Human Resources Staff Emeritus Recognized for Contributions to Labor Relations

The Chico State Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association (ERFSA) is pleased to announce the 2024 Hall of Honors class. Eight renowned faculty and staff members will be inducted into the Hall of Honor on Friday, May 31, 2024, during a ceremony and luncheon. Buy tickets.

Posthumous honoree Dennis Frazier is remembered for his firm, informed approach to labor relations and administration, and a caring, compassionate nature that made him one of the University’s most respected staff members.

Before his arrival at Chico State, Frazier had already had a full and varied career that began with service in the US Air Force. To help support his wife, Beverly, and their young family, he sometimes worked several jobs simultaneously, including baker and gardener, while using the GI Bill to attend college. He earned a BA from Santa Clara University followed by an MA from Occidental College.

Upon his hiring at Chico State as a Human Resources generalist in 1980, Frazier brought a great deal of knowledge of the public sector labor movement. Following a year-long internship with the then-Coro Foundation in San Francisco, he had worked at the Orange County Employees Association in Santa Ana, then became a labor relations specialist at UCLA.

As the labor relations designee at Chico State, Frazier was the point person for many difficult and nuanced contractual and workplace issues on behalf of Human Resources. With multiple bargaining units (currently 14) representing faculty, staff, and students in the CSU, it can be a challenging task to stay current with labor agreements.

“He knew the rules, but he knew how to use them with compassion,” said Jackie McClain, vice chancellor emeritus for the California State University.

Frazier eventually was named director of Human Resources. He retired due to health reasons in 2002 but continued to assist HR as a retired annuitant. Frazier unretired so he could serve for two years as interim director of Facilities Management and Services.

“FMS benefited greatly from Dennis’s vast knowledge of human resources and labor relations,” said Kathleen Gentry, retired administrative analyst/specialist. “He tirelessly supported the department during the midst of personal health issues and was an unrelenting supporter of the entire management team.”

Frazier was well known for his extensive community service. He volunteered and raised money for the Special Olympics as well as several programs at Azad Martial Arts to benefit at-risk youth and families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas. For two decades, he sang in a church choir and taught Sunday school for first- and second-grade children. He passed away in 2022.

“Dennis‘ entire adult life was dedicated to love for Beverly, his family, and nourishing all to improving their lives,” said Dick Trimmer, kinesiology professor emeritus.