News
![Graduates smile in their caps and gowns.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230512-APICelebration-JH-028-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240401-CatsInTheCommunity-JH-031-600x400.jpeg )
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.
![Professor Abbas Artawalla is seen from above, sitting at his desk in front of a laptop.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/abbass-a-hero-600x400.jpg )
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 University Farm sign hangs over Nicholas C. Shouten Lane.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20230301-FarmEntry-JH-002-1-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/worth-sharing-7-1-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201116_SciBldgCTS_JH_011-600x400.jpg )
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](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240517-FRAS-OPA-Seipel-JH-003-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230519-Commencement-BUS-JH-209-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240501-FRASAward-ORMA-Gorman-JH-025-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240513-FRAS-OLA-BethShook-JH-001-600x400.jpg )
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.
![Peter Kittle poses in front of a chalkboard.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240510-FRAS-OFLA-PeterKittle-JH-002-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240409-SourabhKulkarni-JH-013-e-600x400.jpg )
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.
![Social Work Alumna Casey Hersch](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/casey-portrait-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240412-FRAS-OECAAward-Case-JH-004-600x400.jpg )
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.
![Michell Armeanu is photographed against a chalkboard background, smiling into the camera.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/michell-armeanu-hero-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20220217_CampusViews_JH_014-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53743999173_18e4b5d917_c-600x400.jpg )
Celebrating the Class of 2024 (Photos + Video)
Revisit the magic of the 2024 Commencement ceremonies and celebrations.
![Heather Altfeld stands amid the leaves of a magnolia tree.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20210527_HeatherAltfeld_JH_015-600x400.jpg )
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.
![Let's Play Wildcat Trivia](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wildcat-trivia-header-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/campus-beauty-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/gio-hero-os-600x400.jpg )
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.
![An illustration of Kendall Hall at Chico State, with the words 'Wildcat Conversations' written in whimsical letters above it.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wildcat-conversations-600x400.jpg )
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.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/chico-state-clubs-hero-600x400.jpg )
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.
![Graduating students sit during their Commencement ceremonies.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/May-20-768x512.jpg )
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.
![Photograph of Arina Xiong set against a blue background.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/arina-hero-600x400.jpg )
From Study Abroad to Peace Corps Volunteer
For Arina Xiong (Liberal Studies,’15), a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Armenia, her alma mater that taught her the importance of community service and sustainability through its study abroad opportunities.
![The sun sets behind an academic building](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20220915-GoldenHour-JH_021-600x400.jpg )
University Researchers Tackle Hot Topics Using Lantis Awards
The University has named four professors as recipients of its annual Lantis Endowed University Chairs—Janine Stone, Anita Chaudhry, Michael Coons, and Marie Lippmann.
![Ben Guerrero standing in front of the ice at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ben-Guerrero-main-photo-600x400.jpg )
From Chico State to Seattle, Wildcat Still Sharing the Gospel of Hockey
Seattle Kraken Vice President of Communications Ben Guerrero credits the foundation he built at Chico State for steadying his climb to the highest heights of professional sports.
![Olivia Johnson speaks from a podium about her experience at Butte College and Chico State.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240429-ImpactInputDay-JH-2056b-1-1-600x400.jpg )
Chico State and Seven North State Community Colleges Sign Transformational Agreement to Support Transfer Student Success
On Monday, President Steve Perez was joined by leadership from all seven of the region's community colleges to sign agreements formalizing dual admission and streamlined transfer.
![Kristen Chatham stands in front of the Wildcat statue holding a trophy](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240312-SSPWestStatesCompAwards-MB_004-600x400.jpg )
Life-Changing Trips and Preparing for a Career in the College of Business
Kristen Chatham's time at Chico State included life-changing opportunities to travel and many honors with the Seufferlein Sales Program before culminating in her recognition as an Outstanding Senior in the College of Business.
![We see President Steve Perez addressing a crowd during the California College Guidance Initiative workshop.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CCGI-600x400.jpg )
Strengthening North State Student Pathways
President Perez unveils the California College Guidance Initiative and Impact Day, two initiatives that strengthen our position as the university of choice for students in the North State.
![David Alexander](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20220818-DavidAlexander-JH_006-2-600x400.jpg )
David Alexander Named Dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management
A proud alumnus,Alexander holds a PhD and an MS in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho, and a BS in physical science from Chico State. He has been a member of our campus community since 2014.
![A view of Kendall Hall at Chico State.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/imresizer-1682974610299-600x400.jpg )
Chico State to Sign Historic MOUs with Seven North State Community Colleges to Support Transfer Student Success
Chico State and seven North State community colleges are set to sign Memoranda of Understanding, facilitating streamlined transfer pathways and guaranteed admission for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at Chico State, aiming to simplify the transition and support transfer student success within the region.
![North State educators gather for a two-day training to learn more about how to implement the Wildcat Guarantee.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240418-CACollegeGuidanceInitiative-JH-059-600x400.jpg )
Wildcat Guarantee Kicks Off with Education Partners Across the North State
Agreement guarantees region's students a place at their local CSU—Chico State—if they satisfy system admissions requirements by high school graduation and apply.
![Daniel Rodriguez (left) helps Robert Clement (center) and Rebecca Mitchell (right) install carbon-capture towers at the university farm.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240202-CarbonCaptureTowers-JH-019-600x400.jpg )
Sponsored Programs Showcase Celebrates Innovative Research
The community is invited to learn more about the University's grant-funded research projects at the inaugural Sponsored Programs Showcase on Monday, April 15.
![A student volunteer wearing light gardening gloves is lowering a native plant into the ground.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/sustainability-hero-600x400.jpg )
Climate Resilience Event Coming to Chico State
Chico State and the Butte Resilience Collaborative are hosting a 2-day climate change and resilience symposium and expo, on March 28-29, 2024 in Colusa Hall.
![A hardcopy of Our Migrant Souls sits on a chair in dramatic lighting.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-OurMigrantSoulsBIC-JH_010-600x400.jpg )
Powerful Narrative Addressing Concept of What It Means to Be ‘Latino’ Chosen for 2024–25 Book in Common
Héctor Tobar’s “Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of ‘Latino,’” works to decode the meaning of ‘Latino’ as a racial and ethnic identity in the modern United States and gives voice to the anger and hopes of younger Latinx people.
![Brandy Huffhines rises to shoot over a leaping defender in this artistic double-image photo.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/double-the-dancing-600x400.jpg )
Double the Dancing! Watch the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament This Week
Chico State is doing double the dancing this March! The women’s and men’s basketball teams both earned berths in the NCAA Championship Tournament beginning Friday.
![A graphic showing President Perez in overalls and milking a cow, with the headline "How to Milk a Cow."](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/how-to-milk-600x400.jpg )
How to with President Perez: Milk a Cow
In this latest episode, President Perez heads to the University Farm to join up with the Organic Dairy Unit (and Franny) to find out all about our dairy production program.
![A red banner with the words '2024 Distinguished Alumni' written in white text.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/article-header_general-600x400.png )
Celebrating Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni
Not only do the 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees reflect our longstanding University values, but they have led exceptional lives and made a profound impact through their careers.
![A black and white headshot of Tom Carter with the words, '2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree' written in white text across a red banner.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/article-header_Tom-Carter-600x400.png )
Educator, Record-Setting Goalkeeper, and Distinguished Alumni Tom Carter
Following his passion for math, physical education, and sports, Tom Carter is making a significant impact at Chico State and in the surrounding community.