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Chico State

Profiles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photograph of Arina Xiong set against a blue background.

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.

Maia Crummett kneels on the edge of a Faba Bean field and holds a plant.

Professors Provide Encouraging Push for Future Entomologist

Maia Crummett will come running to assess a creepy crawly. But it wasn't until she got some important encouragement from a professor that she felt confident in front of a crowd.

The sun sets behind an academic building

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.

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.

Cheryl Lugo wears a black top and black blazer while she stands at the doorway leading into her office.

Student Champion and Advisor Cheryl Lugo Leads with Compassion

Lugo works with more than 1,500 students to make sure they are on track to graduate, are physically and mentally healthy, and if not, helps them find a way forward.

Kristen Chatham stands in front of the Wildcat statue holding a trophy

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.

Profile picture of Dennis Frazier against a green backdrop

Human Resources Staff Emeritus Recognized for Contributions to Labor Relations

Dennis Frazier used his expertise in public sector labor to guide the campus through contractual and workplace issues with care and compassion.

Graham Thurgood

Linguistics Professor Emeritus Recognized for Internationally Recognized Scholarship

A leading scholar of Sino-Tibetan languages, Graham Thurgood was extensively published and established core linguistics programs at Chico State.

A graphic headshot of Luisa Garza set against a gray background.

Groundsworker Emerita Luisa Garza Honored for Impact on Campus, Community

Luisa Garza's passion for sustainable methods and knowledge of horticulture implemented widespread change across campus.

Claudia Ruiz wears a two-piece burgundy suit and pink blouse as she is photographed in the School of Nursing's state-of-the-art simulation center on campus.

Healing the Gap: Alumna Aims to Empower Latinx Community

As a physician dedicated to helping the Latino community, Claudia Ruiz is the role model she wished she had growing up.

Terri Davis

Professor Emerita Transformed Special Education at Chico State and Beyond

During 25 years at Chico State, Teresa Davis influenced special education at the local and international level, with strong influence on teacher training.

Jim Postma

Chemistry Professor Emeritus Honored for Scholarly Contributions, Impact on Campus

Jim Postma was a strong advocate for K-12 education, improved guidelines for community college transfers to the CSU, and was a scholar and research chemist.

Joe Crotts

Librarian Emeritus Honored for Contributions to University’s Cartography Collection, Library

Cartography expert Joe Crotts helped Chico State build one of the most comprehensive map collections in the CSU system.

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

Undeterred by Rejection, Engineering Major Finds Success

Kirsten Welch's perseverance and hands-on experience landed her the internship of her dreams at Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

A summer night sky above a lit-up academic building

Fond Farewell: Retired Facilities Employee Steven Blackman

Remembered for his hearty laugh, retired facilities employee Steven Blackman was a lifelong music lover, adventure seeker, and taught himself to play guitar.

Dave Ferguson

Visionary Staff Member Honored for Leadership of Programs for Historically Underserved Students

Transforming Upward Bound into TRIO, Dave Ferguson created one of the most robust social mobility programs in the nation.