Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021 | 2 p.m.

Host: Ahmad Boura, VP for University Advancement

Moderator: Christina Nichols (BA History '69, Credential '70, '90)

Presenter: Dr. Tracy Butts, Dean, College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Dr. Tracy Butts completed her Ph.D. in English from the University of Georgia, and joined the CSU, Chico faculty as a professor of American and African American literature in 2001.  A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Butts earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Virginia Tech.  Prior to assuming the position of dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, she served as the director of Multicultural and Gender Studies, chief diversity officer, and chair of the Department of English.  She is a firm believer that with privilege comes great responsibility, which is why service is a top professional priority for her. Butts is a recipient of the Lantis Endowed University Professorship, the A.S. Women’s Center Carol Burr Lifetime Achievement Award, the Black Grad Celebration Outstanding Faculty Award, and the 2015-16 Outstanding Faculty Service Award. 

Christina Nichols graduated from Chico State with her BA in history with a minor in art history in 1969, and went on to complete additional teaching credentials in 1970 and 1990.  Nichols worked as a guidance counselor at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico for 18 years and a history and special education teacher for 15 years. She was a 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Service Award and previously served on the Alumni Association Board and the Chico Chapter Board. She currently serves as a board member for the University Foundation.