California State University, Humboldt

California State University, Humboldt is a public university located in Arcata, California, and is part of the California State University system. The university was founded in 1913 as a teacher's college, and has since grown to offer a wide range of academic programs, including those in Environmental Science, Biology, and Physics. The university is situated near the Redwood National and State Parks, and is known for its strong programs in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with partnerships with organizations such as the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. The university has also been recognized for its commitment to Social Justice and Community Engagement, with programs such as the Humboldt County Community Foundation and the Northern California Indian Development Council.

● History

The university was established in 1913 as the Humboldt State Normal School, with the goal of training teachers for the region's rural schools. Over the years, the university has undergone several name changes, becoming Humboldt State College in 1935, and finally Humboldt State University in 1972. In 2022, the university was renamed California State University, Humboldt, as part of a broader effort to rebrand the California State University system. The university has a long history of innovation and progress, with notable events such as the establishment of the Humboldt State University Library in 1914, and the creation of the Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research in 2012. The university has also been involved in various NASA projects, including the NASA Ames Research Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

● Academics

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Computer Science, and Engineering. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research, the Schatz Energy Research Center, and the Telonicher Marine Laboratory. The university has partnerships with organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the United States Department of Energy, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and has been recognized for its strong programs in Environmental Science and Sustainability by organizations such as the Sierra Club and the Nature Conservancy.

● Campus

The university's campus is located in Arcata, California, and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Founders Hall, the Schatz Energy Research Center, and the Nelson Hall Humanities Building. The campus is situated near the Redwood National and State Parks, and offers stunning views of the surrounding Humboldt Bay and Pacific Ocean. The university has a strong commitment to Sustainability, with initiatives such as the Humboldt State University Sustainability Program and the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology. The campus is also home to several art galleries, including the Reese Bullen Gallery and the Humboldt State University Art Gallery, which feature works by artists such as Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe.

● Student Life

The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 30 countries. The university offers a range of student organizations and clubs, including the Humboldt State University Student Union, the Humboldt State University Sustainability Club, and the Humboldt State University Outdoor Adventures program. The university also has a strong commitment to Community Engagement, with programs such as the Humboldt County Community Foundation and the Northern California Indian Development Council. Students can also participate in internships and research projects with organizations such as the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and the Humboldt Baykeeper.

● Athletics

The university's athletic teams, the Humboldt State Lumberjacks, compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. The university offers a range of sports programs, including Football, Basketball, and Soccer, and has a strong rivalry with neighboring universities such as University of California, Berkeley and University of Oregon. The university's athletic facilities include the Redwood Bowl and the Lumberjack Arena, which have hosted events such as the NCAA Division II Football Championship and the California Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball Tournament.

● Notable Alumni

The university has a long list of notable alumni, including Terry McAuliffe, the former Governor of Virginia, Jared Huffman, the U.S. Representative for California's 2nd congressional district, and Connie Stewart, the former Mayor of Arcata, California. Other notable alumni include Robert A. Levin, the former President of the California State University, Chico, James F. Kelly, the former Director of the National Park Service, and Sara Wan, the former Chair of the California State Parks Commission. The university has also been attended by notable figures such as Julia Butterfly Hill, the Environmental Activist, and Tom Hayden, the Anti-War Activist and former California State Senator. The university's alumni have gone on to work for organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and The New York Times, and have been recognized for their achievements with awards such as the Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of Science.