Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy (English, ’97) is the Media Relations Coordinator at Chico State. When he's not writing press releases and pitching story ideas to the media or fielding media inquiries, he's writing about human interest stories, sports, the outdoors and the remarkable students, staff and faculty at Chico State.

Contact Sean Murphy at samurphy@csuchico.edu

White puffy clouds float slowly above the Trinity Bell Tower in October 2018

Worth Sharing: Chico State Honored With Multiple National Recognitions

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Dozens of fraternity and sorority members stand amid their elaborate designs put together from canned and non-perishable food items.

Greek Week Yields Over $13,500 to Benefit University’s Chico Cares Campaign

As part of Greek Week from Oct. 8-12, sororities and fraternities at California State University, Chico teamed up to help their fellow students and raised more than $13,500, benefiting the University’s Chico Cares campaign.

Pieces of smashed pumpkins lie on a tarp during the annual Pumpkin Drop on the Chico State campus.

Annual Pumpkin Drop to Serve as Science on Display for Local Elementary Students

California State University, Chico is proud to feature facilities for faculty and students collaborate to conduct hands-on, cutting-edge research that leads to scientific advances and contributions for the greater good. On Halloween, it’ll also be a place to smash squash in the name of education.

Students mingle in the beautiful sunshine of the Chico State campus on the first day of classes in fall 2018.

CSU, Chico Named One of Nation’s Best for Upward Mobility Following Graduation

Colleges and universities have the obligation to help prepare students for life after graduation, so they can thrive in their chosen field to yield tremendous upward mobility. California State University, Chico was recently recognized as being one of the country’s top institutions for doing just that.

Molly Jaggard discusses her presentation of "Rape Prevention Education" to Calvin Geraci and Malik Duffy during the Chico Great Debate in April 2017.

CSU, Chico and Butte College Students “Engaging in Our Democracy” During Chico Great Debate on Friday

Thousands of University students will participate in civic engagement, civil conversation, and friendly and spirited debate as part of the Chico Great Debate on Friday, October 26.

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.

Since graduating from Chico State in 1993 with a degree in Physical Education, Miles Daisher has become one of the world's most prolific and celebrated skydivers and BASE jumpers.

Alum Pushes Sport of BASE Jumping to New Heights

Miles Daisher has been pushing the limits of extreme sports like skydiving to BASE jumping for Red Bull Air Force, breaking world records and introducing the sports on a global scale.

A sunset over campus is seen in December 2017.

Worth Sharing: Ricordeau and Aiken Author Articles

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Chico State students from a Conservation and Restoration class learn about fire management at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

Federal, State Agencies to Participate in Prescribed Fire Training on University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

As one of the most devastating fire seasons in state history continues, California State University, Chico’s ecological reserves are partnering with Terra Fuego to host a Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX) event to support future wildfire fighting efforts.

Damion Lewis jumps to catch a soccer ball during a photoshoot

Wildcat Keeper Finds His Place on the Pitch

As one of the finest goalkeepers in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, Chico State’s Damion Lewis is a study in contrast.

The new physical science building will be a state-of-the-art $101 million facility to help advance CSU, Chico’s role as a leader within the North State and across the 23-campus CSU system. Slated to open in fall 2020, the 110,200-square-foot building will include space for chemistry, physics, geological science, and science education labs, as well as active-learning classrooms, synergy between interior learning spaces and outdoor classrooms, graduate research studios, a dean’s suite, dozens of faculty offices, and administrative and support areas.

Groundbreaking for CSU, Chico’s New Physical Sciences Building Set for Wednesday Morning

The need for a new physical sciences building on the California State University, Chico campus was determined. Plans and blueprints were rendered. And the space has been cleared. Now, it’s time to start raising the University’s newest building.

The Wildcat Statue, designed by Washington-based artist Matthew Gray Parker, stands proudly in Wildcat Plaza.

Worth Sharing: Dizard’s Documentaries Presented at Oregon Coast Film Festival

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Kendall Hall is bathed in light on an early winter morning.

Worth Sharing: OATS Earns California Higher Education Efficiency Award

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Overhead view of children chopping vegetables on cutting boards

Chico State’s Center for Healthy Communities Help Kids Get Cookin’

A dash of laughter, and sprinkle of uncertainty, and a generous helping of teamwork were on the menu this day, during the Get Cookin' summer camp run by Chico State's Center For Healthy Communities.

The front of Kendall Hall is seen in the after sun of early winter.

Worth Sharing: Fahey Honored by USA Track and Field

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

The deconstruction process continues as Siskiyou Hall is torn down to make way for a new physical science building. Chico State will be hosting a series of open house input sessions over the next few weeks. These open house discussions will be an opportunity for the campus and Chico communities to talk about the University's Strategic and Master Plans currently in the works.

CSU, Chico Partners with Community to Plan the University’s Future at Upcoming Strategic, Master Plan Discussions

As California State University, Chico discusses major institutional and infrastructure planning to help carry it through the next 10 years and beyond, the campus community and University neighbors are invited to join the conversation.

Close up of an exhibit with a magnifying glass

Nanotechnology Will Be Under the Microscope at Gateway Science Museum’s New Exhibit: ‘Zoom Into Nano’

The Gateway Science Museum will focus on the microscopic world in its fascinating new exhibit, “Zoom into Nano,” a large-scale, immersive exploration of materials at the atomic scale.

Solar panels are arrayed atop of Yolo Hall (in front) and Acker Gym (center) with Whitney Hall in the background on the Chico State campus. Chico State was recently recognized for an overall commitment to sustainable practices in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's its 2018 Sustainability Campus Index. Additionally, Sierra Club placed CSU, Chico at No. 9 in its “Cool Schools 2018” list, the highest ranking of any CSU institution, and the first top-10 overall sustainability ranking nationwide for the University.

CSU, Chico Receives Pair of Prestigious Sustainability Honors from AASHE, Sierra Club

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognized California State University, Chico for an overall commitment to sustainable practices in its 2018 Sustainability Campus Index (SCI).

The University campus glows in the early winter sunset in 2017.

Worth Sharing: Guenter Accomplishes Rare Artistic Feat

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff, and students.

Chico State appears on multiple lists in U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Colleges Rankings. Among them, Chico State was ranked No. 9 in the Top Public Schools in the West, the 20th consecutive year the University has appeared on that list.

Top 10 Again: U.S. News & World Report Ranks CSU, Chico as a Top-10 Ranked Public School in the West

Even after 20 years, being recognized as a top public higher education institution is still rewarding and gratifying.

Sony Thao, a junior in Chico State's Concrete Industry Management Program, has been honored with the CSU Trustee's Award for Outstanding Achievement, a system-wide recognition award given annually to students who demonstrate superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.

CSU, Chico Student Sony Thao Recognized With CSU Trustees’ Award

There are many sides to Sony Thao. The concrete industry management major was honored with a 2018 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement.

CSU, Chico Launches 2018 Chico Cares Campaign in Support of Campus Basic Needs Project

Continuing its efforts to support student food and housing security programs, California State University, Chico will launch its 2018 Chico Cares campaign today at the Wildcats Can donation drive reception inside the Bell Memorial Union at noon.

The winter sunlight helps reveal Kendall Hall in the windows of the Arts and Humanities building.

Worth Sharing: Morlock Publishes Short Story, Novel

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Stephanie Bianco, associate director of the Center for Healthy Communities, is one of 26 recipients of the CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award. The systemwide award recognizes faculty who are implementing innovative practices that significantly improve learning and course outcomes. Stephanie is also an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science.

Impact is at the Heart of Bianco’s Work

Whether she’s teaching classes at Chico State or helping to guide the Center for Healthy Communities (CHC), Stephanie Bianco is serious about the impact of her work.

The Wildcat Statue, perched in front of Wildcat Plaza and designed by Washington-based artist Matthew Gray Parker, was unveiled in April 2018.

Worth Sharing: Prieto Presents Paper in Croatia

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Graduates in cap and gown sit in anticipation of Commencement as the sun sets behind the stage

CSU, Chico Recognized by Forbes as One of ‘America’s Top Colleges’

California State University, Chico’s run as a nationally ranked higher education institution continues just as fall classes are set to resume.

Kendall Hall during winter break in early 2017.

Worth Sharing: Zeichick Earns National Cybersecurity Education Award

A listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Back of a student whose t-shirt shows a map of California with a paw print on Chico and reads "You Are Here"

Money Magazine Ranks CSU, Chico as One of the Nation’s 50 Best Public Colleges

As students begin their fall 2018 classes at California State University, Chico later this month, they’ll be furthering their education at a campus recently recognized as one of the country’s best.

EDXCHICO Lectures Will Ignite Curiosity on First Day at CSU, Chico

On a day when jitters, anticipation, and excitement fill the air, California State University, Chico is offering an open-air teach-in for all.

Students learning about fire management in a Conservation and Restoration class at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve in December, 2017. The BCCER has been awarded a pair of grants for fire mitigation and education.

University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Receives Two Cal Fire Grants for Fire Mitigation, Education

As a hub for innovative land management practices, California State University, Chico’s Ecological Reserves are committed to leading the way in fire mitigation and education.

Chico State's College of Agriculture is hosting its annual U-Pick Peaches Event THIS WEEK. Visitors are encouraged to pick their own peaches for purchase at the University Farm.

University Farm to Open ‘U-Pick Peaches’ to the Public on Aug. 9

Community members hungry to capitalize on an annual summer tradition need wait no longer: California State University, Chico will open University Farm this week for “U-Pick Peaches,” an opportunity for the public to stock up on multiple varieties of delicious, fresh peaches. This year’s opening day is Thursday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon, […]

Kendall Hall is reflected in the front windows of the Arts and Humanities building on a winter morning.

Worth Sharing: Chico State Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha Named One of Country’s Finest

The following is a listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Chico State will host the fourth annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit on Friday, July 27. More than 30 campuses from around the state will host its own local summit, which is free and open to all California preK-12 teachers, teacher candidates, school administrators, and other educators.

Fourth Annual Teachers Summit to Take Place at California Campuses, Including CSU, Chico

Hundreds of teachers and educators from the North State will attend a one-day conference at California State University, Chico next week.

The sun sets over campus during the late fall months of 2017.

Worth Sharing: DeAtley Elected by American Society of Animal Science Board to Serve Region

The following is a listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Taylor Coutts looks down at her service dog Davy

Distance Learning and Davy Help Sociology Grad Fulfill Dream

Taylor Coutts' goal of obtaining a college degree was put on hold after an epilepsy diagnosis. But Chico State's distance learning program, and a lot of help from her service dog, Davy, opened doors that were suddenly slammed shut.

New General Manager Comes to North State Public Radio

Phil Wilke has been appointed the new general manager of North State Public Radio, KCHO–Chico and KFPR–Redding, joining the station at an exciting time as it begins its 50th year of broadcast service.

Worth Sharing: Place Awarded by University Studies Abroad Consortium

The following is a listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Devon Saul instructs his students in basketball at the annual Ability First Sports Camp, a sports and recreation instructional summer camps for children ages 8 to 17 with physical disabilities. Chico State plays host to many of the camp events and faculty and its Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management provides staffing support for the camp.

Ability First Educates and Empowers Through Sports Instruction

Since its inception on 1987, Ability First Sports has developed into one of the country’s premier sports and recreation instructional summer camps for children ages 8 to 17 with physical disabilities.

International Training Programs Director Diana Parks (center) talks to a group of international educators from several countries talk to each other during a reception and poster presentation in 2015. This week, educators from 20 different countries will visit the CSU, Chico campus.

International Educators Visit CSU, Chico with Focus on Diversity in U.S. Society and Culture

Starting this week, educators from 20 different countries will visit California State University, Chico for a five-week study of the diverse facets of U.S. society and culture.

CSU, Chico Graduate Student Awarded With Prestigious Boren Fellowship

California State University, Chico graduate student Ashira Solomon will expand on her formal education as she spends a year studying Hebrew in Israel and serving as a research intern with the Institute for National Security Services, working on research projects focused on United States-Israel relations as a recipient of the David L. Boren Fellowship.