Ashley Gebb

A proud alumna, Ashley Gebb (Journalism, '08; MA, Interdisciplinary Studies, '23) is the executive director of University Communications. She leads its exceptional communications team, manages the Chico State brand, and directs marketing, storytelling, and crisis communications.

Contact Ashley Gebb at agebb@csuchico.edu

Fond Farewell: Former Basketball Coach Pete Mathiesen

As Wildcats head basketball coach for 17 years, Pete Mathiesen led Chico State to 243 victories and five conference titles and was himself named the conference’s coach of the year four times.

A student pulls a sample of wastewater from a large jug.

Poop Sleuths: Student Researchers Track COVID-19 in Residence Halls

Two biological sciences faculty and eight students are conducting complex wastewater monitoring in the residence halls to research the virus that causes COVID-19.

Fond Farewell: Electrical Engineering Professor Emeritus Albert Richardson

Helpful, friendly, and collaborative, Albert Richardson taught electrical and computer engineering at Chico State for 22 years.

Bill Babb sits at his computer on campus.

Fond Farewell: Retired Instructional Support Technician Bill Babb

Bill Babb was an invaluable presence in the science labs, setting them up for students, problem-solving for faculty, and doing it all with humor and a friendly attitude.

Fond Farewell: History Major Cassi Tejeda

With remarkable curiosity and infectious warm energy, Cassi Tejeda brought joy to her classrooms and those she loved.

Fond Farewell: Former Theatre and Costume Design Professor Inge Schmidt

Costume expert Inge Schmidt supervised the costume shop and designed costumes for theatrical productions and operas for more than a decade.

Bright yellow leaves of fall adorn a tree on a college campus.

Fond Farewell: Child Development Professor Emeritus Jim Roberts

With a powerful interdisciplinary approach, Jim Roberts is credited with forming and leading the child development program at Chico State for two decades.

Fond Farewell: Former Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald Gerth

After Donald Gerth's tenure at Chico State, the esteemed educator went on to work as the longest-serving president at Sacramento State.

Randy Barrett holds his arms open while standing on a bridge over a creek.

Fond Farewell: Mail Clerk Randy Barrett

After 34 years with the US Postal Service, Randy Barrett missed the joys of delivering mail and brought his enthusiasm and good humor to routes across campus.

‘Cats Get Cookin’ with Restaurant Owner Debra Sims

Driven by a lifelong passion for food, Debra Sims (Political Science, ’99) followed her gut, left behind a successful career in the boating and escrow business, and pursued a new career as a chef and entrepreneur.

Class Notes: Fall 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 fall 2021.

Maren Conrad stands with a paintbrush in front of one of her murals of flowers.

Muralist Transforms the Urban Landscape with Images of Beauty, Equity

Alumna Maren Conrad ('02) sees her murals as gifts to their communities. Many of the areas she has reclaimed were once alleyways, riddled with trash. Today, they are a destination.

An owl box is mounted to the side of a tree.

How To: Enlist Owls for Pest Control

Owls are natural predators against gophers and other burrowing animals—making your own owl home can help keep your yard free of pests.

Investor Sheds Light on Lyme with Nonprofit

As co-founder and chair of the LymeLight Foundation, Scott Bedford ('82) strives to provide financial assistance to individuals with Lyme disease.

A red maple leaf hangs in stark contrast to other green leaves on a tree.

Disaster-Focused Course Prepares Social Workers for the Future

A social work course centered in community healing uses the region's experience with the Camp Fire to educate the disaster case managers of the future.

Chase Suihkonen smiles on campus, standing in front of trees transformed with fall colors.

Camp Fire Scholarship Recipient Pays It Forward

After losing his home in the Camp Fire, Chase Suihkonen embraced the opportunity to attend Chico State so he could further his education while staying close to home to help his community recover.

Fond Farewell: Computer Science Professor Emeritus Bill Lane

Described as a pioneer in undergraduate education and a dedicated mentor to students, Bill Lane established the first computer science degree program in the California State University system.

Fond Farewell: Mathematics Professor Tom McCready

Tom McCready served two terms as department chair but his heart was always in the classroom, especially teaching future teachers about all things mathematics.

Fond Farewell: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Professor Robert Colwell

Robert Colwell had a progressive approach to teaching that introduced solar energy technology to the curriculum, promoted computer-based engineering, and built a cadre of diverse expert faculty.

Fond Farewell: Business Professor Emeritus George Johnson

An expert in management science, George Johnson led both as a dean and in the classroom as a professor.

Fond Farewell: Retired Director of Athletics Don Miller

Longtime coach Donald Miller is remembered by colleagues and former players for his respect and passion for student-athletes.

Fond Farewell: International Relations Professor Emeritus Jim Jacob

A renowned terrorism expert, Jim Jacob delighted in engaging students in political debates and teaching them about international relations.

Fond Farewell: Retired Dean of Students Sandy Parsons

Sandy Parsons was a steadfast advocate for students and a pillar in the disability community, advocating for and promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Fond Farewell: Political Science Professor Emeritus Bob Stanley

An accomplished scholar and impassioned educator, Bob Stanley was also known for his wit and ability to find humor in nearly everything.

Fond Farewell: Geological and Environmental Sciences Professor Emeritus Bill Murphy

Bill Murphy was nationally renowned for his expertise in geochemistry and geologic disposal of nuclear waste, and beloved by students and colleagues for his infectious curiosity.

Christine Wilhoyt poses with her bike next to a sign welcoming people to Colorado.

Alumna Bikes Across America to Raise Funds for K–12 Physical Education

Christine Wilhoyte (Exercise Physiology, '21) is biking 5,600 miles across the United States to raise funds for physical education in rural and underfunded schools.

Fond Farewell: Chemistry Professor Karl Voigtritter

Chemistry professor Karl Voigtritter was profusely enthusiastic about chemistry and eagerly shared his curiosity with his students.

Fond Farewell: Retired Spanish Professor Denise Minor

A curious intellectual with contagious enthusiasm, Denise Minor delighted in teaching Spanish and encouraging bilingualism in a joyful manner.

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.

Fond Farewell: Passing of Biological Sciences Professor Jay Bogiatto

Whether studying birds, teaching about them, hunting them, or searching for them on his travels, Jay Bogiatto adored ornithology and sharing that passion with students and colleagues.

Fond Farewell: Retired AS Staff Member Maggie Pattison

Beloved by students and colleagues alike, Maggie Pattison guided Associated Students officers in Robert’s Rules of Order, meeting decorum, and their authority and responsibility as elected officials.

Fond Farewell: Geography Professor Emeritus Ed Myles

Ed Myles shared his love for the South Pacific, Australia, and maps with his students for decades, while inspiring an interest in geography across the North State.

Tom and Melaine Taylor hold hands in front of a redwood tree on campus.

Alumna Goes the Extra Mile for Today’s Teachers

Melaine Taylor wants to ensure tomorrow's future educators have the tools they need to succeed at Chico State, in hopes it will further their passion in the profession.

Alumnus Advocates to End Systemic Racism in the Water Industry and Greater Society

As CEO of Santa Clara Valley Water District and president of the California-Hawaii chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rick Callender is just getting started.

Daisy Linsangan holds pieces of skull models in her hands in the anthropology lab.

Anthropology Major Casts Spotlight on Cultural Differences

Daisy Linsangan's passion for studying cultural differences has led her to forensic anthropology with a focus on social justice. By uncovering inequities, she hopes to be a voice for change.

Sean Nies uses a paintbrush to brush soil away from mastodon teeth.

Unearthing California’s Prehistoric Past

Geological and environmental sciences students and faculty are assisting on one of the biggest paleontological finds in state history.

A student walks past the Science Building in the evening light.

Science Takes Center Stage

This fall—three years after breaking ground— the new Science Building will open fully with more than 523 in-person class sessions serving thousands of students.

A Chico Sate baseball pitcher hurls a pitch toward a batter.

Wildcats Baseball Celebrates 125 Years of Success

Ever since its humble start in 1896, the baseball team has enjoyed a legacy of success—two national titles, numerous alumni advancing to the professional ranks, and winning the hearts of fans for generations.

Fond Farewell: Geological and Environmental Sciences Professor Karin Hoover

Karin Hoover was foundational in the hydrogeology discipline, and brought high standards and a good sense of humor to her work and the classroom.

Fond Farewell: Computer Animation and Game Development Major Charlotte Beyke

Charlotte Beyke filled sketchbooks with her art and was eager to pursue a career in computer animation and game development.