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

Our top images of 2023

University photographers Jason Halley and Matt Bates have had a busy year, including photographing 633 assignments and capturing more than 28,000 photos.

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.

Influential Ag Alum Pays Tribute to Chico State

President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Natalie Collins says her journey began as Chico State.

The sun sets behind an academic building with grass and oak trees in the foreground and puffy clouds in the sky

Class Notes: Fall 2023

The Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for fall 2023.

Wildcat Trivia: Arts and Entertainment

Test your knowledge of Chico State’s pawprint on the world of arts and entertainment.

Colorful wooden cutouts of houses on a white background

A Place to Call Home

To address student homelessness, Chico State’s Rapid Re-housing Program is breaking down barriers and stigmas that stand in the way of student success.

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.

Mildred García Appointed 11th Chancellor of the California State University

First-ever Latina appointed to lead the nation's largest and most diverse four-year university system.

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.

2023's COEDI award honorees are photographed together holding their certificates up.

2023 COEDI Awards Honor Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champions on Campus

The 2023 Conversations on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (COEDI) Award ceremony was held in person on campus for the first time since the COVID pandemic, honoring the champions of transformation on campus.

Trinity Hall's bell tower is visible through a cluster of spring blossoms.

Five Faculty Recognized with Professional Achievement Honors

Faculty from across the University are recognized for their research, scholarly contributions, and excellence in academia.

The brick facade of an academic building with three arches in the front

California State University Board of Trustees Appoints Steve Perez 13th President of Chico State

Steve Perez becomes the University’s 13th president and succeeds Gayle E. Hutchinson, who will be retiring at the end of June.

Students are seen walking and gathered around the courtyard between two brick buildings.

Chico State to Rename Sutter Hall

President Gayle Hutchinson has announced the renaming of Sutter Hall to Éstom Jámani Hall to better align with the University's values and honor Tribal communities.

The entrance to the Meriam Library is filled with students walking to and from class or the library itself.

Meriam Library Secures $1 Million Planned Gift to Support Its Amenities, Facilities and Opportunities for Decades to Come

An anonymous donor has gifted $1 million to the library in recognition of its role in supporting students throughout the duration of their college experience.

It’s Wildcat Trivia Time!

Think you're a smarty ’Cat? Test your knowledge of all things campus-related in this season's inaugural Wildcat Trivia challenge.

Women's basketball player Myli Martinez poses for a photo inside a gymnasium. She is holding a basketball with both hands to her right.

Wildcats’ Triple Threat: Myli Martinez

Basketball player Myli Martinez's three-point bombs have placed her in the program's record books.

Kendall Hall is photographed at dusk, illuminated by soft lights against a cobalt blue sky.

Class Notes: Spring 2023

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 2023.

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.

The sun sets behind an academic building.

Chico State Recognizes 2022–23 Outstanding Faculty

These awards—among the highest at Chico State—celebrate eight phenomenal faculty for academic distinction, prominent scholarship, and commitment to transformative experiences.

Irene Duran poses in high visibility safety gear and a hard hat on Iselin Dock in Woods Hole.

From Northern California to Ocean Engineer

Gridley native Irene Duran (Mechatronic Engineering, '20), moved to Cape Cod after graduating with one mission: an engineering job.

New Transport Program Provides Students Rides to Sacramento Airport During Breaks

Students leaving campus during extended breaks can sign up for Wildcat Rides, a new program shuttling students from campus to the Sacramento bus and train station and the Sacramento Airport.

Distinguished Alumni Thomas Butler, Marti Sutton, Kimate Richards, Haley Willis, Rick Callender, Armando Ibarra Jr., Melanie Mello, and Roy Beck (left to right) take a group photo on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Chico, Calif.

Celebrating Our 2023 Distinguished Alumni

From working on cancer treatments to advocating for farmworkers to teaching human kindness through language, the 2023 Distinguished Alumni have chosen to "Do and Dare" in a big way.

Interior of an academic building with mottos and sayings along the wall.

Chico State College of Business Earns AACSB Reaccreditation

Chico State's College of Business has been reaccredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the highest standard of achievement for business schools.

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

Chico State Announces New Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Stephen Perez, a longtime educator and administrator in the California State University system, will serve as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Expanding Collaborations in Latin America: Dean of College of Agriculture Visits Chile

College of Agriculture Dean Patricia Stock visited several academic and research institutions to exchange knowledge about the myriad challenges agriculture is facing in Mediterranean climate regions—like those in California and Chile.

Provost Debra Larson Announces Her Retirement

Provost Debra Larson is retiring immediately, citing health and family reasons.

A crape myrtle flowers in front of an academic building.

Class Notes: Fall 2022

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 2022.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.