College of Humanities and Social Sciences

2026/2026 City Management Fellowship Program fellows and mentors, pictures from left to right: mentor and Fountain Valley City Manager Maggie Le, fellow Bendeguz Abueli, fellow Aaron Vaca, mentor and Dana Point Assistant City Manager Jeff Rosaler, fellow Bella Veloz, mentor and Orange City Manager Jarad Hildenbrand, and fellow Jenna Ross. Not pictured: mentor and Costa Mesa Assistant City Manager Alma Reyes

A chance to be in the room where it happens

The City Management Fellowship Program has mentored more than 60 MPA students.

Julian Horner teaches a class at North Orange Continuing Education.

Grad student lands teaching role at North Orange Continuing Education

Julian Horner came to Cal State Fullerton to study linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Now, he is a graduate student in the TESOL program while he also works as an English as a Second Language instructor at North Orange Continuing Education.

Melinda Blackman stands beside a horse at Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club.

In Memoriam: Melinda Anne Carroll Blackman

Five-time Outstanding Professor Award recipient Melinda Blackman built a legacy as a dedicated professor of psychology who mentored hundreds of students and colleagues with unwavering compassion, shaping the lives of generations of Titans. Blackman, professor of psychology and accomplished educator, died on July 10, 2026. Blackman’s death was deeply felt throughout the Department of Psychology. […]

Jessica Stern, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, interviews David Adams, associate professor of politics, administration and justice for a podcast episode.

‘Lowkey Confused? HSS Explains’ series explores AI regulation

Are people taking the human out of the equation? And what happens when the infrastructure powering AI starts competing for the same resources communities rely on? These are some of the questions at the center of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ latest episode of “Lowkey Confused? HSS Explains!” Jessica Stern, dean of the […]

Tuffy hugs a student at the HSS Pub Fest event.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences introduces fall programming

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences welcomes new and returning students to Cal State Fullerton with its upcoming opportunities and programming for the fall 2026 semester. Cal State DC Scholars is expanding The Cal State DC Scholars program, which provides students the opportunity to live, work and learn in Washington, D.C., is expanding beyond […]

Alina Chupikova holds her newborn child while wearing CSUF graduation regalia.

Alumna earns master’s degree in TESOL, looks to a future in education

Cal State Fullerton alumna Alina Chupikova earned her master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages while earning a 4.0 GPA and welcoming her first child just one week before final exams. Chupikova’s academic journey has been shaped by her passion for language learning, cross-cultural communication and supporting English language learners. As she […]

Jessica Stern, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Cherie Rolapp, director of the Passage to the Future program, pose for a group photo with students during Titans Reach Higher Weekend.

Passage to the Future program hosts Titans Reach Higher weekend

Cal State Fullerton’s Passage to the Future program has grown steadily over the past three years and now serves more than 600 humanities and social sciences students each year. Through its signature Titans Reach Higher Weekend, students spend time with alumni, business leaders and professionals who show them what a College of Humanities and Social […]

Cal State Fullerton announces 71 faculty tenure and promotions

Cal State Fullerton’s Office of Faculty Affairs and Records announced the tenure and/or promotion of 71 faculty members. Recipients are listed by college with their new titles, effective Aug. 17. Promotion ArtsCarol Ashley, professor of artDustin Barr, professor of music Katherine Reed, professor of musicJamie Tucker, professor of theatre and dance Business and EconomicsMohammad Habibi, professor […]

Psychology student Cindy Do presents breast cancer research.

Student’s research amplifies women’s voices in breast cancer healthcare

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis before age 40 can come with unique challenges. As breast cancer incidence rises among this population, many women fall outside routine screening guidelines and may experience delays in receiving care. At Cal State Fullerton, psychology major Cindy Do is helping researchers better understand why. Mentored by Alice Lee, associate professor […]

American studies expert awarded digital justice development grant

Eric Gonzaba, associate professor of American studies, was awarded a 2026 ACLS Digital Justice Development grant. The American Council of Learned Societies Digital Justice grant program supports digital projects across the humanities and social sciences that critically engage with the interests and histories of people of color and other historically marginalized communities through the ethical […]