University Outstanding Faculty Awards

Melissa Mache is one of four Chico State faculty to receive the University’s Professional Achievement Honors. 

A passionate supporter of her students, Mache’s student-centered teaching philosophy is exemplified by her accessibility and responsiveness. She stimulates her students with her dynamic teaching style, and as a mentor for both undergraduate and graduate students, she works to communicate scientific, methods, discoveries, theories and concepts.

Mache has also served as the committee chair for five theses. Additionally, Mache is dedicated to advancing her field, with four refereed paper publications, as well as four national and four international presentations.

Chiara Ferrari received the Outstanding Faculty Service award for her service to the university and students.

She received early tenure and promotion to full professor and has published two well-reviewed scholarly books along with numerous articles and book chapters. She is the model of a teacher/scholar, according to nominator Zach Justus, associate professor in the communication studies program.

Ferrari is the chair of EPPC, the Faculty Development Advisory Board, the CME curriculum committee, the Quality Online Learning and Teaching lead for campus, and she leads department assessment.

"Many faculty participate, some faculty lead at one level, but Chiara has one or more key leadership roles at every level," said Justice. "Chiara is involved with CSU International Programs, she leads the Global Faculty Initiative, and serves on the Study Abroad Advisory Board. She recognizes the benefits and challenges of a global campus and contributes greatly to diversify the campus through internationalization at all levels."