Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” A. Boyd (she/her/they)

Elizabeth "Betsy" Boyd, PhD is a professor, researcher, and leader at California State University, Chico, where she has been a faculty member since 2008. She serves currently as the Chair of the Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU) where she has been a faculty senator since 2018. A first-generation, Pell-eligible transfer student, Dr. Boyd is a passionate advocate for equitable access to higher education. 

Her academic journey began alongside the rise of the internet and mobile technology, shaping her views on the role of technology in academia. As a child, Dr. Boyd learned to program in DOS and sent her first text via DOS over a land-line phone connection. Later, in the 90s she studied Japanese and enrolled in other college courses that were taught in hybrid format using land-line phones and streamed lecture over satellite networks. She understands the critical role of technology in the classroom and was an early adopter of hybrid teaching. Today, she continues to utilize those experiences to teach and to facilitate meetings in hybrid environments.

Dr. Boyd’s academic expertise lies in integrated pest management (IPM) and biological control, interests rooted early in her childhood. Her research focuses on sustainable pest management solutions and pollinator habitat conservation. She has served as Chair of Academic Programs in Chico’s College of Agriculture, Chair of Chico’s campus Academic Senate, lead various committees and boards, and continues to advocate for students at the state legislature, Board of Trustees, and Chancellor’s Office. Among the many honors she has received, the CSSA Faculty Excellence Award is particularly meaningful to her, as it reflects both her commitment to leadership and her deep dedication to service that elevates students.