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Chico State

Sean Murphy

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

Chico State is preparing to welcome thousands of potential students and their families to the annual Choose Chico! on Saturday, April 7, 2017. The event is an open house that offers admitted students and their guests an opportunity to experience what Chico State has to offer.

Thousands to Flock to CSU, Chico for Choose Chico! on Saturday

More than 3,000 prospective students and their family members are expected to visit California State University, Chico during Choose Chico! on Saturday, April 7.

Chico State was awarded a $155,000 grant by the California State University system to help provide financial support for the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry and the Center for Healthy Communities.

CSU, Chico Basic Needs Project and Center for Healthy Communities Awarded $155,000 to Fight Student Hunger

Augmenting its already determined commitment to battling student food insecurity, California State University, Chico has been awarded a $155,000 grant from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, a portion of $2.5 million granted directly to the 23 CSU campuses by the California legislature earlier this month and the largest grant awarded systemwide. Senate Bill 85 – signed […]

Students that volunteered their time to honor the legacy of César Chávez during the 'Cats in the Community landscape outside Hooker Oak Elementary School in 2015 for a day of community service. This year's 'Cats in the Community takes place on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Acts of Service, Education Fair Highlight Events to Honor César Chávez at CSU, Chico Next Week

California State University, Chico will honor the work and legacy of Cesar Chavez next week with six days of events, learning opportunities and acts of service, starting with an on-campus workshop on Monday and culminating with a community march on Saturday.

California State University, Chico President Gayle Hutchinson and Butte College President Samia Yaqub have jointly announced the two institutions’ upcoming Book in Common will be “All They Will Call You” by Tim Z. Hernandez

CSU, Chico and Butte College Announce Book in Common for 2018-19 Academic Year

A deadly plane crash, a social injustice and the backlash that followed are all part of the Book in Common selected for academic year 2018-19.

This Way to Sustainability Conference XIII takes place Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16 around the California State University, Chico campus. Approximately 130 sustainability professionals will speak during this year's student-run event, which is one of the largest conferences of its kind in the nation, and attendance is expected to reach 1,400 participants.

13th Annual This Way to Sustainability Conference Focuses on Resilient Cities, Climate Neutrality

A wide slate of environmentally focused and eco-minded discussions and presentations is planned for this week’s 13th annual This Way to Sustainability Conference at California State University, Chico. The broad and relevant topic of sustainability will be discussed at multiple locations on the University campus on Thursday, March 15, and Friday, March 16. “This two-day […]

A late-fall sunset blankets campus in beautiful sunlight. (Jessica Bartlett / University Photographer)

Worth Sharing: The Orion Takes Home Hardware

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

A member of the University Police Department makes marks on a list during a safety walk in 2015. A spring safety walk will take place around the University neighborhoods on Tuesday, March 13.

Community Safety Walk to Look for Hazards Around CSU, Chico Neighborhoods

The well-traveled areas surrounding the California State University, Chico campus hold hazards both obvious and invisible to pedestrians and cyclists. A community safety walk next week will look at every street around these areas to document these safety concerns in hopes of getting them addressed.

Dr. Valene L. Smith speaks to the campus community that came out to celebrate the expansion of the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology in February 2017. Smith was recently awarded the 14th United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Ulysses Prize Laureate for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge in Tourism at the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid.

CSU, Chico Professor Emerita Awarded Prestigious United Nations Lifetime Honor

A pioneer in the field of tourism and a scholar in the discipline of anthropology, California State University, Chico Professor Emerita Valene L. Smith was recently recognized by a world tourism authority.

Diana Dwyer, from the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, has been recognized by CSU, Chico as one of its recipients for the annual Professional Achievement Honors.

CSU, Chico Recognizes Teacher-Scholar Excellence With Professional Achievement Honors

In recognition of their outstanding efforts exemplifying the teacher-scholar model over the last three years, four California State University, Chico faculty members will receive the University’s Professional Achievement Honors.

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

Worth Sharing: Department of Forensic Anthropology Faculty Fare Well at Annual Meeting

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

Sheri Simons, from the Chico State Art and History Department, has one of her art pieces in “Contraption: Rediscovering California Jewish Artists,” a group show that presents the work of 16 California-identified artists of Jewish descent—both historical and living—whose work refers to the machine either literally or metaphorically.

Worth Sharing: Simon’s Art Featured at ‘Contraption: Rediscovering California Jewish Artists’

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

Chico State student Eduardo Puentes tends to the crops at the Organic Vegetable Project space at the University Farm. Chico State is a leader in the field of regenerative agriculture and is hosting a regional conference this weekend at the University Farm.

Regenerative Agriculture Showcased at CSU, Chico University Farm on Saturday During Regional Conference

As the field of regenerative agriculture continues to take root, California State University, Chico is taking the lead, partnering with researchers, agriculturists and organizations across the region.

The First Generation Faculty and Staff Association is holding the second annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium this week at multiple locations across the Chico State campus.

CSU, Chico Hosts Second Annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium Today and Friday

Navigating the college experience can be daunting for new students. For first-generation students—who will be the first in their family to complete a four-year degree—it is often confusing and overwhelming. California State University, Chico will look to help its first-generation students during its second annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium. This two-day conference takes place today, February […]

Six members of the California State University, Chico faculty were recently honored with the 2017–18 Outstanding Faculty Awards, chosen by the University’s Faculty Recognition and Support Committee. Joe Bond, from the Department of Construction Management, was named Outstanding Lecturer.

CSU, Chico Announces 2017–18 Outstanding Faculty Award Recipients

Six faculty members were recently honored with the 2017–18 Outstanding Faculty Awards, chosen by the University’s Faculty Recognition and Support Committee.

The front of Kendall Hall is seen during the fall 2017 semester.

Faculty and Staff Achievements

Welcome to Chico State Media Tips, a weekly collection of faculty and staff news, achievements and publications collected by Chico State University Communications.

Rachel McBride-Praetorius is CSU, Chico's first-ever Director of Tribal Relations.

CSU, Chico Welcomes First-Ever University Director of Tribal Relations

Rachel McBride-Praetorius has spent her adult life advocating for the education of Native Americans in the North State.

Carson Medley holding a basketball in his office

Want a behind-the-scenes peek into Division II basketball? Open the ‘Red Door’

Carson Medley’s book “Through the Red Door” is much more than a look back at a college basketball season. It’s an homage to the individual parts that move the story along at Chico State.

Adrienne McGraw in her office at the Gateway Science Museum

From National Parks to the North State: New Gateway Director Looks to Showcase Natural World Around Us

Growing up within the boundaries of several national parks, Adrienne McGraw was raised with a love and appreciation for the natural world. She's bringing that love of nature to her new job, as the executive director of Gateway Science Museum.

Just Unity Sistas pose for a group photo

CSU, Chico Celebrates Black History Month with Events Including Poetry Slam, Day of Service, Gospel Choir

CSU, Chico honors Black History Month with a variety of events to join in the national celebration of black culture and the achievements of black Americans.

A student assists two older adults with their taxes

CSU, Chico Students Offer Free Tax-Preparation Services on Campus and in the Community

With tax season underway, CSU, Chico will once again provide free tax-preparation services for those who qualify.

MBA graduate receives his master's hood from two faculty

CSU, Chico College of Business MBA Program Ranked Among the Highest

CSU, Chico is named "Best Bang for the Buck in the West" and a "Best National Master's Schools" among other honors.

Museum goers walk in through the front entrance of the Gateway Science Museum.

The Brain and its Remarkable Role is Showcased at CSU, Chico’s Gateway Science Museum

New Gateway Science Museum exhibit explores the world inside your head.

Graduate student Dylan Stompe (left) drives a boat along with Carlos Estrada (right) as students count salmon as part of a Summer Undergraduate Research Program (UGR) involved in the Chico STEM Connections Collaborative (CSC2) program on the Sacramento River on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/University Photographer)

Saving the Salmon

Chico State students and faculty members join forces with high-profile partners and the United States Bureau of Reclamation in multi-million dollar mission to save the Chinook salmon.

Troy Johnson on the Food Network.

Savoring the Taste of Success

Troy Johnson quipped his way from freelance writer to TV personality after he began to write about food. The Chico State alum and judge on "Guy's Grocery Games" shares his journey from the table to the small screen.

Ambassador Shotaro Oshima, and Akio Ogasawara (left to right) walk through the Chico State campus prior to their presentation, Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan. A delegation from the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan provided a unique opportunity to meet Ambassador Oshima and his team of panelists in a stimulating dialogue on the relationship between the U.S and Japan on Friday, October 27, 2017.

Cultivating Cultural Connections: ‘Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan’

Chico State’s rich tradition of collaborating with international students continued last month with a visit by a delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Charles "CC" Carter stands smiling at the entrance of the CCLC.

Heart, Hope, and Hard Conversations: CCLC Says Goodbye to Its Founder after Celebrating 10 Years

Wildcats celebrate Charles "CC" Carter, and his impacting presence on campus, as he retires from his position as the director of the Cross Cultural Leadership Center after 10 years of service.

Students Christopher Barboza, Breanna Barnard, Elizabeth Castillo, and Bianca Quilantan present their Listen to Change interviews in the Meriam Library.

Stories Worth Listening To: ‘Listen to Change’ Gives Students a Platform to Share Their Voice

Each day, thousands of students walk around the Chico State campus, quietly owning their own story. Every one of these stories has extraordinary value. One Chico State class is working to get some of those voices heard to teach about diversity and inclusion.

Professor Emerita Valene L. Smith attended the newly expanded museum's ribbon-cutting ceremony on her birthday, February 14.

Smith’s Donation Is a Gift to the Community

Professor Emerita Valene L. Smith donated $250,000 toward the expansion of the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.

Two students and staff sit around a table full of podcasting microphones and coffee.

Caffeine and Camaraderie Fuel ’Cats Podcast

As Chico State's first higher education podcast, Caffeinated Cats takes on the task of discussing hard hitting topics among the student body, & illuminating life on campus.

School of Nursing student Shannon Watson assists with patient care and health needs for evacuees of the Oroville Dam Spillway Incident at the Evacuation Center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.

Chico State Student Volunteers Step Up in Time of Need

Chico State student volunteers rushed to Chico's Silver Dollar Fairgrounds this week to help lift the spirits of evacuees during the Oroville Dam incident.

Chico State women's basketball player Whitney Branham has overcome spina bifida to become the Wildcats' leader on the court.

Branham’s the Backbone of the Wildcats

Chico State women's basketball player Whitney Branham hasn't let spina bifida hold her back, and she's emerged as the Wildcats' leader.

The Chico State Tiny House Club gave a tour of their 196 sq. ft tiny house to the campus on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/University Photographer)

Big Finish For Chico State’s Tiny House

CSU, Chico's Tiny House Club designed and built a home measuring less than 200 square feet, impressing judges at the recent Sacramento Municipal Utility District's Tiny House Competition.

Students look at and discuss Letters to the Next President, a project by First-Year Experience, at Wildcats Vote last month (Jessica Bartlett/Chico State student photographer)

First-Year Experience Stirs Young Voter Engagement

With the 2016 election at our door, here's how Chico State's First-Year Experience (FYE) program is helping millennials become informed voters.

Adventure Outings makes annual trips to Yosemite National Park

Adventure Outings’ Journey to Outdoor Excellence

For more than 30 years, Chico State’s Adventure Outings has educated and led the way in outdoor recreation for students, staff, faculty, and the entire community.