From the President's Desk

Succeeding as a Place and as a Choice

In a forthcoming public essay for the larger Chico community, I will be sharing more fully and formally my thoughts on town/gown relationships. Several factors prompt this piece, including the occasion of my fifth anniversary in this community as Chico State’s president and a desire to join and, perhaps, even help shape conversations already under way regarding the long-term health and well-being of our city and surrounding area.

This essay, which will be published in its entirety by the Chico News & Review and also on my University Web site, emphasizes several key points.

First, our future is built on our strengths; our assets always require nurturing; and the nurturing process is a proactive exercise that requires energy, confidence, intuition, and imagination.

Second, we are on the leading edge of a digital technology revolution that is remaking the economic and social geography of our nation. One of its consequences is the evolution of a “placeless society.” We now have the capability to do business and undertake social relationships anywhere, anytime, unbound by any distance or geographic barriers. Yet, paradoxically, a sense of place has become increasingly valued. A new localism is emerging that emphasizes the importance of place where the innate energy and creative joy of people define the scene and contribute to a quality of life that is tangible and attractive to visitors and permanent residents alike.

Third, increasingly, the “where” decision (that is, where one chooses to live and work) has become as important as the “what” decision (that is, finding the work we want to do) and the “who” decision (that is, finding the right life partner) as a basis for a happy life. As elusive as this search might be, it seems clear that places with a clear sense of their identity, spirit, and values attract, and keep, people who want not only to be there, but also to contribute to the community’s well-being.

Fourth, the same conditions that will enable the city of Chico to thrive and succeed as a place and as a choice echo at the University. These include

• A vibrant intellectual, cultural, and arts scene.
• A place of great beauty distinguished in the harmony between our built and natural environments.
• A “sustainability” community committed not only to “green” values but to those conditions and habits that enable a high quality of life.
• An entrepreneurial community that prepares a talented workforce and contributes to a strong regional economic climate.
• An altruistic community with a purposeful orientation to civic engagement and community service.

As important as an inventory of assets is to appreciating our strengths and connections, they must be guided by values and instilled with confidence. The former include civility, respect, inclusivity, and tolerance. These are key values that enable us to feel connected and, in particular, to have productive and positive conversations on even the most potentially divisive issues. The latter focuses on attitude, that is, confidence that, University and city, we have a compelling story to tell, a great future to build, and the willingness and wisdom to choose well together.

If we are values-based and future-focused, we can imagine boldly, take risks appropriately, trust intuition, and seek agreement. These are safeguards against paralysis, cynicism, NIMBYism, and polarization.

Both University and city, I believe, are positioned to see beyond our challenges and to make wise decisions. Make no mistake about it, the fiscal challenges to our university and community are very real and very grave. No one is immune from the ill effects of a recession of the magnitude we now seem to be facing.

But the power of place and the importance of choice cannot be overstated: as the mysterious voice in Field of Dreams intoned, “If you build it, they will come.” What has been built at our university and in our community are qualities that can be both felt and witnessed. Yet, they require constant nurturing and sustenance. For so much depends that we deliver on the promise of a satisfying and meaningful life for our members and all who follow.

—Paul J. Zingg, President