Profiles
5 Questions with Alum and Marriage and Family Therapist Chris Park
Marriage and family therapist Chris Park shares his appreciation for his Chico State education and provides a glimpse into his experiences as an MFT.
Wildland Management Master’s Student Driven to Preserve Natural Spaces
Alum and current wildlands management master’s student Ben Chang is dedicating his life to battling climate change and mentoring the next generation of environmental stewards.
5 Questions with Alumna and Vice President of Center Road Solutions Allison Ivie
Inspired by her mother, alumna Allison Ivie has made a career of advocating and empowering organizations that help women and families.
5 Questions with Chico State Alumna and Business Owner Ava Moon
Chico State graduate and local artist, Ava Bloom, channels her independent spirit, commitment to sustainability, and love for creating art into new vintage boutique.
‘Beauty in the Chaos’: Fulbright Scholar’s Focus on Gemstone Trade in Sri Lanka
Anthropology faculty Brian Brazeal navigated the global pandemic and political unrest as he went to Sri Lanka to document the country's gemstone trade as part of his Fulbright Scholar Award.
Office Hours with Criminal Justice Faculty and Rural Issues Researcher Amy Magnus
A passion for justice and activism has always been part of criminal justice professor Amy Magnus' identity. Now, she's sharing it with the next generation of changemakers.
New HR Specialist Advances Campus EDI Goals
College opened Maximilian “Max” Cordeiro's world. He's working to create similar experiences for others as Chico State’s inaugural Human Resources EDI Specialist.
Fond Farewell: Communication Sciences and Disorders Major Dani Senico
Loving her first semester at Chico State, Dani Senico was passionate about her family, music, and animals.
Running Down My Dream at Chico State
Chico State student-athlete Rory Abberton will run his final collegiate cross country race at Friday’s NCAA Division II Championships. He considers the path he took to get there, and those who helped along the way.
Fulbright Experience Helps Agriculture Faculty Deepen Roots Across the World
Whether it was teaching his students, learning from colleagues, or endearing himself to local food vendors, College of Agriculture faculty Lee Altier's Fulbright experience in Turkey was a memorable one.
5 Questions with US Attorney for Oregon Natalie Wight
Alumna Natalie Wight was confirmed as the state of Oregon's new top law enforcement official after being nominated by President Joe Biden.
Fond Farewell: Retired Theatre Professor James “Marty” Gilbert
Retired professor James “Marty” Gilbert is remembered as a gifted set designer who was also a kind, patient, and supportive colleague and teacher.
Fond Farewell: Chico State Enterprises Grants and Contracts Analyst Tara Becraft
Known for her problem-solving, crafting, and kindness, Tara Becraft brought joy to those she worked with in Chico State Enterprises.
Biology Student Among First to Research Fish’s Unusual Schooling Pattern
Cole Schmitt has been working with the National Systemics Laboratory and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, studying the vertical schooling behavior of the cutlassfish.
Fond Farewell: Biology Professor Emeritus Robert Thomas
Dr. Robert “Bob” Thomas was known as an excellent colleague, friend, teacher, and researcher.
Office Hours: Astronomer and Physics Professor Kendall Hall
Astronomer and physics professor Kendall Hall is taking fear out of physics and making it fun for all.
Camp Fire Survivor Returns to Rebuilt Home and Hope in Butte Creek Canyon
Four years after the Camp Fire, Cindy Wolff is back living in Butte Creek Canyon, in a new home designed with fire in mind.
PARADISE U Helps Elementary Students Rediscover the Joy of Movement
PARADISE U, a physical education program created by kinesiology professor Cathrine Himberg, helps students discover the benefits and joy of movement.
Fond Farewell: Retired Instructional Media Center Technician Dennis Yarnell
Known for his sense of humor and work ethic, Dennis Yarnell was impactful in his 35 years with the Instructional Media Center.
‘Cats Get Cookin’ with Retired NBC Marketing Director Lance Lew
After more than 30 years working in broadcast journalism, Lance Lew is embracing a longtime passion in retirement—cooking, with the release of his first cookbook this month.
Exhibit Honors Historically Black Sorority’s Return to Chico State
The Pi Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has returned to Chico State and was recently honored in a pop-up exhibit at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.
Fond Farewell: Retired Director of Human Resources Dennis Frazier
Remembered for his keen sense of humor, warm personality, and commitment to his work, Dennis Frazier directed human resources at Chico State for more than two decades.
Baseball Voyage Marked by Strong Arm, Strong Voice
Luke Barker’s focus has been on making it to the big leagues, but when he spotted some serious inequities, he decided to say something.
Student Researchers Share Insight into Summer Projects
CSC² has supported nearly 300 students in undergraduate research projects across the three colleges.
Fond Farewell: Retired Religious Studies Professor Emeritus John Bash
Professor Emeritus John Bash, a distinguished teacher, mountain hiker, and world traveler, will be remembered as a friend and mentor to both students and colleagues.
Animal Science Major Embraces Role of Lead Shepherd in Sheep Unit
Since arriving at Chico State in fall 2019, Manny Lopez has been an integral part of the University Farm’s Sheep Unit and today serves as its lead shepherd.
Soccer Player Susanna Garcia Leads on the Pitch and in the Classroom
And as she returns to lead the Wildcats in her fifth and final season, Sanna Garcia earned one of only nine All-America honors in the program's storied history.
How To: Be a Backyard Biologist
Biological sciences professor Don Miller shares a few of his favorite tips for novice naturalists.
College Friends Make A Perfect Match for Organ Donation
Wildcat bonds truly do last a lifetime— when alum Bob Phillips needed a kidney, his former college roommate came to the rescue.
Alumna Chooses Nature to Nurture Others
Blake Ellis is at the leading edge of harnessing the natural world’s healing powers—even when that environment itself may trigger anxiety.
Five Questions with Yardzen CEO Allison Messner
After a devastating megafire destroyed her yard, Allison Messner cofounded an online landscaping design platform that is gaining national attention.
Alumna Makes History as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Seattle Seahawks
In January 2021, alumna Karen Wilkins-Mickey joined the Seattle Seahawks as their director of diversity, equity, and inclusion—the first such hire at the team level in NFL history.
Five Questions with Certified Nurse Midwife and Alumna Kathleen Belzer
Nursing alumna and midwifery advocate Kathleen Belzer is driving diversity and equality in pregnancy and childbirth healthcare.
Bringing Mental Health to Light
Chico State alumni and family find healing through mental health awareness advocacy and the creation of a Senate bill to improve youth mental health in schools.
Meet Isaac Brundage, Chico State’s New Vice President for Student Affairs
Isaac Brundage, Chico State's new Vice President for Student Affairs, draws on his upbringing and professional experience to reach students.
5 Questions with Alum and Executive Director of World AIDS Museum Terry Dyer
Terry Dyer is an activist at heart—from taking action for those who cannot, to being a voice to those on the margins, to his position as Executive Director of the World AIDS Museum.
Fond Farewell: Political Science Professor Emeritus Jon Ebeling
Jon Ebeling's career at Chico State spanned more than 40 years and inspired countless students to pursue careers in public administration.
New Art Teacher Brings Professional and Personal Success to Chico State
Steven Durow enjoyed tremendous success as a professional artist—but teaching has always been at the heart of his craft.
Fond Farewell: Retired ASC Michelle Berglund-Smith
Known for her candy dish and birthday cakes, Michelle Berglund-Smith was considered the backbone of the Computer Science Department for her expertise and passion.
Fond Farewell: Passing of Retired Mathematics Professor Larry Dion
Mathematics and statistics professor Larry Dion will be remembered for his commitment and generosity.