Many campus leaders are often asked by alumni, members of our various boards, and community members “What is happening at Humboldt State?” These days, they are likely to be asking about plans for face-to-face instruction, athletic competition, and other pandemic topics. What many may not realize is that in asking the question, they’re opening up the possibility of a long conversation.

When people ask me about Humboldt, they should be prepared for a long answer. I could talk about positive Humboldt State news all day. Here are some things I have been sharing recently. The list is actually substantially longer. I hope this will help you understand, as I do, that Humboldt State is providing an amazing experience and opportunities for students, and that we are boldly pursuing new initiatives for a strong future. While there are many challenges in front of us, it is truly a great time to be a Lumberjack!

• Humboldt Rangeland Resource students were once again the best in the United States at the annual plant identification competition. The team, led by Instructor Todd Golder, continued its strong record of success in this event.
• Biology professor Catalina Cuellar-Gempeler recently earned a prestigious grant of nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation, which will expand opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The funds will support research involving carnivorous plants, with a large portion going to support and mentor students.
• Groundbreaking for a new Food Sovereignty Lab and Cultural Workspace is set for this fall, thanks to leadership from Native American Studies professor Cutcha Risling Baldy and many students. It will operate as a study and research space as well as a commercial kitchen, with a plant drying station and salmon pit, and will also host University and community events. Fundraising efforts are underway to support the effort.
• Humboldt State recently received approval from the CSU Board of Trustees to develop an interdisciplinary cannabis program. The new academic program will examine the intersection of cannabis and society in areas such as wellness,  compliance, law, ecology, business, and community development. It comes in response to student demand.
• There’s an amazing new mural in the Natural Resources and Sciences building. It was created by art major Vincenzo Alatorre, and was chosen from among 18 submissions in a competition. “The Merge” is a 4-foot by 8-foot wooden panel depicting sanctuary in nature.
• We have recently revamped dining services and offerings for students, and we are able to provide significant savings. The cost of student meal plans has been reduced by $800 or more annually for typical users.
• Humboldt State recently signed an agreement to move our bookstore retail into downtown Arcata. The store will have mostly HSU apparel and merchandise, and we hope to offer items from College of the Redwoods and other partners as well. It will be an important new way to help the community and students connect, and a fun stop for alumni and other visitors.
• Recent publications by Humboldt faculty include Fisheries professor Andre Buchheister on models to set commercial fishing limits on the Atlantic menhaden, Wildlife professors Allison Huysman and Matt Johnson on barn owls in vineyards, Business professor Sarita Ray Chaudhury on Instagram and identity expression, and Politics professor Tani Sebro on Myanmar’s recent military coup. This is just a small selection of recent work.
• The regional SBDC at Humboldt State, which oversees programs in 36 counties, has played an important role in helping businesses during the pandemic. Work has included over 76,000 counseling sessions and training for over 56,000 individuals. It received an additional $7 million in federal funding to provide assistance during the crisis, and recently launched a major effort to assist black-owned businesses called the Inclusivity Project.
• Humboldt State is deep in the planning process for the possibility of becoming California’s third polytechnic, with faculty, staff, students, and community members involved in the effort. This would be a seismic shift for Humboldt State, and we are grateful for all the community support for making this happen. We intend to submit our proposal to the California State University late this year or early next. On a related note, we recently completed our first phase of our Strategic Plan for the next five years. This will provide the campus with a forward-looking agenda.

Finally, we are so proud that this spring, with support from our partners in Humboldt County Public Health, we will be able to offer in-person commencement ceremonies for our graduates on May 14 and 15. I am looking forward to those two hopeful, inspiring, and amazing days of being a Lumberjack!  Be well.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr. is the President of Humboldt State University.