Your Department, CSU, Chico

Meet the UNIV 101 Faculty

Heather Altfeld

Welcome to University 101! I am delighted to be entering my third year as a University 101 instructor. I also teach Academic Writing within the English department. I’ve really enjoyed the process of acquainting students with the university, the local environs, and some of the ideas that will shape your experiences here at Chico State, both in the classroom and beyond. One of the challenges and excitements of the course is working toward a vision of engagement – having each of you develop a curiosity and intellectual interest that will guide some of your academic work here at CSU, Chico.

I have a B.A. degree in Cultural and Physical Anthropology from Columbia University in New York, and I have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing – Poetry, and I am a practicing, published poet. I have been teaching in one context or another for about eighteen years. I love to travel and have been to 39 countries in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. I also love children’s literature, gardening, cooking, kite-flying, hiking, bicycling, camping and backpacking. Teaching and education are focal points of passion for me!

Caren Fernandez

Hello and Welcome to Chico State!

I was born in Salinas and raised in Prunedale, California. I graduated with a BA in psychology, a BS in business administration with an option in MIS, and MA in education from Chico State.

“ins and outs”, “dos and don’ts” and the knowledge and tools to help freshmen be successful not only the first year but throughout their college career.

I am an open-minded, goal-oriented person, who enjoys spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs. I love watching and playing sports as well as traveling and learning about different cultures. I look forward to working with you this year.

Linda Gatton

Credentials: BA in History, MA in Behavioral & Social Sciences
Interests: Literature, history, cinema, hiking

Welcome to both the University and Chico community. This is an exciting time for you and I look forward to sharing some of your first-semester experiences.

I love Chico and Chico State, and enjoy being part of the first-time discovery experienced by students. My “other” job, as coordinator of student judicial affairs, has convinced me of the importance of introducing new students to the campus, community, and to the expectations of the University regarding academic standards.

Willis Geer

I discovered as a freshman student at a state university that academic and transitional issues for incoming students can be huge and difficult to overcome. Therefore, I believe that these issues are of such importance that they should be addressed directly by universities in an attempt to aid students to successfully complete the “university educational experience”. I am happy to say that CSU, Chico does indeed do this by offering UNIV 101 in its current embodiment and I am quite happy to have been selected to have an active role in this endeavor as a UNIV 101 Lecturer. This position also gives me an opportunity to address incoming students with my thoughts as to how important it is that our society be populated with thoughtful, educated citizens who are actively involved in political, societal and governmental issues and the resolution of these issues.

To incoming students in the First Year Experience – Welcome to your new career as “university students” and congratulations on your choice to be here at CSU, Chico. I am hopeful that you will find this campus and community to be as welcoming to you as it has been to me and I wish you only the very best during your time here. I encourage each of you to take advantage of the many and varied opportunities on our campus to learn, to expand your horizons academically and civically and to prepare for your full participation as emerging adults in our society at large. Good luck.

Amy Lance

Welcome to some of the best years of your life! You are so lucky to be a part of the Chico campus and community – it is a magical place with endless opportunities. Take care of our (now your) town and campus. Take advantage of all that is available to you. Get to know your professors. Get involved! Make new friends! Enjoy the ride!

I have been teaching at Chico State since 1997. I love working with students as an instructor & advisor. Teaching University 101 allows me to be a student advocate and make sure new students are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully navigate the university.

Bill Loker

Bill Loker is Dean of Undergraduate Studies and a Professor of Anthropology at CSU, Chico. His research interests include: globalization, environmental change, engaged scholarship, and innovative practices in higher education. He is interested in the relationship between academic engagement, civic development and well-being in college students. He teaches UNIV 101 because he is interested in learning more about students and their perspectives and exploring how to make Chico feel like a "home place" for students. "A college education needs to prepare students to be informed, constructive participants in an increasingly globalized world. Paradoxically, this may involve students coming to feel connected to a particular place in the world. Thriving in the 21st century requires knowledge, practices and habits of mind not found exclusively in any one field, discipline or major. Study broadly, learn deeply.

Tom Parker

Welcome to the beginning of what can be an exciting adventure in getting to know more about yourself and the world we live in. You’re here, we want you here, and we want you to be successful. Together we can start to make that happen.

I teach in the Department of Religious Studies and earned my Ph. D in Religious Studies from Syracuse University. Both professionally and personally, the infinite world of religions is one of my interests. Music is another passion, and I’ve been playing guitar since my undergraduate days.

University 101 is a course designed to integrate incoming students into this new world of university study. I am glad to be a part of this program because I believe in its purpose and I enjoy introducing new students to the academic world of Chico State. It is a time of transition for new students, and I am pleased to be one of your guides along the way.

Russ Slankard

Welcome young scholars.  I hope you will find your time here at CSU Chico to be a life-changing experience.  You have chosen one of the finest universities in the west and now it is up to you to make the most of your tenure here.  The university motto “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is exactly what University 101 is all about. Your choices starting today, will determine how big, how prosperous and how fulfilling your future will be.

I chose to attend “Chico State” many years ago and have never regretted it.  After earning my BA in Anthropology and my first teaching credential, I went on to serve for 37 years in education.  I have had the distinct pleasure of teaching elementary school, Jr. High School, and High School, as well as university undergraduate and graduate courses. I also have served as a high school coach in football and track & field, an assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent.  I credit this university with providing the excellent preparation for my career including the four additional credentials and my Masters Degree, which I earned in later years.  Learning is a life- long pursuit that provides life-long rewards. Teaching university 101 is my way of giving back to this university and helping all of you to make successful transitions from high school students to university scholars.

I guess that after living here for 42 years I could say that Chico is my hometown.  I have watched this institution grow from a college of about 4700 students to a university of over 16,000 and Chico has grown from a lazy little town of 23,000 to a community of over 100,000.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, oil painting, photography and a variety of sports.

Maria Sudduth

Hi! Welcome to University 101. My background is in Education. I taught in a multi-age 3rd, 4th, and 5th bilingual classroom for ten years, earned my Master’s in Education at CSU, Chico and then began my career here at Chico State. My passion is teaching, especially in teacher preparation. I also enjoy “communing with nature;” hiking, biking and kayaking.

 

 

 

Charles Zartman

Welcome to CSU, Chico and University 101. University 101 is a special opportunity to work with students as they adjust to the demands of the university experience. I take my responsibilities as a mentor and committed role model seriously. I look forward to getting to know each of you in the months ahead.