Emeritus art professor Marion Epting was a nationally recognized artist who earned high regard for his teaching style and willingness to assist underrepresented members of the campus community.

Epting came to Chico State in 1969 after serving in the US Navy and earning a BFA and MFA in Art from the prestigious Otis Institute of Art (later known as the Otis College of Art and Design) in Los Angeles. He passed away in April 2025.

He was the first Black faculty member hired in a tenure-track position at the University. At that time, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which supports first-generation, economically disadvantaged students, had just been launched. Epting was a key faculty member who inspired students in their transition to University life and progress to graduation. During his subsequent 38 years on campus, Epting was a mentor to, and advocate for, underrepresented faculty, staff, and students.

As a member of the Academic Senate and statewide Senate as well as during his tenure as chair of the Department of Art, Epting played an important role rewriting the Faculty Personnel, Policies, and Procedures (FPPP), which defines processes for the hiring, retention, and promotion of faculty. Among his other administrative accomplishments was establishing the University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

As an artist, Epting brought prominence to the institution and helped raise Chico State’s profile in the art world. Two of Epting’s prints, Ying Yang and Butterfly 6, are in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, and his work is included in collections across the United States, including the New York Public Library and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Many of Epting’s works are available for viewing at Chico State’s Janet Turner Print Museum.

“Marion Epting's legacy as an artist and educator lives on at the Janet Turner Print Museum,” said curator Rachel Skokowski. “The Turner's collection features a selection of Marion's vibrant and distinctive prints, showcasing his experimentation across intaglio, woodcut, and screenprint.”

Epting was adept at encouraging students and sharing his knowledge of print-making techniques in the classroom. “He had a quiet presence that supported a student’s learning—he opened up innovation of techniques and exploration that helped development of personal style, all with an endearing smile,” said Susie Champion, an artist and former student.

Art professor Eileen Macdonald said, “Marion was the most welcoming of professors. Anyone who had the slightest inclination to learn about printmaking was encouraged to arrive at the studio, receive all of the knowledge that they could tap into, and develop at their own pace.”

The Marion Epting Purchase Award is awarded annually at a juried student printmaking exhibition at Janet Turner Print Museum. The winning student's artwork enters the Turner collection.