June 28,2023 - New Facility for Human ID Lab Funded in State Budget

Dear Campus Colleagues,

With great joy, I can finally announce that funding for a new facility for Chico State’s Human Identification Laboratory has been included in the 2023–24 California State Budget. I appreciate Gov. Gavin Newsom and other elected officials who recognize the value of the HIL to the entire state of California and its critical need for a new facility. And I express my gratitude to each of you who responded to our call to action earlier this spring to help state officials realize the significance of this opportunity.

I have been working on this vision for more than 15 years, dating back to my time as dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences—as we realized even then that the magnitude and significance of what the HIL was undertaking surpassed the capabilities of its facility. With unwavering dedication and the support of campus community members, especially within the HIL, Anthropology Department, and College of BSS, lobbying for a new lab has remained unwavering and reached a pinnacle this year.

This $3 million budget allocation will allow the securing of bonds to finance a new facility, wherein the HIL can make an even greater impact and support our communities statewide. President Steve Perez is eager to become a champion for this work and looks forward to sharing updates on its progress as plans for construction and a timeline are finalized.

It’s truly a great day to be a Wildcat. Join us as we celebrate this milestone for our campus, California, and communities everywhere who will benefit from the HIL’s expertise

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson