Associated Students Photography/Videography Lead Dash Ferrero has been named the 2026 University Photographers’ Association of America Student Photographer of the Year, earning national recognition for their work behind the camera.
Ferrero received the award this summer at the annual UPAA Symposium, where they attended alongside Chico State University Photographers Jason Halley and Matt Bates. The Student Photographer of the Year honor recognizes outstanding work by student photographers from colleges and universities across the country.
For Ferrero, the recognition comes after years of documenting student life at Chico State.
Since joining the Associated Students during their first year in 2021, Ferrero has photographed countless AS events, programs, people, and moments. Their work can be seen across AS websites, social media, marketing campaigns, and publications, helping tell the story of the organization through the students and experiences that make it up.
The national award recognizes the quality of Ferrero’s photography, but it also reflects the growth, leadership, and professional experience they have built through student employment.
Ferrero’s achievement is a powerful example of what students can accomplish when they are given the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful work, develop professional skills, and contribute their talents to the campus community.
Find out more about Dash's journey at Chico State, or find their work on our Flickr and YouTube accounts.
