since the sixth grade.

Adrian Fontanelli poses for a portrait with a soccer ball between his left arm and hip.

Inspired by his Parents, Fontanelli Plays with Passion and Purpose

Chico State Men's Soccer Coach Felipe Restrepo says that teammates try to emulate Adrian Fontanelli because of his pride, joy, and passion. But Fontanelli says his work ethic comes from his parents, Carlos and Marcela.

Crash Course: The Good Life Vs. The End of the World

Two GE courses offered by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts evoke very different ideas: one of existential dread and the other enlightenment and happiness. Yet both encourage students to ask some of life’s age-old questions.

Office Hours: Kinesiology Professor Carli Ross

Carli Ross, a kinesiology professor with a passion for adapted physical education, leads a study abroad program in Italy that gives students the opportunity to work hands-on at a camp for youth and young adults with disabilities.

Text across the top reads: "Northern California Horizons The Reed Applegate Collection. Portrait below of Reed Applegate with collared shirt illustrated with some of the prints from his collection. Photo illustration designed by Anna Olesen.

Applegate’s Exceptional Print Collection on Display at the Turner

Members of the public are invited to the opening reception on September 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the ARTS Building.

A group of students show excitement and stand in front of a banner that reads 'Wildcat Welcome.' There are bleachers and some students in the background.

Tips for your first year at Chico State

Check out this list of tips to help you navigate your first year at Chico State and make the most of your college experience.

OSCM club members pose while tabling on campus

Need a Major That Will Land You a Job? Look at OSCM

Chico State's Operations and Supply Chain Management major is one of the University's best-kept secrets. Find out why.

Social work alumna Bekah Qualls smiling against brick wall.

Social Work Alumna Finds Way to Give Back

School social worker and therapist Bekah Qualls creates a generous legacy for those following in her footsteps.

Streamers fall over a large group of college graduates during a commencement ceremony.

Celebrating the Class of 2023 (Photos + Video)

We revisit the magic of the 2023 Commencement through photos.

Professor Garrett Liles holds samples of soil in each hand. He is standing at a table inside the soil sampling area of the regenerative agriculture lab.

Inside the ‘RAD-Lab’: Looking to the Ground for Solutions

The Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration (RAD) Lab began as an idea in grad school, and is now full service lab analyzing soil and carbon health.

A photograph taken in 1981 featuring student employees at the on-campus radio station, KCSC.

KCSC Radio Alumna Reflects on Chico’s Music Scene During the ’80s

Free-spirited alumna Toni Smith chose to come to Chico on a whim and ended up following her dream of becoming an underground DJ here.

President Hutchinson addresses an enthusiastic crowd with arms outstretched.

Reflections on Retirement

University President Gayle Hutchison reflects on her storied tenure as Chico State's top official, during her final semester.

A student shakes a hand of a potential employer at a career fair on campus.

How To: Nail that Next Job or Promotion

Whether you are a student, young alum, or seasoned professional, the Career Center offers services for life to help you advance in your career.

Framed portraits of families that are part of a generation of Wildcat alumni and students that portray the Chico State Wildcat family tree for a feature story in the Chico Statements magazine on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Chico, Calif.

Rooted in Connection: The Wildcat Family Tree

Attending college is a significant milestone for any student, but for many, enrolling at Chico State is both a personal achievement and a family tradition.

Alumna Sarah Weiss stands in front a rack holding folded T-shirts that she sells on her shop, Queer Gear.

Alumna Takes Pride in Identity, Launches ‘Queer Gear’ Business

Sarah Weiss started an e-commerce store that's not just fashionable, but impactful. Queer Gear sells clothing to promote visibility and representation, while giving back to nonprofit organizations focused on LGBTQ+ causes.

Hands hold down a piece of fossilized bone.

Students, Faculty Embrace New Fossils from Ever-Growing ‘Miocene Zoo’ Site

Chico State continues to lead the way in making scientific determinations from the findings at a Northern California site.

Professor Jesse Engebretson is standing on a rock overlooking a valley of trees. He is addressing a group of students during a field trip.

New Study Explores Drivers of Homelessness and Impact on Public Lands

Jesse Engebretson’s research aims to uncover ways state and federal governments can better serve unhoused communities who are increasingly pushed out of urban areas.

Sophia Hoffman is photographed against a brick wall.

Chico State Freshman Impresses Coaches on The Voice

Sophia Hoffman overcame a processing disorder to make it to Chico State—now she is turning heads on international television.

Hannah Hull photographed standing with trees and a rainbow structure in the background.

‘Living my dream’: Chico State Alumna Forges Path in Hollywood

Hannah Hull (Media Arts, '20) shares about her "wild ride" from Chico State to Hollywood, where she's been working on sets of films and television shows.

Natalie Hernandez, Abraham Trujillo, Gabby Medina Falzone, Daisy Rolon, and Oscar Cisneros-Magana on stage in Trinity Commons with a pride flag in the foreground.

Aux Talks Strikes a Chord for Connection

Sing. Laugh. Dance. Connect. Experience the power of the aux cord Thursday from 2–3 p.m. in Trinity Commons. It's Aux Talks and it's a whole lot of fun!

Student Yarely Contreras sits with one foot up on a tree retaining wall made of bricks as she looks onto into the distance.

Chico State Program Encourages Students to Give Back Home

Chico State's Giving Back Home program offers support and resources to students looking to make a difference in their hometowns.

Lindsey Nenadal, professor in Child Development (CHLD) (left) and Courtney Peria (right) work closely with the Boys and Girls Club of North Valley, focusing on long-term support for families that have been impacted by wildfires.

Professor Pens Wildfire Playbook to Guide Community Preparedness

Lindsey Nenadal spent two years leading the development and publication of a 'Wildfire Playbook' that is now available for download.

Alumna Ashira Solomon smiles for a portrait..

Chico State Helps Pave Way for Alumna Now Living in Israel

In November, alumna Ashira Solomon was invited to be the presenter and moderator for the Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Political Leaders in Iceland.

Joel Solis sits and smiles for the camera while holding a photograph he took. His painting of a Latina street vendor is seen in the background.

BFA Graduate Drawn to Chico State’s Art Program

Inspired by his culture, BFA graduate Joel Solis dedicated his culminating exhibition to Latino street vendors around Butte County.

Stylish photo of Armando Ibarra next to words that say 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum and Farmworker Rights Advocate Armando Ibarra

Armando Ibarra (Sociology, Spanish, ’99; MA, Public Administration, ’02) is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Alumna Ava Bloom

5 Questions with Chico State Alumna and Business Owner Ava Moon

Chico State graduate and local artist, Ava Bloom, channels her independent spirit, commitment to sustainability, and love for creating art into new vintage boutique.

English professor Roger Kaye puts his arms around students Casey Nokes and Nataile Wight for a posed photo.

5 Questions with US Attorney for Oregon Natalie Wight

Alumna Natalie Wight was confirmed as the state of Oregon's new top law enforcement official after being nominated by President Joe Biden.

Nate leans against a brick building

Business Double Major Embraces Role of Mentor

College of Business outstanding senior Nathaniel Nevels overcomes tragedy to thrive at Chico State.

BriSeiders stands in the middle of a hallway

Unexpected Super Bowl Star Set to Graduate

Bri Seiders, a Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management Major scheduled to graduate in spring 2022, made every event special during her four years at Chico State.

Erika Muniz

CAGD Student Models Success for Those Underserved in Her Field

First-generation student of color finds inspiration in close-knit family and campus CAGD community as she sets off for a new adventure after graduation.

Karen Victorio sits at a desk and distributes COVID-10 themed loteria cards

Animation Major Creates COVID-19-Themed Loteria Game to Raise Vaccine Awareness

Computer animation and game design major Karen Roxana Victorio is using her education and talents to encourage vaccinations among her local community.

He-Lo Ramirez holds up an Indian onion.

Inaugural Climate Fellows Share Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Two Native American students are teaching Traditional Ecological Knowledge to children as part of a pilot statewide fellowship focused on climate action.

A giant smoke column is seen exploding from flames on a darkened hillside as a wildfire rages out of control.

The Rise of Megafires

As wildfires grow faster, larger, and more deadly every day, alumni and faculty share professional and personal perspectives on what’s happening, why, and how we can respond.

President Gayle Hutchinson (left) recognizes James Luyirika-Sewagudde, Jr., (right) for 45 years of service as staff are honored during the Staff Awards Luncheon in May 2018.

For 45 Years, International Education Has Been His Life’s Work

A distinguished face gazes out from the southwest edge of campus, its dark beard mixed with gray, mouth set in a comforting smile, and eyes twinkling with patience, kindness, and understanding. This is James Luyirika-Sewagudde, Jr., a 45-year employee of Chico State's Office of International Education.