As summer winds down, Stanislaus State enters the fall semester carrying forward the momentum of recent successes. Faculty, staff and students continued to raise the University’s profile through national recognition, innovative projects and leadership milestones.
Here are some recent highlights:
Research and Innovation
- In August, a $400,000 National Science Foundation award launched the North San Joaquin Valley Regional Innovation Translation Ecosystem (NSJV RITE). In partnership with the University of the Pacific, the project will expand research opportunities, support local businesses and entrepreneurs and create hands-on learning experiences for students while strengthening the region’s innovation capacity. The award is led by principal investigator Jacob Weigel, with co-principal investigators Adam Devitt and Kari Knutson Miller.
- A $435,000 grant is establishing the Center for Sustainable Biotechnology, advancing applied research and student opportunities in bioengineering, environmental science and agricultural innovation. The effort builds on the campus’s Bioengineering, Agriculture and Medicine (BEAM) initiative, which fosters cross-disciplinary solutions to pressing regional and global challenges. The grant is led by Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Alok Arun.
- This summer’s startup grant and scholarships strengthened the new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate Program, which launched its first cohort in Spring 2025. The funding will expand access to advanced mental health training and help address the region’s growing need for behavioral health providers.
Community Engagement and Impact
- Stanislaus State was awarded $1.2 million over five years ($240,000 annually) through the CSU Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Student Achievement Program. Established by Assembly Bill 190, the funding will expand academic support, mentoring and engagement for AANHPI students, including dedicated staffing and new student-success programming. The proposal was developed by a team of faculty and staff — including Dana Nakano, Anne Van, Sacha Joseph-Mathews, Houa Vang, Sarah Bissonette, JungHa An, Vincent Laus and Mandeep Khaira.
Global and Professional Honors
- Augustine Avwunudiogba, professor of geography, was named a 2025–26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar. His fellowship will take him to Nigeria, where he will collaborate on research and teaching focused on sustainable development and geographic education. The award highlights both his international expertise and Stan State’s growing legacy of global scholarship and cultural exchange.
- Rylee Steelman, a political science major in the Honors Program and active member of the Pre-Law Society, was selected as Stanislaus State’s 2025 Panetta Institute Congressional Intern, one of the nation’s most prestigious student leadership programs. She will represent the University in Washington, D.C., gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process and public service. On track to graduate in spring 2026, Steelman interned this summer in Congressman Adam Gray’s Turlock office through the Maddy Legislative Intern Scholar.
- Lieutenant Adam Deniz was honored by the Office of the Chancellor with a Meritorious Service Award for his role as lead investigator in the largest burglary case in Stan State history. Deniz’s meticulous work led to multiple arrests, recovery of stolen property and improved campus security, safeguarding University assets and reinforcing community safety.
Accolades and National Recognition
- Princeton Review named Stan State to “Best Value Colleges” list: The University was the only California State University — and only Central Valley institution — recognized, earning a return on investment rating of 87/99 and ranking No. 9 for “Best Schools for Making an Impact” and No. 19 for Financial Aid.
- Money.com awarded Stan State a five-Star rating - One of just 19 public universities nationwide and the only Central Valley institution to earn the highest rating for affordability, outcomes and quality.
These highlights represent just some of the ways Warriors made an impact this summer. We know there’s more to celebrate, and we want to hear from you. Please share your news with us.
