Richard A. Carvajal Appointed President of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Richard A. Carvajal as president of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
Latest News
Powering the Next-Generation Global Research Connectivity
Cal Poly Humboldt is taking a leading role in advancing global research infrastructure, leveraging its unique position on California’s North Coast to connect researchers across the Pacific Rim.
Student Parent’s Journey Earns CSU’s Highest Honor
A proud mother of six and a Social Work major at Cal Poly Humboldt, Veronica Zaragoza has faced the challenges of balancing parenthood, education, and community advocacy with resilience and determination.
Rooted in Place: Humboldt Alumni and Staff Shine at de Young’s New Indigenous Art Exhibition
Cal Poly Humboldt alumni and staff are at the heart of “Rooted in Place: California Native Art,” a groundbreaking new exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco that highlights Northern California’s Indigenous artists. From the beaded chair of Hupa artist and Reese Bullen and Goudi’ni Gallery Director Brittany Britton (’12, Art) to works by the late Karuk painter Brian D. Tripp (’86, Art) and others, the show underscores the lasting impact of Native art.
Climate Magic: New Podcast Explores the Emotional Side of Climate Action
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the climate crisis. But what if our collective despair isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of a different kind of power?
Alumni & Donor Stories
A Year of Giving and Innovation
Cal Poly Humboldt alumni, faculty, staff, parents, community members, and friends came together to provide unprecedented support for students and programs. With more than 11,400 gifts totaling over $13.4 million, donors demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence, student success, and research innovation over the past fiscal year 2024-25.
From the Redwood Bowl to the NFL: Coaching with Heart, Purpose, and a Humboldt Foundation
When Robert Prince (‘89, Math, ‘91, M.S. Physical Education) arrived at Humboldt in 1985, it was the beginning of a lifelong journey grounded in hard work, passion, and a deep love for football—not just the game, but the people who play it.
From Bird Rescue to the “Kelly Clarkson Show,” Alum Takes Flight
For Jennifer Martines (‘17, Wildlife), a love of animals started in a neighborhood library in Los Angeles, where librarians would hand her books about wildlife. That childhood curiosity, nurtured by hard-working parents who worked two jobs to support her, eventually led her to Cal Poly Humboldt—and later, to national recognition on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
A Lifetime of Giving, One Gift at a Time
For David Tyler (‘83, English, Philosophy), giving back to Cal Poly Humboldt has always been about showing up—consistently, thoughtfully, and with heart.
Campus Achievements
With support from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Dr. Pedro Peloso (Biological Sciences) and Professor Brandice Guerra (Arts + Film) launched EXTINOS, a scientific illustration internship program…
Karen Davy, lecturer in the Music Department, has been appointed Vice President of the Kató Havas Association for the New Approach (KHANA). Havas, a world-renowned violin pedagogue, was a…
Cal Poly Humboldt Business Professor Dr. Josh Zender has received a $25,000 Application Development Grant from PG&E’s Microgrid Incentive Program. In partnership with Syserco and supported by…
Jeff Kane (Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management) and graduate student Jackson Carrasco (2024) published a research paper in the journal Forest Ecology and Management entitled "Tree and stand…
Dr. Hale was invited to serve as a speaker and campus mentor for the 2025-2026 Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum with the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U…
Humboldt in the News
Recognizing the expertise and achievements our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Know of a story we should consider for Humboldt in the News? Email us at news@humboldt.edu.
Cal Poly Humboldt names new president »
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt’s ninth president will be Richard A. Carvajal, who currently leads Valdosta State University in Georgia.
EdSource - Sep 2025
Museum’s Update Sends a Message: Native Artists Are Still Here »
At San Francisco’s de Young, an Indigenous team of scholars and artists—including Cal Poly Humboldt staff and alumni—is rethinking the display of Native objects and helping to rebuild fraught community ties.
The New York Times - Aug 2025
On the Record: Ricardo Lara Discusses California’s Insurance Crisis »
California insurance commissioner leads efforts to restore access to insurance and discusses Cal Poly Humboldt-led effort to build a publicly accessible catastrophe model.
Morning Ag - Aug 2025
How prepared is the West Coast for a tsunami? »
Here & Now's Scott Tong talks with Lori Dengler, professor emeritus of geology at Cal Poly Humboldt, about the faults off the Pacific coast, the tsunami warning system and how prepared the area is for a tsunami.
WBUR - Jul 2025
Why earthquakes can trigger tsunamis »
Here & Now's Scott Tong speaks with Melanie Michalak, associate professor and chair of the geology department at Cal Poly Humboldt, about what California and Oregon experienced and why earthquakes can trigger tsunamis.
WBUR - Jul 2025
