Skip to Main Content
Chico State

All Stories

The sky above Trinity Hall is illuminated by the Northern Lights, creating a dramatic pinkish hue.

Fond Farewell: Retired Animal Science Professor Philip Rose

Professor Philip Rose, who taught animal science at Chico State for 17 years, is remembered for his generosity and impact on campus.

Graduates smile in their caps and gowns.

Payscale Ranks Chico State in Nation’s Top 100 Public Schools For Return on Investment

Recognizing the earning potential of its graduates, Chico State was ranked No. 93 among public universities—placing it in the top 10 percent in the nation.

President Perez digs in the soil at a community improvement event.

One Year as Chico State’s President, One Year in Chico

President Steve Perez reflects on one year in office and one year connecting with the community of Chico and the North State.

Lecturer Tess Manley is wearing glasses and a light blue sweater, smiling against a chalkboard backdrop.

Child Development Lecturer a Beacon of Hope in the Community and Inspiration to Students 

Theresa “Tess” Manley walks the walk as a lecturer in the child development department, bringing decades of experience and professionalism to her role.

Professor Abbas Artawalla is seen from above, sitting at his desk in front of a laptop.

Chico State Professor Designs Computer Science Program for High School Teachers—Bringing Gaming, AI, and Design to Classrooms

Professor Abbas Attarwala has been awarded a grant to lead a project intended to significantly improve computer science education for high school teachers and students.

The Trinity Hall Bell Tower shot from below through a canopy of trees and greenery.

Fond Farewell: Professor Emeritus Patrick McCaffrey

Patrick McCaffrey, who taught at Chico State for 39 years, is remembered as a great professor, mentor, and friend.

The University Farm sign hangs over Nicholas C. Shouten Lane.

University Farm to Open Seasonal Farm Stand on Hegan Lane

The University Farm is expanding its public sales with a new farm stand that will offer sweet corn from July 10 into September.

President Steve Perez, Executive Athletic Director Anita Barker, Assistant Athletic Director Brian Ceccon, and Faculty Athletic Representative Matt Thomas (left to right) take a group photo as the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) awarded Chico State Intercollegiate Athletics with the 2023-24 Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner's Cup.

Worth Sharing: Chico State Wins Seventh Commissioner’s Cup

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

The exterior of the science building includes large windows and native plant landscaping.

Chico State’s Science Building Wins Education Facility Design Award

Chico State’s Science Building has been honored by the American Institute of Architects.

Ben Seipel posed for portrait in front of a chalkboard

Professor’s Compassion, ‘Collaborative Spirit’ Creates Sense of Community in School of Education

With his warmth, empathy, and quick wit, Ben Seipel has brought a strong sense of community to the School of Education.

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

Chico State Named One of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine

Once again, Chico State has landed a spot in Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges in America” for 2024 with 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars.

Kristen Gorman poses in front of her class.

Science and Support: Kristen Gorman’s Holistic Approach to Mentorship at Chico State

The Gorman Lab in Holt Hall is more than just a place where students become familiar with research and prepare for their careers; it’s a tight-knit community.

Beth Shook smiles for a portrait in front of a chalkboard.

Removing Barriers and Increasing Resources

Anthropology Professor Beth Shook is dedicated to removing hurdles from student learning. Her always growing learning library and contributions to a free textbook are just two examples.

Split Images of two volleyball players next to a graphic that reads, "Chico State Hall of Fame, Class of 2024."

Chico State Volleyball Legends Erica Brick and Lindsay Macias Enter the Wildcat Hall of Fame Together

Chico State volleyball legends Erica Brick and Lindsay Macias Headline the Wildcat Hall of Fame class of 2024.

Blake Ellis sits crosslegged in a patch of grass

The healing power of nature

Nature can help us heal — instilling a calmness and peace in a sometimes-chaotic world. Blake Ellis, a program manager for the Chico State Ecotherapy Program, dives in.

Peter Kittle poses in front of a chalkboard.

Leading with a Listening Ear and an Open Door

Known for his listening ear and his open door, English Chair Peter Kittle is the winner of the Outstanding Faculty Leader Award.

Sourabh Kulkarni, wearing black slacks and a buttoned-up dress shirts, sits on the edge of a desk while posing for a photo.

From Skepticism to Success: International Computer Science Graduate Excels in Program

Sourabh Kulkarni leaves Chico State with a second-place finish in a coding competition, a role as a tutor and research assistant, and a clear sense of professional and personal growth.

Olivia Wiemann poses in her master's gown and a yellow hard hat.

From Classroom to Career

As a land manager for the Mechoopda​ Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, master’s graduate Olivia Wiemann's typical day on the job can look very much like her days at the University.

Social Work Alumna Casey Hersch

Social Work Alumna Casey Hersch and her Cat Pawso Teach the Mind/Body Connection and How to Heal

Casey Hersch integrates what she has learned about trauma and disease in new book to encourage resilience in kids and help them cope.

Portrait of kinesiology professor Laynie Case. She wears a black, short-sleeve top and there is a gray background.

Professor Finds Joy in Teaching, Creating ‘Aha!’ Moments in Students

In just her second year at Chico State, Laynie Case has made a positive impact through her research and eagerness to help students succeed.

A family with a bike filled with summer adventure gear.

Your Best Summer Ever—The Wildcat Way

With summer approaching fast, we asked 20 alumni experts—from safari leaders to librarians—for tips and tricks to make this the BEST SUMMER EVER!

Michell Armeanu is photographed against a chalkboard background, smiling into the camera.

Advisor Supports Students with Empathy to Promote Their Success 

2024's Outstanding Academic Advisor Award winner, Michell Armeanu has proven to be a dedicated, empathetic lecturer and advisor in the sociology department.

The sun sets behind an academic building.

Four Faculty Selected for Professional Achievement Honors

Spanning disciplines and diverse research specialities, four faculty model teacher-scholar achievement on campus.

Streamers soar over graduating students of the College of Agriculture and College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management at the conclusion of their Commencement ceremony.

Celebrating the Class of 2024 (Photos + Video)

Revisit the magic of the 2024 Commencement ceremonies and celebrations.

Emily Fleming chats with a student in a biology lab.

Biological Sciences Professor Immerses Students into Study of Rust-Producing Bacteria

Whether spending a year as a visiting scientist at one of the top microbiology programs in the world or publishing a paper in one of the globe’s leading microbiology journals, Emily Fleming is emerging as a scholar of note.

Wearing a green sweater and black pants, Kirsten Welch rests her arm on a rail while she poses for a photo outdoors.

Meet Six Inspiring Graduates from the CSU’s Class of 2024

Meet a few inspiring graduates from the CSU’s Class of 2024 and learn how the university helped them reach their educational and professional goals.

Matt Meuter

From the Early Internet to AI, Marketing Professor Cited for Expertise in How Firms Adapt to the Modern Age

Matthew Meuter is elevating the research of the profile of the College of Business through his individual publications and their staggering volume of citations.

Heather Altfeld stands amid the leaves of a magnolia tree.

Fulbright Scholar to Study Rituals Surrounding Ancient Saints and Spirits

Chico State is thrilled to announce that Heather Altfeld has been awarded a Fulbright US Scholar Program Award for the 2024–25 academic year.

Lindsey Nenadal sits between two other people at a table talking.

Child Development Professor Gains Growing Recognition Addressing Children’s Wildfire Trauma

Lindsey Nenadal's research has focused on the cornerstones of disaster response for organizations that serve children and youth, ways to help after a disaster, and ways to support children both during and after a wildfire.

Tatevik Avetisyan Artoonisan works with student members of the Food Marketing Challenge Team.

Agriculture Professor Grows Grants and Research Opportunities Related to Supply Chains and Food Hubs

When not in the classroom, Tatevik Avetisyan Artoonian is hard at work developing powerful collaborations within Chico State and with colleagues around the world.

Let's Play Wildcat Trivia

Wildcat Trivia: Sustainability

Test your knowledge of sustainability at Chico State and why we're known for our green thumb.

The sky above Trinity Hall is illuminated by the Northern Lights, creating a dramatic pinkish hue.

Class Notes: Spring 2024

The Wildcat family continues to reach milestones. Alumni share professional and personal updates for spring 2024.

Giovanni Paz-Silva looks up at the ceiling inside Chico State's planetarium, using a laser pointer to identify a star.

Physics Major Finds Inner Strength to Aim for the Stars  

Since transferring to Chico State, first-generation student Giovanni Paz-Silva has dedicated himself to excellence in and out the classroom, emerging as a leader in the physics program.

A Call to Climate Action

From Polymers to Plato: Chico State Earns Global Acclaim for Integrating Climate Change into All Subjects

Mark Stemen’s (History, ’89; Economics, ’91) nationally recognized faculty learning community platform is leading California State University’s efforts to integrate sustainability education into all programs across the system.

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

Wildcat Conversations: Ultramarathoners on Living Life with the Long Run In Mind

Alumni and ultramarathoners Tim Tollefson, Jimmy Elam, and Anthony Costales—three of the fastest in the world—share how they stay disciplined and dedicated to their craft.

A collage of photos arranged in a scrapbook design show off a range of clubs at Chico State.

Somewhere to Belong: Celebrating Student Clubs at Chico State

Student clubs have helped Wildcats find their place on campus for generations—and they’re as impactful as ever.

Wearing a black shirt with white accents and black-rimmed glasses, Marcus Morton stands and smiles in front of Kendall Hall.

Toughest Opponent Yet No Match for English Major

Inside the wrestling ring, Marcus Morton exuded confidence, but when it came to school, he was nervous about stepping in for another round. It turns out, he's a champion in the classroom as well.

Graduating students sit during their Commencement ceremonies.

Chico State to Celebrate Class of 2024 at 134th Commencement 

Chico State will celebrate more than 3,200 students walking across the stage to receive their degrees at its 2024 Commencement.

Tyla Chadwick smiles for a portrait as she sits in front of two computer monitors that show the cover of a video game she designed.

CAGD Major Finds Her Calling in Gaming

From aimless to accomplished, Tyla Chadwick has risen to be a top student in the CAGD program. "It's so funny to see my progress ..."

Photo of Kaniel Cassady set against a pink and green background.

Alumnus in STEM Develops Life-Changing Medicines “To Improve Lives”

Scientist Kaniel Cassady discovered his knack for research conducting experiments in Big Chico Creek and now works as part of a global team developing medicines.