Skip to Main Content
Chico State

All Stories

An up-close portrait of Pratik Mehta.

Solving Grassroots Medical Issues With AI

Alumnus Pratik Mehta, head of artificial intelligence at CloudMedx, is constantly asking what will meaningfully impact as many lives as possible.

A framed portrait of Gabriel Flores.

Driving Automotive Technology Into the Future

Hear the story of Gabriel Flores, an enterprise engineering manager, developing hands-free, eyes-off driving technology.

An up-close portrait of Liane Thompson.

Celebrated Journalist and Producer Writes a Chapter with Groundbreaking AI Tech

Alumna Liane Thompson cofounded an award-winning environmental tech firm that is combatting climate change and making waterways more resilient.

Portrait of Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin Highlights Chico State’s 2024 Northern California Neurodiversity and Disability Symposium

Chico State will host the Neurodiversity and Disability Symposium, a full day of education, engagement and enlightenment—highlighted by keynote speaker Temple Grandin.

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.

President Perez

Now Introducing: Steve Perez

Chico State’s 13th president is not only our “Cheerleader in Chief"—he foxtrots, loves coaching, and brings a deep family connection to education into a role he’s been building toward since the sixth grade.

Tadich Grill's neon sign above the restaurant in San Francisco's financial district.

’Cats Get Cookin’ with Mike Buich

The owner of California's oldest continuously run restaurant reflects on lessons from the last 50 years, and shares a special recipe.

Cherie Higgs presents in front of a screen that reads, "I am remarkable."

From Adversity to Achievement: A Student’s Remarkable Journey in Chico State’s College of Business

Cherie Higgs overcame a rough upbringing to become a powerhouse within Chico State's College of Business.

Jennifer Ikemoto, assistant chief of special operations for California Department, poses for a photo while wearing her uniform and stands along the American River near the DFW Regional Office in Rancho Cordova, Calif.

To Serve and Protect Our State’s Natural Resources

Jennifer Ikemoto, assistant chief for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, uses her biology degree and position to protect California's habitats and wildlife.

Don Hankins leans on a shovel while he smiles and stands beneath a tree during a prescribed fire exercise

Worth Sharing: Hankins Honored for His Work with Cultural Burning

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

Pumpkins splat on a giant tarp splayed on the ground after they've been dropped from 30 feet in a fun science lesson in physics for schoolchildren

A Smashing Good Time: 34th Annual Pumpkin Drop on Halloween

Messy science for learning? Yes, please! The 34th Chico State Pumpkin Drop will take place on campus on Tuesday, October 31 at noon.

Talitha MacDonald, wearing an orange turtleneck sleeveless top and black pants, is photographed outdoors standing near a wooden fence.

Supporting Others Through Self-Discovery

Talitha MacDonald's desire for change led her to Chico State and a career helping others through the Clinic for Communication Disorders.

Two photographs of Katie Mercurio, side-by-side; she looks angry on the left and calm on the right.

The Persuasive Power of Criticizing with Care

Professor Katie Mercurio's research uncovers a way delivering criticism can invite change and acceptance from all sides of an argument.

Siblings Anna Rose Alexander and Josh Funk

Sibling Collaboration Spans Disciplines and CSU Campuses

A cross-discipline, multi-campus collaboration between Chico State and Cal State East Bay is made more special because the faculty involved are siblings.

Megan Foster is her USA Rugby uniform

United States National Rugby Team Starter and Former Chico State Star Hangs Up Her Cleats 

Megan Foster, whose rugby career began at Chico State and took her all the way to the United States National Team, recently retired.

Cassandra Schaeg is being filmed for her show, holding a glass of red wine with a sample.

Taking Bold Leaps Toward a Dream

Emmy Award winning alumnus Cassandra Schaeg shares insight from her long road to personal and business success in the beverage industry.

A wood pedestrian bridge over a flowing creek and with ivy, bushes, and trees around.

Worth Sharing: Kruger Pens a Pair of Chapters

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

A bright sunny sky shines above a brick academic building

Rankings Season: A Roundup

Chico State received numerous rankings from top-tier magazines and international organizations over the last couple of months—here is a rundown.

A photo of a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely blocked out by the moon.

How Witnessing a Solar Eclipse Can Help Prevent Global Disaster

Senior Danielle Casillas traveled to Western Australia on a NASA-funded trip to the site of a total solar eclipse, looking for clues to the "biggest mystery in the solar system."

A portrait of Michele Thorpe taken in the offices of the North Valley Community Foundation.

Thorpe Leads Throng of Chico State Alumni Caring for Community Youth in Crisis

Chico State is producing great neighbors in the North State. One shining example: The North Valley Community Foundation’s CARE Team, created to connect struggling kids to caring adults and vital resources. The team, 16 deep, is led by alumna Michele Thorpe and includes 12 other Chico State grads.

Adrian Fontanelli poses for a portrait with a soccer ball between his left arm and hip.

Inspired by his Parents, Fontanelli Plays with Passion and Purpose

Chico State Men's Soccer Coach Felipe Restrepo says that teammates try to emulate Adrian Fontanelli because of his pride, joy, and passion. But Fontanelli says his work ethic comes from his parents, Carlos and Marcela.

Lizbeth Ceja poses with Willie the Wildcat during Wildcat Welcome

Fond Farewell: Criminal Justice Major Lizbeth Ceja Torres

Tenacious yet kind, hardworking and independent Lizbeth Ceja made an impression on everyone she met for her big heart and passion to succeed.

A printing machine puts an Earth Day logo on a reusable bag

International Organization AASHE Once Again Honors Chico State for Excellence in Sustainability

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education recognized Chico State for its environmental practices, honoring it as one of the top performers in its Master’s Institutions category.

Crash Course: The Good Life Vs. The End of the World

Two GE courses offered by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts evoke very different ideas: one of existential dread and the other enlightenment and happiness. Yet both encourage students to ask some of life’s age-old questions.

People are gathered on the lawn in front of Kendall Hall, which decorated with lights, balloons, and a bouncy house in honor of Homecoming Weekend.

President’s Column: Excitement Builds For Wildcat Weekend

Embracing the cooler weather and beautiful seasonal changes, President Steve Perez is excited about the upcoming celebrations planned for Wildcat Weekend.

An academic building at dusk with the words "Joy of Learning, California State University, Chico"

Sixth Annual Joy of Learning Showcases Chico State Educators

From cognitive science to the power of emojis to the coldest stuff in the universe, Chico State is ready to educate at the sixth annual Joy of Learning, which takes place virtually on Friday, October 13.

Office Hours: Kinesiology Professor Carli Ross

Carli Ross, a kinesiology professor with a passion for adapted physical education, leads a study abroad program in Italy that gives students the opportunity to work hands-on at a camp for youth and young adults with disabilities.

A pair of red and white decorative ribbons that say Wildcat Weekend

Chico State Builds on Last Year’s Success With 2023 Wildcat Weekend

Events for Wildcat Weekend 2023 will take place from Thursday, October 12 through Saturday, October 14.

A sign for a museum exhibit that says, "Bombus! A Natural History of Bumble Bees"

Gateway Science Museum Presents a Pair of New Exhibits

From vital pollinators to nature’s most hilarious moments, the Gateway Science Museum features a pair of new exhibits to satisfy the curious and the light-hearted.

Looking up at the trunk, branches, and leaves of a giant mature oak tree

Worth Sharing: Chico State Named One of the Top Colleges for Indigenous Students

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

Student Jordan Davis sits at a table while attending a professional development event. He is wearing a navy blue polo shirt and a white name tag.

Grant Opens Doors for North State Students to Become Teachers

Students interested in a career in teaching are receiving financial assistance at Chico State through a multimillion-dollar grant designed to ease the financial burden of pursuing a teaching credential.

Three students laugh and smile as the walk down the promenade of campus.

National Honor Awarded to Chico State Program That Advances the Number of Latinx Students Earning Graduate Degrees

Chico State's Graduate Equity Fellowship Program has been recognized by the nation’s leading authority on efforts to accelerate Latinx student success in higher education.

Courtney Chambless stands at the head of a well-lit room, giving a keynote address. Academic advisors are seated in the audience, looking up at a screen.

Advisor Wellness Initiative Secures Second Round of Funding

This ongoing initiative will continue to provide support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for academic advisors at Chico State.

Abbas Attarwala, who was awarded a $30,000 grant this summer to research the impacts of AI on children, is photographed at his desk while he is typing on a laptop.

The Growing Pains of AI: Professor to study how tools like ChatGPT affect children

Professor Abbas Attarwala received a grant to study how AI affects children and identify areas where more research is needed.

Curved arches on a building on a college campus

Chico State Celebrated in US News & World Report’s 2024 Rankings

With a pair of top 10 rankings and another three in the top 25, Chico State is firmly recognized as one of the top higher education institutions in the West region in the 2024 US News & World Report’s Best College Rankings.

A crowd of students walk down the sidewalk at Chico State

Increased Enrollment at Chico State Benefits the Entire Community

President Steve Perez discusses why increased in enrollment is good for the University and the community of Chico.

Puffy white clouds stream overhead and above trees

Worth Sharing: Goodsell, Ellis Co-Author Piece on the Benefits of Nature-Based Therapy

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

CSU Trustee Award Honoree, Gerardo "Jerry" Langarica Martinez, stands in front of an ornate doorway. He wears a buttoned blue short and smiles slightly, looking past the camera.

CSU Trustee Award Honoree Strives to Help Others Claim Their Space

Gerardo “Jerry" Langarica Martinez has overcome significant hurdles over the last 15 years to earn his bachelor's degree, begin the teaching credential program, and achieve numerous honors along the way.

President Steve Perez and his wife, Tanya, walk their two dogs through the Catastic carnival.

Living in Historic Home Gives New Meaning to Residential Campus

President Steve Perez reflects on being Chico State's newest on-campus resident, as the new tenant of the Warrens Center.

Text across the top reads: "Northern California Horizons The Reed Applegate Collection. Portrait below of Reed Applegate with collared shirt illustrated with some of the prints from his collection. Photo illustration designed by Anna Olesen.

Applegate’s Exceptional Print Collection on Display at the Turner

Members of the public are invited to the opening reception on September 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the ARTS Building.