University News
![Smoke fills the air as a prescribed burn takes place](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20201209_BCCERBurn_JB_061-600x400.jpg )
Nationally Recognized Prescribed Fire Training to be Hosted in Butte County
The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve will be one of several agencies collaborating on future prescribed fire trainings this fall and winter in Butte County.
![An academic building called Kendall Hall](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20220906-CampusViews-JH_023-600x400.jpg )
President Gayle E. Hutchinson Announces Retirement Planned for End of 2022–23 Academic Year
After 33 years of invaluable service to higher education and nearly three decades at Chico State, President Gayle E. Hutchinson announced her decision Tuesday to retire at the end of the 2022-23 academic year.
![Clouds laden in sunlight float behind an academic building with the words "Joy of Learning, California State University Chico" in the foreground](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CST-joy-of-learning-banner-600x400.jpg )
Joy of Learning Showcases Faculty Expertise
With topics ranging from neuroscience to animal nutrition to sustainable electronics, eight faculty members who reflect the top of their disciplines will present on their area of expertise.
![Stunning fall colors in trees on a lawn in front of an academic building](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/20211201_CampusViews_JH_005-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Pulls Out All the Stops for Wildcat Weekend
From Oct. 6-8, Chico State will host and partner with the City of Chico for Wildcat Weekend, which feature Homecoming, Alumni and Family Weekend and Chico Preview Day.
![Chico State Provost Debra Larson and Mechoopda Chairman Dennis Ramirez sign documents at a table at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BCEP-Signing-600x400.jpg )
Ancestral Land in Butte Creek Canyon Returned to the Mechoopda Tribe
In the first agreement of its kind in the state, ownership and management of the 93-acre Butte Creek Ecological Preserve has been transferred from Chico State Enterprises to the Mechoopda Indian Tribe.
![A screenprint of a logo that says "Earth Month"](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/20220422_EarthDay_JH_021-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Earns Coveted Top Spot in Prestigious AASHE Sustainability Rankings
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education recognized Chico State for its environmental practices, honoring it as the top performer in its Master’s Institutions category.
![A crape myrtle flowers in front of an academic building.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/20220822-CampusViews-JH_001-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Among Nation’s Elite in Recent Washington Monthly Rankings
In its “2022 College Guide and Rankings,” Washington Monthly listed Chico State in the top 15 in the “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: West” and “Master’s University Rankings.”
![An architectural breezeway filters light through as college students walk on a campus](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/20220831-CampusViews-MB_006-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Moves Up in Multiple National and Regional Best Colleges Rankings
Chico State moved up on several national and regional Best Colleges Rankings from US News & World Report for the 2022-23 academic year.
![A brick building beneath a cloudless blue sky](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220728-CampusViews-MB_109b-600x400.jpg )
University Foundation Board Grant Endowment Awards Across Campus
Over $145,000 has been awarded to 18 projects and programs across Chico State to enhance research and mentorship, increase hands-on learning opportunities and support student success through the 2022–23 Governors Awards.
![A wagon filled with peaches sits amongst peach trees](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20210809_UPickPeaches_JH_054-600x400.jpg )
Hungry for Fun: ‘U-Pick Peaches’ Returns to University Farm
They're back! The University Farm's annual U-Pick Peaches event will take place Tuesday, August 9.
![A sign reading "Chico State University Farm" is seen with a late evening sky in the background](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20210909_FarmEvening_JH_008-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Receives More Than $18 Million in State Funding to Build and Renovate Experiential Learning Facilities at its University Farm
Chico State’s College of Agriculture has been allocated $18.75 million in one-time funding from the State of California’s 2022-23 budget to enhance student experiential learning and training at its University Farm.
![An academic building at night with the words California State University Chico are lit up](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220714-PMPicsMB_060b-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Students Graduate with Lowest Federal Debt of Any Public College in California
According to a recent report, Chico State students amass the lowest amount of total federal debt upon graduating of all public higher ed institutions in California.
![A sign reading California State University, Chico sits in front of a brick academic building](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/20220426_CampusViews_JH_005-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Announces New Vice President for Student Affairs
Chico State has named Isaac Brundage its new vice president for Student Affairs
![David Hassenzahl stands behind a dais speaking into a microphone](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20211008_SciBuildingOpen_JH_023-600x400.jpg )
College of Natural Sciences Dean Recognized with Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award
The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences has recognized College of Natural Sciences Dean David Hassenzahl with its William R. Freudenburg Lifetime Achievement Award.
![Fall colors dominate several trees](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20211129_FallMorning_JH_022-600x400.jpg )
Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Chico State Once Again with Tree Campus USA Honor
For the fourth consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation honored Chico State with 2021 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
![A sign reading California State University, Chico sits in front of a brick academic building](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/20220426_CampusViews_JH_005-600x400.jpg )
Money Magazine Ranks Chico State Among Nation’s Top Colleges and Universities
In its listing of “2022 Best Colleges in America, Ranked by Value,” Money magazine ranked Chico State within the top 8 percent of all higher education institutions around the country.
![Two copies of a book titled The Best We Could Do, one is closed and the other is open](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/20220509_BIC-TheBestWeCouldDo_JH_002-600x400.jpg )
Illustrated Memoir ‘The Best We Could Do’ Named Book in Common for 2022–23
The 2022–23 Book in Common is Thi Bui’s “The Best We Could Do,” a 2017 illustrated memoir about the author’s family’s journey from Vietnam to the United States and the universal struggles of connecting with family, culture and identity.
![Paper streamers shoot into the night sky from atop a Commencement state with graduates celebrating in the foreground](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/20210521_GradB-AGNS_JH_244-600x400.jpg )
2022 Commencement Ceremonies to Take Place In Person Beginning Wednesday Night
Beginning Wednesday, approximately 3,700 students will participate in Chico State’s Commencement ceremonies.
![Native American Artifacts in a glass case honor the Mechoopda Indian Tribe](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20220219_FirstMechoopdaGrads_JH_052-600x400.jpg )
CSU Appoints Collections Manager to Support Preservation of Native American Peoples’ Heritage, Artifacts, and Tribal Culture
The CSU has named Adriane Tafoya as its new project manager for the California Native American Graves and Repatriation Act.
![Business students work at a computer with business tickers displayed above them.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20220324_FinTechLab_JH_043-600x400.jpg )
Chico State’s New Bloomberg Terminal Offers Cutting-Edge Experience
The College of Business' new FinTech Lab is an investment research workroom and provide students with cutting-edge software and real-time trading observations.
![Digital graphic of Cesar Chavez that reads "Respecting and Honoring Cesar Chavez"](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-CesarChavez-759x500-1-600x400.jpg )
Events at Chico State Honoring Legacy of César Chávez Begin This Week
Chico State will recognize the efforts and sacrifice of activist César Chávez with more than a half dozen events on and off campus beginning this week.
![A sign outside a large room on a college campus reads "Campus Sustainability Day"](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20211020_SustainabilityDay_JH_001-600x400.jpg )
Annual ‘This Way to Sustainability’ Conference Showcases Environmental and Climate Justice
This Way to Sustainability, the nation’s largest student-run conference focused on sustainability, returns virtually for two days this week.
![The sun sets behind an academic building.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20220217_CampusViews_JH_014-600x400.jpg )
University Among Nation’s Top Fulbright Scholar-Producing Higher Ed Institutions
With three scholars teaching and researching abroad, Chico State was acknowledged by the US Department of State as a national leader in higher education.
![A banner reading "Chico State Giving Day" sits in front of a balloon arch outside.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20200304_GivingDay_JB_028-600x400.jpg )
Chico State’s Annual Giving Day—24 Hours, 100 Worthy Causes
Chico State Giving Day is the University's annual 24-hour fundraising effort to benefit dozens of campus causes.
![Sophia Gelsman uses an official ballot box that is placed in front the Bell Memorial Union (BMU).](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20201006_VoteBallotBox_JH_003-600x400.jpg )
Secretary of State of California Weber to Recognize Chico State with Civic Engagement Honor
Secretary of State of California Shirley Weber will visit Chico State on Thursday to recognize the University’s civic engagement efforts last year to promote voter participation.
![A person wearing a Martin Luther King Jr t-shirt and a Black Lives Matter pin locks arms with another person.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20160926_BlackinChicoProtest_046-600x400.jpg )
Chico State to Celebrate Black History Month with In-Person and Virtual Events
With the theme "Young, Gifted and Black," Chico State celebrates Black History Month with in-person and virtual events this month.
![A museum space displays several different bicycles with a number of interactive displays against the walls.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220120_GearUpGSM_JH_001-600x400.jpg )
Switching Gears: Gateway Science Museum’s New Exhibit All About Bikes
The Gateway Science Museum’s newest exhibit will explore the history, evolution and science of our beloved bikes.
![O'Connell Technology Center under a cloudy sky](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211230_CampusViews_JH_101-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Names New Vice President of Information Technology
Filling its first-ever position of vice president of information technologies and chief information officer, Chico State has hired Monique Sendze.
![A young man and his dog run past the entrance to a college campus during a late afternoon in winter.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20211230_CampusViews_JH_103-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Announces New Health and Safety Guidelines for On-Campus Events
To meet new California health and safety guidelines, Chico State has updated its policies for large indoor athletic, theatre, music and performing arts events occurring on campus.
![Lights illuminate the exterior of an academic building on a college campus.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20211209_LaxsonAuditorium_JH_001-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Named One of Nation’s Best Institutions for Social Mobility
Chico State was ranked No. 30 nationally for excellence in social mobility—within the top 2 percent of colleges and universities listed.
![Two trash cans with recycling labels.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20180516_DiversionExcursion_JH_005-600x400.jpg )
AASHE Names Chico State as a Top Performer in Sustainable Practices
A prominent national organization has rewarded Chico State with its highest-ever ranking measuring efforts in sustainability.
![Two students, one holding a sticker and the other holding a flag from Sweden, stand behind a table with papers and pamphlets.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20180919_StudyAbroad_RM_014-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Recognized Once Again As One of Nation’s Top Study Abroad Programs
For the 16th consecutive year, Chico State was named as being one of the most active and engaged US colleges and universities in its category for participation in studying abroad.
![Military veterans salute during a ceremony honoring veterans.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20191105_VeteransEvent_JB_003-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Honors Campus and Community Veterans with Events This Month
Chico State will host two events this month to honor and recognize veterans in its campus community and beyond.
![Sean Nies uses a paintbrush to brush soil away from mastodon teeth.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/fossils-lead-art-cst-600x400.jpg )
New Gateway Exhibit Showcases Fossils Unearthed in Northern California
This extensive paleontology exhibit gives visitors a chance to explore our region’s rich evolutionary and geological history, including fossils from one of California's most remarkable discoveries.
![Students walk and ride bicycles on a college campus.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20210831_CampusViews_JH_014-600x400.jpg )
Chico State the Only CSU on The Princeton Review’s Green College Honor Roll
The Princeton Review recognized Chico State on its annual Green College Honor Roll, a list of 27 colleges and universities that received the highest score possible in the publication’s annual Green Rating’s tallies.
![Graphic with trees, buildings on campus, the Wildcat statue, and the three sisters statues in the Rose Garden with "EDXChico" written across the images.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CST-EDX-Lead-Banner-600x400.jpg )
Fourth Annual EDXCHICO to Showcase Livestreamed Faculty Lectures on Friday
The fourth annual EDXCHICO will once again feature seven virtual presentations, showcasing faculty expertise and the joy of learning.
![An academic building sits in the early evening sun with colorful clouds swirling behind.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210526_CampusViews_JH_062-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Excellence Reflected in US News & World Report Rankings
In its Best Colleges Rankings for 2022, US News & World Report recognized Chico State has made another exceptional showing.
![Streamers fall to the ground as masters graduates celebrate their Commencement.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210520_MastersGrad_JB_155-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Climbs in Washington Monthly’s Annual National and Regional Rankings
Washington Monthly recognized Chico State in its annual rankings—in "Best Bang for the Buck" and "Master's University Rankings."
![President Hutchinson stands on stage next to banners of our new logos.](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Reveal-600x400.jpg )
Chico State Announces New Visual Identity for University, Athletics
During President Gayle Hutchinson's Convocation address Thursday, she revealed new logos and a narrative identity for the University.
![Ripe peaches hang on branches as the early-morning sun shines through the trees and branches](https://today.csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20160802_UPickemPeaches_016-600x400.jpg )
A Juicy Tradition Continues: University Farm’s ‘U-Pick Peaches’ Scheduled for Next Week
It's back! Chico State's University Farm's "U-Pick Peaches" tradition continues next week.