New chief at Chico State

Chico State’s next president and successor to Paul Zingg, who’s led the university since 2004 and is set to retire in June, will be Gayle Hutchinson. She’ll be the first female president in the university’s history.

Hutchinson (pictured) is currently provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at CSU Channel Islands, but she worked at Chico State for more than 20 years as a faculty member, state academic senator and dean. She won’t officially step in until July 1, but Hutchinson will visit campus within the next few weeks.

“I’m grateful to all the men and women who came before me and helped mentor me and shape my leadership skills,” she told the CN&R by phone. “I feel great responsibility because I want to be a role model for young women and men and show them leadership can come in all sorts of packages.”