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The CSU has a new policy on freedom of expression. Learn more.

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College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) is an artistic, creative, and intellectual community. It is an equitable partnership of staff, faculty, and students who are devoted to teaching, learning, and collaboration. The many fields within CAHSS provide the greatest breadth for service-learning, creative engagement, and professional opportunity within a diverse and changing society.

Hands-on Experience

Our programs and majors offer many unique opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom including student performances, studios, laboratories, newsrooms, internships, and more. Hands-on learning enriches the student, the university, and the community, tying academic study to real-world experiences.

fours theatre students acting on a stage

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting way to enhance an undergraduate experience through exposure to different cultures, languages, and communities. Travel, explore, embrace new environments, all while making progress toward graduation.

group of traveling abroad students

Personal Attention

It’s the difference between sitting through a lesson and playing a role in creating it. Feel challenged by faculty who expand students’ worldview and supported by departments that pride themselves on personalized attention.

students sitting in a circle with a professor

Place-Based Learning Communities

Learning goes beyond the classroom at Humboldt. We learn from the environment we are in. Our Place-Based Learning Communities provide you with a tight-knit community of like minded peers before classes even start. These connections will help you navigate college life, gain confidence, succeed academically, and gain a sense of belonging within the Humboldt community.

Achievements

CAHSS Achievements

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Student

Ricardo Paredes

Dance, Music & Theatre

Congratulations to Music Education major and saxophonist, Ricardo Paredes, who has been selected to receive a 2024-25 Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award.  This national award provides $3,000 to recipients in recognition of their outstanding achievements in musical and academic performance, leadership and service, and contributions to building inclusive communities.

Student

Amanda Coorey

Dance, Music & Theatre

Amanda Coorey, a theatre major from Temecula, CA, in her Junior year at CPH, took part in a public presentation of her Scenic Design work at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, held in Mesa Arizona on February 11 -15 2025. Amanda's design for the play Here We Are, by Dorothy Parker, was presented before a panel of 6 design faculty from various Colleges and Universities, who praised her work and chose it as a finalist from nearly 150 Design and Technology student submissions. This was Amanda's first Scenic Design - and the first time she publicly presented her work! 

Congratulations, Amanda!



 

Faculty

Dr. Loren Cannon

Philosophy

Dr. Loren Cannon (Philosophy), was interviewed and quoted in an NPR article entitled Trump's anti-trans effort is an agenda cornerstone with echoes in history by Odette Yousef. The online version of the article was published on February 6th. Additionally, he was interviewed and quoted by French Journalist, Camille Ribot, for her article L’obsession anti-trans de Donald Trump which was published February 19th in the French publication, “La Croix.”   Both journalists contacted Dr. Cannon due to his expertise in analyzing the recent politicization of trans persons and the role the current federal administration is taking in targeting this population. Dr. Cannon’s book, “The Politicization of Trans Identity: An Analysis of Backlash, Scapegoating, and Dog-whistling From Obergefell to Bostock,” published in 2022, serves as the basis of his analysis.

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CAHSS Alumni Updates

Edward Hendrickson

Theatre, 1973

Edward is still alive and a survivor of the HIV-AIDS epidemic and a violent act that caused a memory loss of eight years. But this year he will turn 75 and is glad for his connection to the creative art movement in Spokane. A new time in his life and a new voice. His two years at Humboldt (1971-1973) changed his life forever. He is grateful to the staff and students of that time period. Good thoughts to all!

Mark Pignatelli

Geography, 2004

Mark's time at Humboldt State in the early 2000s had a profound impact on the man he is today. His graduation pledge was to use his life to actively work toward a more socially and environmentally responsible world. 

Shortly after graduating, his professional career began in the renewable energy and energy efficiency space. For the past 20 years, his profession has focused on energy efficiency consulting. He is currently a Director with ICF and leads a team of consultants who design, implement, and evaluate programs that help our clients achieve energy, environmental, and economic goals. His skills include project management, sustainable development, energy assessments, and building science. His passion is to create innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and improve the quality of life for communities. The energy efficiency programs he supports are designed to help builders, developers, and homeowners adopt high-performance building practices, technologies, and standards that increase energy savings, comfort, and durability.

Mark says Humboldt was and will always be a magical and inspiring place to live, learn, and love. His Humboldt professors, friends, and family opened doors of perception that allowed him to see and understand the world through a new lens. These influences and learnings resulted in his passion for the environment and the precious home he calls Earth. 

Jeanette K Shribbs

International Studies, 2007

Jeannette is an elementary school teacher in Northern California. 

More Alumni Updates