College prez new tribal liaison

CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White appointed Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson as the CSU’s presidential adviser for its Native American Initiative, the university announced Tuesday (Feb. 26).

The initiative, launched in 2006, aims to increase enrollment and graduation of Native American students. Responsibilities for Hutchinson (pictured), who replaces retiring Humboldt State President Lisa Rossbacher, include meeting with tribal leaders and facilitating strategies to recruit, retain and support Native students.

Last February, Hutchinson hired Chico State’s first director of tribal relations, Rachel McBride-Praetorius, and in September she signed a memorandum of understanding between the university and the Mechoopda Indian Tribe.

“Whether it’s her passion for inclusion, her desire to make higher education more accessible, or her uncanny ability to connect with students, President Hutchinson has proven that she welcomes everyone to the table,” White said in a statement. “With the groundbreaking work she and her team have accomplished thus far at Chico State, I’m confident this role aligns perfectly with her beliefs and I look forward to seeing the results of her engagement and its impact on the CSU.”