California State University, Chico
California State University, Chico (Chico State[8]) is a public university in Chico, California. It was founded in 1887 as one of about 180 "normal schools" founded by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. Some closed but most steadily expanded their role and became state colleges in the early 20th century and state universities in the late 20th century. [10] It is the second oldest campus in the California State University system. As of the fall 2020 semester, the university had a total enrollment of 16,630 students. The university offers 126 bachelor's degree programs, 35 master's degree programs, and four types of teaching credentials. Chico is a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI).
Former names | Northern Branch State Normal School of California (1887–1921) Chico State Teachers College (1921–1935) Chico State College (1935–1972) |
|---|---|
| Motto | "Today Decides Tomorrow"[1] |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1887 |
Parent institution | California State University |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
| Endowment | $62.9 million (2020)[2] |
| Budget | $248.6 million (2019)[3] |
| President | Stephen Perez |
| Provost | Debra Larson |
Academic staff | 989 (Fall 2018)[4] |
Administrative staff | 1,106 (Fall 2018)[4] |
| Students | 16,630 (Fall 2020)[5] |
| Undergraduates | 15,676 (Fall 2020)[5] |
| Postgraduates | 954 (Fall 2020)[5] |
| Location | , , United States 39°43′48″N 121°50′51″W / 39.73000°N 121.84750°W |
| Campus | Midsize city[6][7], Central Campus: 119 acres (48 ha) Total: 3,249 acres (1,315 ha) |
| Newspaper | The Orion |
| Colors | Chico red, cornerstone gray, black, and white[8] |
| Nickname | Wildcats[9] |
Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division II – CCAA |
| Mascot | Willie the Wildcat |
| Website | www |
History edit
On March 12, 1887, a legislative act was enacted to create the Northern Branch of the California State Normal School. Less than a month later, Chico was chosen as the location. In 1887, General John Bidwell donated 8 acres (3.2 ha) of land from his cherry orchard. On July 4, 1888, the first cornerstone was laid. On September 3, 1889, doors opened for the 90 enrolled students. The library opened on January 11, 1890, with 350 books. On June 20, 1891, the first graduation took place, a class of 15.
In 1910, Annie Kennedy Bidwell donated an additional 2 acres (0.81 ha) of land to be used for work with elementary agriculture. The next year Mrs. Bidwell donated an orange orchard lot 55 × 440 feet (130 m) as the children's playground, which is connected to the Training School.[11] Twenty years later in 1921, legislation was enacted to change the school's name to Chico State Teacher's College. In 1922, Chico State Teacher's College added a junior college curriculum and awarded a certificate after two years. Also in 1922, Bidwell Mansion was turned into a women's dormitory. In 1923 the first college paper, The Collegian, was published. In 1924, the state Board of Education allowed the school to grant baccalaureate degrees. Also in 1924, the wildcat was chosen as the mascot. In 1927 a gym was built on the grounds of Bidwell Mansion. In 1929, the cornerstone for the new administration building was laid on top of Normal Building's original cornerstone.
In 1935, Bidwell Hall was turned into a recreation and student center—the first student union. Also in 1935 a legislative act changed the college name from Chico State Teachers College to Chico State College. In 1937 evening classes started on campus and athletic fields were purchased from the Chico Board of Education.
In 1948, dorms for 500 male students were set up on west side of Warner Street. The buildings were built during World War II and were used as bachelor quarters for a Marine Hospital in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
In 1950, California's governor allowed state colleges to grant Master of Arts degrees. In 1951 the college reorganized from 18 departments into seven divisions with chairmen. Then in 1956 a new flagpost and sign in front of Kendall Hall was donated by the class of 1956. In the following year, 1957, a new cafeteria was built and the rose gardens were planted. In 1958 the first "telecourse" was taught, Psychology 51.
In 1972, Chico State College became California State University, Chico.
In 1975, broadcasts of classes through closed circuit TV were used for the first time by residents in Oroville, Marysville and Colusa. Also in 1975, The Orion, the campus student newspaper, published its first issue. In 1977, the other campus paper, The Wildcat, changed its name to Chico News and Review and moved off campus to become an independent publication. In 1978 bike riding was restricted on campus.[13]
In 1987, Chico State was ranked as the top party school in the nation by Playboy.[14]
CSU Chico opened its first sub-campus in Redding, affiliated with Shasta College, in 2007.
In 2005, student Matt Carrington was hazed to death at the Chi Tau (local) house, which had previously been expelled from the university in 2001 due to violations.[15] Carrington died as a result of water intoxication during a hazing session involving the victim being forced to exercise and drink large quantities of water.
In 2010, the President of the Associated Student body, Joseph Igbineweka, was stabbed in a racially motivated attack.[16]
In 2011, CSU, Chico received a Civic Learning Initiative Grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation to extend its efforts to establish civic engagement as a key component of students' academic success.[17]
Academics edit
The university has more than 75 departments[18] and offers more than 150 undergraduate degrees.[19] It is organized into seven colleges and four schools:
- College of Agriculture
- College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
- School of Social Work
- College of Business
- College of Communication & Education
- School of Education
- College of Engineering, Computer Science, & Construction Management
- College of Humanities & Fine Arts
- School of the Arts
- College of Natural Sciences
- School of Nursing
The university's library, the Meriam Library, has several special collections of Native American and Californian history.[20]
Rankings edit
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According to the U.S. News & World Report 2023 college rankings, Chico State was ranked at 13th for "Best Colleges for Veterans", tied 10 in Top Public Schools, 22 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, 70 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs teeing 12 in Civil Engineering and 206 in Nursing.[26]
According to the U.S. News & World Report 2022 college rankings, Chico State was ranked tied at 17th for "Best Colleges for Veterans", tied 18 in Top Public Schools, tied 24 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, tied 75 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and tied for 251 in Nursing.[27]
According to the U.S. News & World Report 2021 college rankings, Chico State was ranked tied for 9th among 66 western regional public universities, tied at 16th for "Best Colleges for Veterans", tied at 22nd for "Best Undergraduate Teaching", tied at 41st for "Social Mobility", and tied for 26th overall among 127 regional universities in the western United States. Lastly it tied at 91 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program at a schools where doctorate not offered.[28]
Chico State was ranked 335th out of 650 colleges, universities, and service academies in the U.S. in the 2019 Forbes America's Top Colleges list, and was ranked 68th in the West, 73rd for "Best Value", and 113th among all public universities.[29]
Campus edit
The California State University, Chico campus consists of a 119-acre main campus, the 800-acre Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm, and 2,330-acres of ecological reserves. These reserves include the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) and the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (BCEP).[4]
Early construction edit
The construction of the normal school building was begun in September 1887. It was a large brick building, consisting of three stories and full basement. It was of Romanesque design with Elizabethan gables and artificial stone trimmings. The building was destroyed by a fire in 1927. The current administration building Kendall Hall was built on the site of the normal school in 1929.[30]
Colusa Hall, completed in 1921 is the oldest building on campus. Today it is used as a conference and public events facility.[31]
Alfred E. Warren House, built by noted Californian architect Julia Morgan in 1922-23, serves as the university president's residence.
Arboretum edit
The Campus Arboretum is located across the campus of California State University, Chico along Big Chico Creek.
Nearby Bidwell Park includes 29 acres (12 ha) of a former arboretum, now run somewhat wild, which contains trees such as English oaks, hawthorn, cherry plum, bay laurel, cork oak, ponderosa, aleppo, and Monterey pines, willow, mulberry, linden, maple, catalpa, pine, and eucalyptus, collected from around the world.[32]
Residence halls edit
Currently, the university can accommodate 2,150[33] or approximately 13% of the student body in seven on-campus residential halls. Most buildings on campus are named after California counties.
Meriam library edit
In 1959, Chico State College Library was built. The library was expanded and renamed to the "Learning Activities Resource Center" (LARC) in 1975. It was in 1985 when the library gained another expansion and its current name, Meriam Library. A fourth floor of the library was constructed in 1985.[34]
Student life edit
Associated Students, Chico edit
Associated Students, Chico is the student government at California State University, Chico.
Office of Student Life and Leadership edit
| Race and ethnicity[35] | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 69.2% | ||
| Hispanic | 19% | ||
| Other[a] | 6.6% | ||
| Asian | 5% | ||
| Black | 2.2% | ||
| Foreign national | 2% | ||
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income[b] | 42% | ||
| Affluent[c] | 58% | ||
Student Life and Leadership, formally the Student Activities Office, incorporates four programs: Student Organizations and Leadership Education (SOLE), Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (FSA), Rec Sports, and the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC).
Town Hall Meeting edit
Chico State has an annual event where Chico State students gather in a public area and discuss most current policy issues with their peers. Faculty members are also involved.[36]
The Great Debate edit
The Great Debate was created to drive members of both the campus and the community to take part in a conversation about important issues. A different topic is chosen every semester.[37]
Greek life edit
As of May 2017[update] Chico State has 26 fraternities and sororities, making up approximately 12 percent of the student population.[38]
Demographics edit
| 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Applicants | 23,964 | 22,853 | 23,124 | 22,321 | |
| Admits | 15,639 | 15,796 | 15,393 | 14,441 | |
| % Admitted | 65.3 | 69.1 | 66.6 | 64.7 | |
| GPA | 3.41 | 3.34 | 3.30 | 3.33 | |
| SAT mid-50% range* | 1000–1190 | 990–1170 | 880–1100 | 890–1110 | |
| ACT mid-50% range | 18–24 | 19–25 | 19–24 | 19–25 | |
| * SAT out of 1600 |
Male to Female Percentage: 46:54%[4]
CSU Chico along with CSU Bakersfield has the second largest enrollment percentage of Native Americans in the Cal State system.[43]
Student media edit
KCSC Radio was founded in 1951. The university's student-run weekly newspaper, The Orion first began publishing in 1975.[44] In 1989, The Orion won the National Pacemaker Award, the first of nine times the paper has won the top prize in college journalism. In 2009, The Orion won the National Pacemaker Award for the 11th time at the College Media Convention.[citation needed]
In 1997 Wild Oak Music Group, an independent record company, was founded and is run by the Music Industry students within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.
Athletics edit
The university's athletic teams are known as the Chico State Wildcats. The school sponsors soccer, basketball, golf, cross country, and track and field for both men and women. The school sponsors softball and volleyball for women, and baseball for men. The school's athletic director is Anita Barker. The school competes in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).[45] Since 1998, Chico State's athletic teams have won 99 NCAA Championship berths, 40 CCAA titles, 24 West Region titles, and 15 NCAA national titles.[46] The Wildcats softball team won the first AIAW Division III national championship in 1980, led by pitcher Kathy Arendsen.[47] Chico excels in cross country and track and field in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.[48]
The Wildcats of Chico State earned six team NCAA championships at the Division II level.[49] NCAA Division II individual championships by Scott Bauhs (2008) Men's cross country and J. J. Jakovac (2002, 2004) and Kyle Souza (2011) Men's Golf Championships.
- Men's Team (6)
- Baseball (2): 1997, 1999
- Golf (1): 1966
- Swimming and diving (3): 1973, 1974, 1976
Sustainability edit
Chico State made The Princeton Review's 2011 "Guide to Green Colleges", honoring campuses that "demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities, and career preparation."[50]
Noted people edit
Notable alumni edit
| Name | Known for | Relationship to Chico |
|---|---|---|
| Annette Abbott Adams | First female Assistant Attorney General of the United States | |
| Nelson Briles | Former Major League Baseball player | |
| Donald J. Butz | United States Air Force major general | |
| John Canzano | Sports Writer | BA in English, 1995 |
| Richard Campbell | Musician | |
| Don Carlsen | Former NFL referee retired 2012 | |
| Doug Chapman | Actor | BA, 1994 |
| Rocky Chávez | served in the California State Assembly | BA in English, 1973 |
| Raymond Carver | Author | |
| Clay Dalrymple | Former Major League Baseball player | |
| Mark Davis | Owner Las Vegas Raiders | |
| Amanda Detmer | Actress | |
| Big Poppa E | Professional slam poet | Attended 1994-2000 (Journalism) |
| Clair Engle | United States Senator | BA, 1930 |
| Horace Dove-Edwin | Olympian | MA in exercise science, 1999 |
| Ken Grossman | Co-founder Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | |
| Brandon Harkins | Professional golfer | |
| Joseph Hilbe | Statistician and philosopher | BA in Philosophy |
| Dominik Jakubek | Goalkeeper for Major League Soccer | BA Liberal Studies 2009 |
| Troy Johnson | Food critic, TV judge of Food Network shows | BA Speech Communications and Poetry 1997 |
| Mat Kearney | Columbia recording artist | Attended Chico State for 2 years |
| Adnan Khashoggi | Saudi businessman | |
| Sandra Lerner | Co-founder of Cisco Systems | BA Political Science 1975 |
| Michael Messner | Sociologist, Professor at the University of Southern California | BA, 1974; MA, 1976 |
| Tirin Moore | Neuroscientist and Professor at Stanford University / HHMI | BA, 1990 |
| Bob Mulholland | Political strategist | |
| Troy Neiman | Baseball player | |
| Matt Olmstead | Writer and television producer | |
| Kathleen O'Neal Gear | Historian and archaeologist | BA and MA |
| Maureen O'Toole | Olympic silver medalist | |
| Michael Polenske | Entrepreneur & vintner | Bachelors in Finance[51] |
| Lubna al Qasimi | Minister for Economy and Planning of the United Arab Emirates | BS in Computer Science |
| Ed Rollins | Political strategist | BA, 1968 |
| Thom Ross | Artist | degree in fine arts, 1974 |
| Gene Scott | Ordained minister and religious broadcaster | BA and MA |
| Carolyn Shoemaker | Astronomer | |
| Joshua Singleton | Television installer & video game designer (animated series Close Enough character) | |
| Glynnis Talken | Author | BA |
| Dale Thayer | Major League Baseball player | |
| Mark Thoma | Economist | BA, 1980 |
| Mike Thompson | Member of the United States Congress | |
| Mark Ulriksen | Painter | |
| Johannes van Overbeek | Race car driver | |
| Patrick Vaughan | Historian | |
| Bill Wattenburg | Radio host, author, inventor | |
| Chris Wondolowski | Forward for Major League Soccer | |
| Don Young | Former member of the United States Congress | BA, 1958 |
Faculty edit
| Name | Known for | Relationship to Chico |
|---|---|---|
| John Gardner | Author | Professor of English |
| Michael Gillis | Historian | Lecturer in history |
| Carolivia Herron | Author and scholar | Professor of English |
| Troy Jollimore | Poet | Professor of Philosophy |
| Janja Lalich | Sociologist | Professor of Sociology |
| Carolyn Ringer Lepre | academic administrator | assistant professor of journalism |
| Harold Lang | Dancer and actor | Professor of dance, 1970–1985 |
| Peveril Meigs | Geographer | Professor of geography, 1929–1942 |
| Nicholas Nagy-Talavera | Historian | Professor of History, 1967–1991 |
| Michael Perelman | Author | Professor of Economics |
| Sarah M. Pike | Author | Professor of Comparative Religion and Humanities |
| Jane Wells Shurmer | Women's sports | Professor of Physical Education |
| Ivan Sviták | Philosopher, Critic, Poet | Professor of Philosophy, 1970–1990 |
University presidents edit
- Edward Timothy Pierce, 1889–1893
- Robert F. Pennell, 1893–1897
- Carleton M. Ritter, 1897–1899
- Charles C. Van Liew, 1899–1910
- Allison Ware, 1910–1917
- Elmer Isaiah Miller, 1910, 1917–1918
- Charles Osenbaugh, 1918–1930
- Clarence Knight Studley, 1930–1931
- Rudolph D. Lindquist, 1931
- Aymer Jay Hamilton, 1931–1950
- George Glenn Kendall, 1950–1966
- Robert Eugene Hill, 1966–1970
- Lew Dwight Oliver, 1970–1971
- Stanford Cazier, 1971–1979
- Robert L. Fredenburg, 1979–1980
- Robin Wilson, 1980–1993
- Manuel A. Esteban, 1993–2003
- Scott McNall, 2003–2004
- Paul Zingg, 2004–2016
- Gayle E. Hutchinson, 2016–2023
- Stephen Perez, 2023-Present
See also edit
Notes edit
- ^ Other consists of Multiracial Americans & those who prefer to not say.
- ^ The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- ^ The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
References edit
- ^ "Chico State Logo Standards Guidelines" (PDF). csuchico.edu. (PDF) from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
- ^ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "2019-20 Budget Plan" (PDF). csuchico.edu. September 9, 2019. (PDF) from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Chico Facts". California State University, Chico. from the original on April 9, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ a b c . The California State University Institutional Research and Analyses. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- ^ "CSUMentor - Explore Campuses - Comparative View". Csumentor.edu. from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
- ^ "IPEDS-California State University, Chico". from the original on 2024-01-10. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
- ^ a b "Visual Identity Overview" (PDF). (PDF) from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ "Chico Facts - CSU, Chico". from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
- ^ Christine Ogren, The American State Normal School: 'An Instrument of Great Good' (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) pp. 1-5, 213-235; online 2024-05-09 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ Bailey, Mary Ellen. "University Archives: Chico State Normal School (1887-1921)". from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved January 6, 2008.
- ^ New Arts and Humanities Building opens 2020-03-26 at the Wayback Machine, in: Chico State Today, July 28, 2016, retrieved on March 26, 2020.
- ^ "Cal State, Chico, History". from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
- ^ "Playboy's Party Schools". Snopes.com. 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
- ^ Morrison, Keith (June 26, 2006). "Hazing death at Chico State". NBC News. from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2009.
- ^ . CNN. July 22, 2008. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
- ^ . Csuchico.edu. January 31, 2011. Archived from the original on February 7, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ "Colleges and Departments". Chico State. 2008. from the original on January 3, 2007. Retrieved January 4, 2007.
- ^ . Chico State. 2008. Archived from the original on January 2, 2007. Retrieved January 4, 2007.
- ^ . Meriam Library. 2008. Archived from the original on November 30, 2006. Retrieved January 4, 2007.
- ^ "2023 Master's University Rankings". Washington Monthly. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ "Best Colleges 2023: Regional Universities Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Forbes America's Top Colleges List 2023". Forbes. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
- ^ "2024 Best Colleges in the U.S." The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "California State University–Chico - U.S. News Best Grad School Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ "U.S. News Best College Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. 2022. from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. News Best College Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. 2022. from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. News Best College Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. 2021. from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ "America's Top Colleges". Forbes. August 15, 2019. from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2019.
- ^ . Csuchico.edu. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ "Campus Buildings". csuchico.edu. from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
- ^ . Meriam Library -- Special Collections. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ "UHFS Annual Report 2011-2012" (PDF). csuchico.edu.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "History of Meriam Library". library.csuchio.edu. from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- ^ "College Scorecard: California State University-Chico". United States Department of Education. from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
- ^ . Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
- ^ "Chico Great Debate". from the original on 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2019-12-14.
- ^ "Fraternity and Sorority Affairs". www.csuchico.edu. from the original on April 30, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- ^ "California State University, Chico 2018-2019 Common Data Set" (PDF). California State University, Chico. (PDF) from the original on 2020-05-10. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
- ^ "California State University, Chico 2017-2018 Common Data Set" (PDF). California State University, Chico. (PDF) from the original on 2020-05-10. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
- ^ "California State University, Chico 2016-2017 Common Data Set" (PDF). California State University, Chico. (PDF) from the original on 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
- ^ "California State University, Chico 2015-2016 Common Data Set" (PDF). California State University, Chico. (PDF) from the original on 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
- ^ . www.calstate.edu. Archived from the original on October 25, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
- ^ "About". The Orion. from the original on November 2, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ "Wildcat Athletics". California State University, Chico. 2006. from the original on January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2007.
- ^ . Csuchico.edu. Archived from the original on November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ "The Hall of Fame Committee Salutes the 1980 Softball Team" (PDF). (PDF) from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
- ^ "CCAA Champions". October 17, 2020. from the original on August 14, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
- ^ "Championships Summary" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. (PDF) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
- ^ . Csuchico.edu. Archived from the original on November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ Nalley, Richard. "Napa Valley: The Entrepreneur's Tour". Forbes Life. from the original on 14 April 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
Further reading edit
- Dunham, E. Alden. "Colleges of the Forgotten Americans. A Profile of State Colleges and Regional Universities." (McGraw Hill, 1969).
External links edit
- Official website