Chico State music and theatre associate professor Katherine Whitlock died on Dec. 7 at her home, according to a campus-wide email.

Whitlock, 45, taught a variety of theatre classes including design, theatre history, world theatre and theatre general education classes. In addition to teaching, Whitlock was a theatre director and sound and light designer for many campus productions.

“I thoroughly enjoyed her presence,” said Taylor Magpuri, kinesiology major. “She was very straightforward, very raw and liked to push boundaries in any and every aspect. She was a rare type of person.”

Much of Whitlock’s work focused on performance and technology with an emphasis on video games as an interactive art form. Her most recently-directed show was the School of Arts production of “The Rover.”

Whitlock is survived by her mother, Adele.

Students in need of support or counseling can visit the free urgent walk-in services at the Counseling Center in SSC 430. Hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jenice Tupolo can be reached at [email protected] or @JayTupolo on Twitter.