George Parrott

Dr. George L. Parrott remembers his Chico experience as though it was yesterday! And he keeps it alive and well by helping Chico State psychology senior students launch into graduate programs. Through a generous gift, George has established the George L. Parrott Transition Award, the Parrott Outstanding Psychology Student Award and Endowment. George was so inspired by his psychology professors at Chico State that he’s been moved to give back to current students.  According to George, “as a research student under Dr. James G. Martin, I co-authored my first publication in psychology, which started my serious interest in doing Ph.D. work."  He received his undergraduate degree in 1965 from Chico State then went on to earn his MA in 1967 and PhD in Psychology in 1969 from Michigan State University. His PhD work was supported by a NIMH Fellowship which he directly applied for and received.

According to George, it was the interaction with his professors at Chico State and their support at many levels as he applied for graduate school programs and beyond that helped provide the model for the type of relationships he forged with his own students.  George taught at Sacramento State for over 40 years and at Universities in England, Australia and Poland as a Fulbright visiting scholar. George was twice honored as the “outstanding teacher” for the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies at Sacramento State.  He continues his relationship with the Department of Psychology at Chico State by supporting students as they begin their graduate studies through his generous awards.  Last Spring, he enjoyed visiting with his award recipients and made time to return to campus to talk with Psi Chi and honors students about the process of how to apply to PhD programs.

George’s gifts to the College are helping students now and into the future. For more information on how you can help the students and programs at Chico State, please call the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Development Director, Lise Smith-Peters, at 530-898-3641.