Provost's End of Fall Semester Update
With gratitude to our faculty, staff, and students
As we approach the end of the fall semester, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable accomplishments of our students, staff, and faculty. Your unwavering dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire me and the entire Sacramento State community.
In this newsletter, you will read about inspiring examples of leadership, engagement, and innovation taking place across our university. These stories represent the many incredible contributions being made by our Hornet family every day.
Sacramento State is a thriving center of teaching, research, creative activities and collaboration. I encourage each of you to explore new opportunities for joint research projects and interdisciplinary programming. Let’s continue breaking down silos to work together and advance our research and teaching in service to our students. These collaborations not only enhance our individual academic journeys but also strengthen the fabric of our university community.
Interdisciplinary teaching and research matter because they:
- Train students to solve real-world problems that rarely fit one discipline
- Develop deeper critical thinking through multiple perspectives
- Foster innovation by combining ideas from different fields
- Better prepare students for modern careers that cross disciplines
- Build stronger communication skills for diverse audiences
As the semester draws to a close, I extend heartfelt wishes to our students taking finals. Your dedication has been remarkable, and the entire Sacramento State community stands behind you. To help you navigate this busy time, I encourage you to check out the Wellness in the Classroom newsletter. It includes helpful tips and resources to support your well-being during finals.
To our faculty: your commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship continues to transform lives. Let us bring to scale the high impact practice of involving our students in our scholarship and research. To our staff: your expertise, dedication, and tireless support create the foundation that enables our academic community to thrive. Your behind-the-scenes contributions are vital to every student success story and institutional achievement.
Our commitment to student success continues to yield impressive results across key performance indicators. We've achieved notable growth in enrollment, improved graduation rates, and significantly decreased DFW rates across many courses. Our faculty's success in securing external grant funding has reached new heights, supporting innovative research and enriching educational opportunities. However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge and address areas requiring immediate attention. The challenges in academic advising accessibility and concerning trends in second- and third-year student retention demand our focused effort. We are taking an intentional, data-driven approach to narrow these gaps, implementing targeted interventions and strengthening support systems where our students need them most.
While we continue to face budget challenges, I am heartened by our demonstrated resilience and ability to thrive amid fiscal constraints. Over the past several years, we have not merely weathered these challenges - we have emerged stronger through strategic planning and shared commitment to our mission. I am particularly proud of our Academic Affairs' Deans and division heads who continue to demonstrate exemplary leadership through proactive planning and innovative solutions to address our budget realities while maintaining our commitment to academic excellence and student success.
As we navigate administrative transitions within the Office of the Provost, we embrace these changes as opportunities for emerging leaders to advance our academic mission. Sacramento State's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and transformative education has made us a beacon of opportunity in our region. I want to recognize specifically, Cheryl Johnson, for her 25 years of service. Her steadfast commitment to the Provost’s Office over the years has been exemplary.Through these transitions, we remain focused on strengthening our position as the university of choice - where students discover their potential, where innovation thrives, and where we continue to shape the future of our diverse and dynamic region.
Thank you all for your outstanding contributions to our shared mission of academic excellence and student success. Each achievement strengthens our Hornet community and shapes a brighter future.
Scroll down for highlights of recent Academic Affairs accomplishments that showcase our campus's exceptional work. If you have information you think should be included in a future newsletter, please contact Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@csus.edu.
Thank you for your support,
Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)
Highlights
Celebrating Student Research at the Fall Poster Forum The Student Research Center hosted the Fall Poster Forum, a vibrant showcase of student research projects across various disciplines by having 100 student participants and almost 300 attendees including President Wood. This event provided an opportunity for our undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni from all disciplines to participate to present their work, connect with faculty mentors, and engage with the broader campus community. The impressive range of research topics and the dedication demonstrated by our student researchers underscore the culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation that thrives at Sacramento State. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Student Research Center and The Offices of Research, Innovation & Economic Development for hosting this event and for their continued support in fostering an environment where research can thrive.
Celebrating Innovation and Teamwork: AI Hackathon Results
The AI Hackathon, powered by Hornet Hacks, brought together over 120 students eager to develop groundbreaking solutions in artificial intelligence. The participants were guided by 5 experienced mentors and their ideas were evaluated by a panel of 6 distinguished judges. A total of 17 innovative teams showcased their projects during the event. AI Hackathon held across two days—October 18th and October 25th—the event offered students the chance to compete in two main categories: AI models and AI service-oriented applications. Participants could choose to focus on a single category or integrate both, fostering creativity and skill-building in AI.
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Event HighlightsThe hackathon was organized by the Carlsen Center’s Cameron Law and ACM Sac State’s Ajaydeep Singh and Harmanjot Singh, who worked tirelessly to create a memorable experience for all. Special congratulations to the winning teams for their exceptional projects:
1st Place: TopCode - HeadShotX
Team Members: Ricky Bailey, Andrew Paolo Solbjor, Cody Kneale, Christian Kinyon
2nd Place ($500): RoundTable Rascals - Wildfire Risk Assessment Model
Team Members: Evan Ewart, William Miras, Nathan Donato, Patrick Doolittle, Adnan Baig
Congratulations to all participants for their innovation and hard work, and a special thank you to the mentors and judges who supported this successful event. We look forward to seeing how these projects evolve and contribute to the future of AI!
2024 Annual Research Conference
The Psychology Department's Annual Research Conference is a great tradition that highlights the research and productivity of our faculty and students. The scholarship allows our students to engage in experiential, hands-on learning within the research laboratory and put all the tools in our methods and statistics courses into practical use. With the help of 87 students and 16 faculty members, our Psychology Department showcased 47 posters at this year's conference and had over 400 attendees. Becoming a student researcher can make science come alive for our students, opening the creative mind to future discoveries, and building professional futures that would otherwise be undiscovered.
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Celebrating Research and Scholarship at the 2024 Principal Investigator’s Reception
The 2024 Principal Investigator’s Reception hosted by the Division of Academic Affairs and the Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development at Sacramento State brought together 130 attendees to celebrate the remarkable achievements of faculty and staff who received funding for their research, scholarship, and creative activities during the 2023/24 academic year.
The event recognized several key groups:
- Faculty and staff who received externally funded grants in AY 2023-24
- Faculty recipients of the Research and Creative Activities (RCA) award in AY 2023-24
- Faculty recipients of the Research Enhanced Support Grant (RESG) award in AY 2023-24
- Faculty and staff who submitted proposals for external funding that were not awarded
In total, Sacramento State secured $44.5 million in grant funding for 2023/24, reflecting a 20% increase from the previous year. This increase highlights the growing success and dedication of our faculty and staff in advancing research and scholarship. The event also celebrated those who submitted proposals that were not yet awarded, acknowledging that it often takes multiple attempts to secure funding, and perseverance is key.
President Wood led a toast to honor all the dedicated individuals contributing to research and scholarship at Sacramento State. The event underscored the impact of these efforts, not only on academic research but also on student success. Many of the grants awarded directly support students through programs like peer mentoring, career services, and hands-on learning opportunities, which are known to contribute to higher retention and graduation rates.
A heartfelt congratulations and appreciation were extended to all who received or applied for funding in the 2023/24 academic year. Your contributions are vital to the continued growth and success of our academic community.
ORIED also previewed this year’s PI highlight videos. You can find them here:
Dr. Kelly McDonald (Biological Sciences)
Dr. Julian Fulton (Environmental Studies)
Dr. Mona Siegal (History)
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CEC's Impact on Academic Internships and Community Partnerships
The Community Engagement Center is busy this fall supporting faculty, staff, and students in their academic internships, service learning, and other types of community-engaged academic experiences. Each year, the CEC helps approximately 193 academic internship course sections, involving 1,425 students and 95 faculty. Sac State students are engaged in over 20,000 internship hours a year! In addition, there are 95 service-learning course sections, whereby 45 faculty engage 2,211 students in community-engaged learning experiences. None of this could be possible without our strong partnerships with over 900 community organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, healthcare and government agencies, and more. These community partners support students in applying course learnings to real-life programs and services, which can contribute to job skills and career development.
The CEC also houses Jumpstart, which is a grant-funded AmeriCorps program where 31 Sac State students from a variety of majors are trained and paid to deliver literacy education and social-emotional learning with local Head Start programs. As Sac State students deliver a proven curriculum, preschool children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for school, setting them on a path to close the achievement gap. Please visit their website for more information!
Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Policy, and Leadership - A Success Story
Sac State Shines at CAHL College Bowl Competition!
Sac State’s Master of Public Health (MPH) students, from the College of Continuing Education (CCE), achieved an incredible victory at the California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL) College Bowl Case Study Competition held at Sutter Health in Sacramento on Nov. 16. Competing against teams from across Northern California, the MPH team claimed first place in the graduate division!
Adding to the triumph, CSUS Healthcare Administration teams also made a strong impression, with one team advancing to the finals and securing second place in the undergraduate division. Congratulations to all participants for showcasing Sac State’s excellence and leadership in healthcare education!
Global Partners: Sac State Welcomes Students from Germany’s AKAD University
Sac State recently welcomed exchange students from Germany’s AKAD University for a three-week program, offering courses in Intercultural Competence and Project Management. Students gained valuable cultural and academic experiences, transitioning from distance learning to on-campus immersion.
The program, a partnership since 2014, concludes with a graduation ceremony at Sac State’s College of Continuing Education, providing participants with certifications from both institutions. “This actually changed my life,” shared student Niklas Steffan.
Made the news with our participation and the Twin Rivers College Fair
Sacramento State was proud to participate in the recent Twin Rivers College Fair held at Rio Linda High School. Matt Schmidtlein from the Department of Geography represented the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, showcasing the diverse academic opportunities available at our university. This event provided a valuable platform for connecting with prospective students and their families, highlighting Sacramento State's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
Celebrating the Launch of the BFA in Architecture at Sac State!
We’re excited to announce the launch of Sacramento State’s new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture Studies! This innovative program, introduced this fall within the College of Arts and Letters Department of Design, offers students a streamlined four-year pathway into the architecture industry, allowing them to kickstart their careers sooner than ever.
Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Design Emily Potts, students are already diving into hands-on projects, such as designing scale models for a dismountable pavilion that will be showcased in Osaka, Japan. With a focus on practical learning, the BFA program includes 78 units of major-specific coursework, addressing key issues like sustainability and social justice, including homelessness.
Professor Carolyn Gibbs, the program director, emphasizes that this unique, architecturally focused degree will prepare students for diverse career paths in architecture, from design to advocacy and emerging fields like space habitat design. The program also aims to foster a more diverse architecture workforce, with nearly half of its inaugural class identifying as Latinx and an increasing representation of Black and Middle Eastern students.
Let’s celebrate this exciting step forward for our campus and our future architects! For more information about the BFA in Architecture program, contact the Department of Design.
Provost’s Visit to Strengthen Global Partnerships in China
On October 25, Interim Provost Carlos Nevarez, along with Interim vice Provost, David Zeigler and Global Affairs Liaison Cheng Kunyi from International Programs & Global Engagement (IPGE), visited our longstanding partner, Hangzhou Normal University, in China. This visit celebrated the collaboration established in 2017 and explored opportunities to further enhance joint initiatives, including the "China-US Talent Development Program" 1+2+1 dual-degree initiative.
The delegation engaged in productive discussions with university leaders, faculty, and students, focusing on student exchange, faculty collaboration, and advancing international programs. These conversations laid the groundwork for deeper, more impactful partnerships that align with CSUS's strategic goals.
The visit also included a special session with the School of Mathematics, providing insights into academic programs and fostering connections with faculty and students. This exchange underscores Sacramento State's commitment to global engagement and collaborative innovation in higher education.
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Communication MA Program Wins National Recognition
We are thrilled to announce that our College's Communication MA program has been recognized by the National Communication Association Master’s Education Section with the Outstanding Program Award! This prestigious honor will be presented during their annual conference in New Orleans, LA. This award is a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence and innovation in communication education.
Ribbon Cutting for the New Art Studio Lab Building
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Art Studio Lab Building marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. This state-of-the-art, 20,377-square-foot, $18.5 million facility meets LEED Silver Standards and is located between the old Art Sculpture Lab (ASL) and the ASI Children’s Center. It features cutting-edge amenities, including a 3D technology lab, drawing and painting labs, a metal shop, graduate studios, an outdoor sculpture yard, and a lobby gallery showcasing student and faculty work. This new space will inspire and support the next generation of artists and creators. Sacramento State’s new Art Studio Lab is officially open and will begin welcoming students for classes in the spring 2025 semester.
A heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff, faculty, students, and everyone else who devoted their time, energy, and expertise to make these achievements possible. Your dedication is what drives our continued success!
Check out A&L’s website to view their newsletter and receive the latest monthly updates.
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Celebrating our students and staff
Meet Jenn Galinato: ASI Vice President of Academic Affairs (FY 2024-25)
Jenn Galinato, a senior transfer student double majoring in Political Science - Journalism and International Relations, serves as the ASI Vice President of Academic Affairs. Drawing from her experiences with The State Hornet and the Model United Nations program, Jenn is passionate about amplifying student voices and addressing their needs through effective solutions.
Recently, Jenn and her 2023-2024 Model UN cohort received the Outstanding Delegation Award at the 2024 National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York, representing Oxfam International. This achievement, along with her academic journey at Sacramento State, has honed her skills in higher education policy, strategic thinking, and advocacy.
Jenn encourages students to embrace challenges, seek mentorship, and take proactive steps to enhance their college experience. A proud Hornet, she is dedicated to serving the student community and fostering a supportive campus environment. For questions or to get involved, reach out to her at asivpaa@csus.edu.
Celebrating Christine Kellerman: Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement
As an Administrative Analyst/Specialist in the HHS Dean's Office, Christine Kellerman has set the standard for community engagement at Sacramento State. For 19 years, Christine was the essential bridge between the university and the broader community, fostering connections that empowered students, faculty, and local organizations alike. Known for being the first point of contact for many and the most trusted resource, Christine exemplified dedication, reliability, and a passion for service.
Christine's work led to transformative opportunities, including internships, service-learning experiences, and significant gifts that directly supported student scholarships and other College of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiatives.
Christine was instrumental in coordinating major projects and events that elevated Sacramento State's role in the community, from the development of Folsom Hall and the Family Justice Center to the Downtown Center and numerous university-wide initiatives.
Her influence extended well beyond her official role; Christine's commitment to excellence was evident as she continually took on additional projects, coordinated Commencement training, and mentored colleagues. Her approach to each new responsibility was as enthusiastic and meticulous as when she first joined Sacramento State. Christine's belief in continuous improvement drove her to consistently debrief and gather feedback, ensuring every project reflected the highest standards.
Christine Kellerman retired in October, leaving behind a legacy of deep knowledge, compassion, and an unwavering work ethic that enriched the HHS College, the university, and the Sacramento region. Because of her exceptional efforts, she was honored with the "Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement" award. With immense gratitude, we celebrate Christine for her remarkable contributions and lasting impact. Congratulations, Christine!
Q & A with Students
1. What is unique about Sacramento State?
“I say what's unique about Sacramento State is the students on campus, a lot of diversity, and a lot of different ideas that just boil down together to this very unique community. I think Sacramento State students are very open to having their minds and beliefs changed. So there’s a lot of very important conversations that go around between students and it gets conversed or talked about in a very civil way. And I think that is very unique because I don’t think any other university has students that are as open as ours.”
2. How would you rate the academic resources available to you (e.g. libraries, study spaces, tutoring centers.)?
“I would say if I were to rate it out of 10, I would say that it is at an eight, pretty high, but there is still room for improvement. Libraries, study spaces, and tutoring centers. There are very plenty of that, but considering the further enlargement of the population of students here in Sacramento State, I would say we need more. Because those spaces get easily taken up. But it’s definitely at eight”
3. What are some challenges you’ve faced academically at Sacramento State?
“Academically, I found a lot of challenges with my disability and my ability to find and seek out these resources. I am with the SSWD and I do have the ability to call for things like amenities and resources and all of that. But fundamentally, I think that’s been my biggest challenge not just being able to find the amenities, but being able to take the initiative and find the proper way and pathways to receive those amenities as needed. It would be things like accommodations. So sending out not just accommodation letters to my professors, but also utilizing things like the testing center or even The Well or the pharmacy sometimes, my disability and my schedule tend to conflict when it comes to seeking out and being able to reach for the accommodations that I personally need as a student”
4. How confident are you in finding a job or getting into graduate school after graduating from Sac State?
“I would say I’m pretty confident with that because Sacramento State has definitely shaped my work experience. I’ve started working here since my sophomore year and it has definitely connected me to other job positions and now I’m here where I am. In the beginning, when I first started I was like, yeah, four years and I’m out and then I’ll get a job, but coming to Sacramento State made me realize that I should go to graduate school. I think it’s great for students to learn in general. The thing about Sac State, if you do work at Sac State, they do have benefits and they pay for your cost, and I thought that was a cool idea.”
5. What immediate steps should Sacramento State take to enhance student success through improved academic resources, mental health services, housing accessibility, and financial support programs?
“Well, I would say invest less in sports. It is very important that we support the main student body as well, not just our student-athletes, and the recent increase in mandatory fees goes towards more to student-athletes that leaves the vast majority of the student population to pay at a higher rate. Meanwhile, getting less support from the administration. Definitely give more financial or funding to other student programs, for example, EOP, or give more funding towards bettering the educational buildings that are here at Sac State, for example the toilets in Douglass Hall. And something as small as that will definitely improve the students' success when it comes to their academic career and their mental health, because it shows that they’re being seen even in the littlest of things. And that little change speaks volume to students.”
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