The body of Willis Geer, a professor in the political science department, was discovered in a seventh-floor office in Butte Hall Monday evening.

Emergency vehicles arrived on the scene at about 7 p.m. Fire personnel informed The Orion that a body had been discovered by a janitor in office number 716.

Chico State University Police Chief Robyn Hearne said that the death was a result of natural causes.

“We had a medical emergency call earlier this evening,” Hearne said.

She added that campus officials had “no reason to investigate further at this point.” A coroner has been called for further assessment.

A system-wide email was sent out to all criminal justice majors from Ryan Patten, political science department chair, to inform students.

“I am writing to inform you of tremendously sad news,” Patten wrote. “We have lost our dear friend and colleague Willis Geer.”

Willis Geer began his time at Chico State in 2007, and taught criminal justice courses within the political science department.

Geer was praised by Patten for his tremendous work ethic, “He arrived early, left late, and was always a positive presence in the department.”

Patten wrote, “Willis will be remembered for his selfless devotion to his students and colleagues, his gentle spirit, and his humility and dedication.”

Dylan de Wit can be reached at [email protected] or @DylanTdeWit on Twitter.