Alumni Updates

Kyle C. Knopp

Politics, 2005

Kyle Knopp (2005) works as a Senior Analyst for budget policy and intergovernmental relations in the Executive Office of the County of Mendocino. Received his Masters in Public Administration in 2009 at SSU.

Andy Powell

Philosophy, 2005

Still residing in Humboldt, Andy Powell ('05, Philosophy) finds that his degree in Philosophy easily influences not only his day-to-day being in the world but also his varied professional life since 2005. Powell started Powell Consulting in 2018, offering financial consulting for local businesses and specifically focusing on the local cannabis industry. Detailed analytical thought is quite useful when trying to take a long-term approach to financial regulation and planning as is asking his clients "What is the Good Life, really?" and "Is rapid accumulation of wealth a goal in itself?" He expects to be out of business by 2024.

Devin Theobald

Politics, 2004

After 20 years of service working with the County of Humboldt, Devin moved to rural Northern Alabama with his wife and two daughters, where he started a small family farm raising pigs, turkeys, chickens, and produce. For his 'retirement job', he oversees operations at a small landfill. 

Joshua Brookshire

Geography, 2004

Is working for bandelier National Monument as a lead helitack crewmember.

Robert P. Robinson

English, English Language Arts with a minor in Ethnic American Literatures, 2004

After teaching K-12 for 11 years, Robert Robinson, English, 2004, pursued a PhD in Urban Education with a concentration in Africana Studies at The Graduate Center, City University of New York. In March 2020, he remotely defended his dissertation with distinction. His doctoral research project, Stealin’ the Meetin’: Black Education History & the Black Panthers’ Oakland Community School, tells the story of the Panthers’ educational center as a site for understanding Black self-determination, the Black radical imagination, and the shift in mainstream curriculum.

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. 

Jenny Farrell (Perez)

Communication, 2004

After earning my M.A in Communication Studies at University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2009 I was hired as a full-time lecturer there. I teach Interpersonal Com, Public Speaking, and Honors Public Speaking. I have been happily married for 10 years now and we had our first son last year! Couldn't be happier!

Robert Robinson

English, Single Subject Education, 2004

I've been teaching in San Diego for seven years. I taught at a private school for two years and a public school for five. I continued graduate work in education, focusing my attention on Ethnic American Literatures, Social Justice Education, Parent Contacts, and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. I teach in the AVID program, working to increase the college enrollment of underrepresented students.

Nicholas J Osborne

Sociology, 2004

In 2010, I completed my doctorate in educational administration and leadership at the University of California-Davis. I was recently hired at the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Veterans Programs. My research areas include veterans, emotional intelligence and community-building, and gender –specifically men and masculinities. I miss the sacred and tranquil Humboldt region!

Devin Theobald

Politics, 2004

Devin Theobald, Politics, 2004 is employed by the County of Humboldt Public Works Department, Environmental Services Division.