History
For nearly sixty years, Butte College has made higher education and career attainment attainable for everyone. Founded to meet the growing demand for local higher education, the college has developed into a leading institution recognized for its academic excellence, career training, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
From its humble beginnings in a temporary location to its nationally recognized programs, Butte College continues to serve students, businesses, and communities with dedication.
The Vision Begins (1960s)
In the early 1960s, as the demand for higher education surged in Northern California, leaders in Butte County recognized the need for a local community college. Before its founding, many students had to travel long distances to pursue post-secondary education. To meet this demand, a committee was formed in 1962 to consider establishing a junior college.
After years of discussions, studies, and public hearings, residents of Butte County overwhelmingly supported the formation of a local community college district. On November 8, 1966, voters approved Proposition F, which solidified the foundation of the Butte Junior College District — later renamed the Butte Community College District in 1970.
Establishing Butte College (1967-1968)
In 1967, the Butte Junior College District became operational, and Dr. Gibb R. Madsen was appointed as its first superintendent/president. The college initially operated from a temporary campus in Durham, leasing former high school facilities. In its first year, Butte College welcomed nearly 2,000 students with a strong emphasis on career education and transfer pathways.
In 1968, the Board of Trustees officially named the institution "Butte College." That same year, the college selected a permanent campus site at Pentz and Clark Roads—an area chosen for its central location within Butte County.
Building a Permanent Home and Glenn County Expansion (1970s)
By 1971, Butte College had secured funding to begin construction on its permanent campus. The first buildings, including science labs, a library, and career education facilities, were finished in the early 1970s. The campus was designed to blend with the natural landscape, featuring rolling hills and oak woodlands. In 1974, Butte College opened its permanent campus with an enrollment of more than 5,800 students. In 1975, Glenn County voters approved the annexation of their county into The Butte Community College District, effectively forming the Butte-Glenn Community College District.
Expansion and Innovation (1980s-1990s)
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Butte College continued to expand its academic programs and facilities. The college embraced new technologies, including the introduction of distance education courses in 1983. Enrollment growth led to the construction of additional academic buildings, student services, and career training centers, as well as multiple satellite sites in Butte and Glenn County.
In 1995, Butte College was designated as a wildlife refuge, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. This designation aligned with the college’s focus on hands-on learning and conservation efforts, which continue to be integral to its mission.
Sustainability and Student Success (2000s-2010s)
In recent years, Butte College has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability. The college became the first in the nation to achieve grid-positive status, generating more electricity than it consumes through its expansive solar arrays.
The passage of two bond measures allowed the college to modernize and expand its campus locations to better serve students in a rapidly changing world. The institution has also expanded its academic offerings, providing innovative career training programs in healthcare, public safety, business, and technology.
Present
With a commitment to student success, access, and workforce development, Butte College continues to serve a diverse student body, offering affordable education, small class sizes, a comprehensive suite of support services, and strong community partnerships. As it looks to the future, Butte College remains dedicated to empowering students and strengthening the region through education and opportunity.
Key Moments in Butte College History
First Classes: On September 23, 1968, Butte College opened its doors as a temporary campus at the small site of the former Durham High School. Student enrollment on the first day reached 1,994 students — more than double the 800-900 anticipated. Four days after opening, the college played its first football game on Bechtel Field at Oroville High School against College of the Siskiyous.
A Permanent Location: On September 23, 1974, the permanent Butte College campus opened its doors, welcoming 5,831 students.
Women’s Sports: In 1974, the trustees voted to establish a women’s athletic program, which included field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and softball, with track and field, golf, and soccer added in later years. The women’s field hockey team won its first state championship just four years later, in 1978.
Twenty Years: In 1987, the college celebrated its 20th anniversary. The initial broadcast of Butte College Television (BCTV) aired, offering distance education courses, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was established.
First Chico Center: Butte College opened its first Chico Center in Chico, located at Cohasset Road, in 1990.
An Online Presence: In 1995, Butte College launched its first website. The site at cin.butte.cc.ca.us connected the campus to the rapidly growing World Wide Web and expanded access to college information online.
Wildlife Refuge: In 1995, Butte College was designated as a wildlife refuge, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. This designation aligned with the college’s focus on hands-on learning and conservation efforts, which continue to be integral to its mission.
Measure A: In 2002, voters approved Measure A, an $84.9 million general obligation bond to construct, repair, and equip classrooms, libraries, science/computer labs and facilities; upgrade energy conservation, lighting, electrical, ventilation, and plumbing systems.
Becoming a Sustainability Leader: In 2011, Butte College became the first grid-positive college in the U.S., producing more renewable energy than it consumed.
Permanent Home in Glenn County: In August of 2022, Butte College inaugurated its first permanent Center in Glenn County at 1366 Cortina Drive in Orland.
