Welcome From the Dean

Welcome to the CSU, Chico College of Agriculture Web site.  As dean of the college since August 2006, I enjoy speaking with prospective students and their families about the incredible academic institution we have here at Chico State.  So let me ask you a question.  What are you looking for in a college experience? 

If you are looking for a high-quality, hands-on agricultural education, you’ve come to the right place.  Our faculty are among the best that you could find anywhere, and our 800-acre University Farm gives every student the opportunity to put into practice the concepts and theories they learn in the classroom. 

If you are looking for a nurturing environment in which to grow into an agriculture leader, you’ve come to the right place.  We think of ourselves as a family here in the College of Agriculture, and with less than 400 students, it’s hard to get lost in the crowd.  Plus, our dozen-or-so student organizations, ranging from the Society of Agricultural Managers to the Stock Dog Association, provide plenty of opportunities for leadership growth and development. 

If you are looking for a beautiful and vibrant campus in a safe, welcoming community, you’ve come to the right place.  The residential nature of our picturesque 110-acre campus provides a truly unique college experience.  We further strive to create learning communities for our students, such as our Agriculture Theme Housing program and our Course Link schedule, which make it easy to network with fellow students both inside and outside of the classroom.

If you are looking for a pathway to graduate school or a great career, you’ve come to the right place.  Through internships, undergraduate research projects, field trips, and guest speakers, our goal is to help you reach your goals.  Our highly integrated program allows faculty and staff to adjust our offerings in ways that are necessary to keep up with a rapidly changing industry.  We believe our graduates are well qualified to recognize and capture the opportunities that are imbedded in challenges associated with globalization, retail consolidation, urbanization, shifting priorities in public policy, and the potential for agroterriorism.  

I could go on and on about the qualities that make the California State University, Chico, College of Agriculture “the right place,” but I’d rather just show you.  In fact, before you make a decision about where to go to college, I encourage you make plans to visit all of the campuses you have an interest in attending. I believe it is important that you not only consider the programs offered but the distinct "personalities" of each campus.  I am confident you will find a level of excitement among our students, staff and faculty that will help convince you to pursue your educational objective here at Chico State. If you have any questions about our programs, of if you would like to set up a campus visit, please feel free to contact our Outreach and Retention Office at 1-800-774-1644.