Profiles

A student (left), wearing an orange safety vest, kneels alongside Professor Mohammed Albahttiti (right) while the two work on installing pavers at the site of a community service project at the Chico Islamic Center.

Office Hours: Concrete Industry Management Professor Mohammed Albahttiti

CIM Professor Mohammed Albahttiti empowers students through hands-on service-learning projects that connect theory with real-world application.

Joseph Morales looks into the distance, wearing a dark gray suit and a blue shirt.

Chief Diversity Officer Joseph Morales Writes a New Chapter at Chico State

As a first-generation graduate whose life was transformed by access to education, Joseph Morales knows firsthand how powerful it can be.

Religious Studies Alumna Provides ‘Ministry of Presence’

One of the crucial steps along Kelly Ann Nelson's path to being present with others in pain was the religious studies education she earned at Chico State.

Jerry Miguel and his grandson on a blue tractor in an orchard.

Fond Farewell: Retired University Farm Mechanic Jerry Miguel

Jerry Miguel, University Farm mechanic for nearly 30 years, is remembered for all his tools—those he held in his hands, as well as his heart, spirit, and mind.

A graphic of Linling Gan with a background of images of a mortarboard, sun, and constellation.

Alumna Uses International Education, Business Acumen to Build Cascade of Success

After getting her start in business importing zippers while working on her MBA, Linling Gan has thrived in industries ranging from fashion to aerospace, as well as international education and real estate.

Sophia Hoffman is photographed against a brick wall.

Chico State Freshman Impresses Coaches on The Voice

Sophia Hoffman overcame a processing disorder to make it to Chico State—now she is turning heads on international television.

Janell Bauer sits at her desk while writing in a notebook and looking at the camera. A pink book sits on the desk to her left.

Office Hours with Journalism and PR Department Chair and Professor Janell Bauer

Fueled by her passion for feminism and gender equity research, Janell Bauer aims to inspire her students to be thoughtful communicators.

We are looking at headshots of all of the Lt. Rawlins Merit Award recipients for 2023. Top row: Chloe Koschnick, Delaney Sarantopulos, Hannah Scholzen, Josephine Hernandez, Kristen Chatham, Kyle Mason Bottom row: Madeline Litman, Manraj Randhawa, Peyton Arnold, Stephanie Gaito, Theodore Greenfield, Yanetli Navarro-Hernandez

Celebrating Our Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients

From aspiring educators and future doctors to those currently serving rural communities, these are the 2022-23 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients—the best of the best at Chico State.

Student sits on the floor with 5-year-old boy as they play with trains during a session in the Autism Clinic in March 2020. Other toys and play equipment, like hula hoops, can be seen in the background.

Five Questions with Kinesiology Alumna and Adapted Physical Education Teacher Taylor Guy

As an adapted physical education teacher, kinesiology alumna Taylor Guy is passionate about making sports accessible to her students and helping them find an activity they enjoy promoting lifelong physical activity.

Delaney Sarantopulos poses in a blue suit.

Introducing Delaney Sarantopulos: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

A "roll-of-the-dice" decision to attend Chico State came up aces for Delaney Sarantopulos and the University, which has benefited greatly from her service-based leadership.

Introducing Chloe Koschnick: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Whether advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in STEM or living her values through community service in education and with animals, computer science major Chloe Koschnick approaches all she does with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Animal Science Student Josephine Hernandez

Introducing Josephine Hernandez: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Animal science major Josephine Hernandez is an empathetic leader committed to inspiring future agricultural students and giving back to her field.

Madeline Litman, one of the 2022-2023 recipients of the Lieutenant Robert Merton Rawlins Merit Award, is photographed.

Introducing Madeline Litman: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

While at Chico State, Madeline Litman's work ethic, perseverance, and maturity have led to leadership roles in student clubs, a stellar academic career, and now a prestigious Rawlins Merit Scholarship.

A stop-motion animation character rests between takes

Digital Media Classes Cultivate Creativity

Blending stop-motion animation, film, and art, Josh Funk's digital media classes prove to be extremely popular—and fun.

Civil Engineering Student Hannah Scholzen

Introducing Hannah Scholzen: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Civil engineering student and soon-to-be graduate, Hannah Scholzen, is a model of perseverance and leadership in her field.

Distinguished Alum and Retired Agriculture Educator Roy Beck

Roy Beck put himself through college by working at the University Farm. He went on to teach agricultural education for 42 years and still advocates on behalf of his beloved discipline.

Portrait of Theodore Greenfield who is wearing sunglasses, and a blue button up dress shirt.

Introducing Theodore Greenfield: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Theodore Greenfield, a father of two and elementary school band instructor, hopes to become a high school math teacher to share his love for the subject.

Introducing Kyle Mason: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Fueled by a passion for science, first-generation student Kyle Mason is living out his life's dream and earning a college degree.

Portrait of Yanetli Navarro Hernandez, who is wearing blue top while her arms rest on a stool.

Introducing Yanetli Navarro-Hernandez: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Construction Industry Management student Yanetli Navarro-Hernandez wants to be a role model and encourage more women to pursue careers in construction management.

Photo of Marti Sutton, alongside an image of Kendall Hall and the phrase "2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree"

Distinguished Alum and Nonprofit Chair Marti Sutton

Marti Sutton discovered her advocacy voice as a student at Chico State and has since worked on Capitol Hill and in community nonprofits to support causes dear to her heart.

Introducing Peyton Arnold: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Peyton Arnold has studied the impacts of feeding cover crops to livestock and served as vice president of the Chico State Sheep Association, but she's most passionate about poultry.

Hannah Hull photographed standing with trees and a rainbow structure in the background.

‘Living my dream’: Chico State Alumna Forges Path in Hollywood

Hannah Hull (Media Arts, '20) shares about her "wild ride" from Chico State to Hollywood, where she's been working on sets of films and television shows.

Distinguished Alumna, Educator, and School Director Melanie Mello

Former exchange student and decorated educator Melanie Mello has been named a Chico State distinguished alumni of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.

Manraj Singh Randhawa poses in a gray suit.

Introducing Manraj Singh Randhawa: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Nursing student Manraj Singh Randhawa has a grand vision for his life. The Yuba City Sikh community, the Chico State School of Nursing, and more, are reaping the benefits of that vision.

Distinguished alum, CEO, and scientist, Thomas Butler

Distinguished Alum, Scientist, and CEO Thomas Butler

Thomas Butler found his passion in a Chico State lab. Today, he's the CEO of a company creating medicines designed to attack cancer and diabetes.

Introducing Kristen Chatham: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Business administration and marketing double major Kristen Chatham aspires to become an officer at a corporation after she graduates.

Stephanie Gaito leans on a stool and smiles

Introducing Stephanie Gaito: 2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient

Social work master’s student Stephanie Gaito (Social Work, ’22) is passionate about serving rural areas and giving them the proper representation they deserve.

Lateasha Meyers poses and smiles as her image is reflected along a wall.

Office Hours with Multicultural and Gender Studies Assistant Professor Lateasha Meyers

Assistant professor Lateasha Meyers is combining her passion for art and scholarship in leadership in her teaching.

Fond Farewell: Retired Painter Ronald Kohl Sr.

Remembered for his humble spirit and strong work ethic, Ronald Kohl Sr. worked as a painter at Chico State for almost thirty years.

Distinguished Alum and Strategic Architect Kimate Richards

Veteran and alum Kimate Richards designs cutting-edge smart technology while making time to give back to his community.

Creek waters flow on a college campus with a tree canopy hanging overhead.

Fond Farwell: Physical Education Professor Emeritus Betty Best

After more than three decades of teaching and coaching, Betty Best is remembered by her students and peers as a gifted educator, loyal friend, and talented competitor.

Student Yarely Contreras sits with one foot up on a tree retaining wall made of bricks as she looks onto into the distance.

Chico State Program Encourages Students to Give Back Home

Chico State's Giving Back Home program offers support and resources to students looking to make a difference in their hometowns.

Narcippa Teague poses with his daughters Lisa and Lizette, who are each holding a copy of the book Teague wrote about their experiences together. The full front cover of the book is shown at right.

5 Questions with Author, Alum, and Superhero While he Sleeps, Narcippa Teague

Chico State graduate and former men's basketball player Narcippa Teague shares about his new children's book and new outlook on life.

Stylish photo of Haley Willis next to words that say 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum and Owner of Advantage Therapy Services Haley Willis

Haley Willis, CEO and founder of Advantage Therapy Services in Chico, is helping advance the field of speech-language pathology. She is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Communications and Education.

Alumna Ashira Solomon smiles for a portrait..

Chico State Helps Pave Way for Alumna Now Living in Israel

In November, alumna Ashira Solomon was invited to be the presenter and moderator for the Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Political Leaders in Iceland.

Joel Solis sits and smiles for the camera while holding a photograph he took. His painting of a Latina street vendor is seen in the background.

BFA Graduate Drawn to Chico State’s Art Program

Inspired by his culture, BFA graduate Joel Solis dedicated his culminating exhibition to Latino street vendors around Butte County.

Stylish photo of Armando Ibarra next to words that say 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum and Farmworker Rights Advocate Armando Ibarra

Armando Ibarra (Sociology, Spanish, ’99; MA, Public Administration, ’02) is being honored as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Expanding Collaborations in Latin America: Dean of College of Agriculture Visits Chile

College of Agriculture Dean Patricia Stock visited several academic and research institutions to exchange knowledge about the myriad challenges agriculture is facing in Mediterranean climate regions—like those in California and Chile.

Fond Farewell: Marketing Professor Emeritus Kenny Chan

In addition to his passion for teaching and scholarship, Kenny Chan is remembered for his wit, wisdom, and kindness to all.

Stylish photo of Rick Callender next to words that say 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

Distinguished Alum and Valley Water District CEO Rick Callender

Rick Callender (Industrial Technology, ’94) is being honored by Chico State with this year's Distinguished Alumni Service Award.