Fond Farewell: Retired Dean of Students Sandy Parsons

Retired Dean of Students Sandy Parsons, who served Student Affairs for 15 years, passed away October 7. She was 57.

Born February 19, 1964, in Palo Alto, she was raised in the Bay Area and earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and psychology from San Jose State University. Parsons began her career as an administrator for Colgan House, a residential care facility in Paradise for people with severe disabilities, and then moved on to become a program director for the Work Training Center in Chico. She went on to work for many years with the California Department of Rehabilitation, first as a counselor and later as a supervisor, and completed a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Diego State University, part of the first cohort in an innovative program.

In 2006, Parsons was hired at Chico State as the director of Disability Support Services, bringing more than 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities. Five years later, she was appointed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator and became responsible for overall University compliance with the ADA and the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

“Sandy was a pillar in the disability community, advocating for and promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities. She was a mentor, advocate, and visionary in providing quality services to clients, students, and our campus community,” said Charlene Corder-Vicino, accessibility advisor and counselor in the Accessibility Resource Center, and friend of nearly 30 years. “I remember her saying that the way she could really make a difference in the lives of others was to establish policies that were impactful and meaningful—to do the right thing even if it is difficult—that is why she always strived to work in management positions.”

In 2015, Parsons was promoted to director of Student Judicial Affairs, now Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities, and became the chair of the Campus Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team. As her responsibilities grew, she was appointed Dean of Students in 2016.

In each role, she developed infrastructure and protocols that improved services to students, staff, and faculty, while maintaining and ensuring compliance with system, state, and federal laws and policies. Beyond her professional acumen, it was her personality that resonated with so many.

“Sandy cared about everyone she came into contact with and made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room. She was bright, funny, and wise,” said Connie Huyck, executive director of University Housing. “She always had a smile, a laugh, and a hug to share. She loved her daughter and her family, and cared deeply for the staff and students at Chico State. I know that I am a better person for having the privilege of knowing Sandy.” 

Parsons became acting vice president for Student Affairs in 2019 and soon became the interim VP, a role she held with distinction through the pandemic, striving to make sure students’ academic and co-curricular needs were met during the transition to virtual learning, while also caring for their physical and mental wellness.

Pedro Douglas, retired associate vice president for Student Affairs, describes Parson as a “moral compass,” noting how she advocated to colleagues that it wasn’t enough to provide services for the majority of students, but that they needed to ensure all students with psychological and physical challenges had what they needed to succeed.

“People like Sandy are extremely hard to find. They may have one or two of her qualities, but they will not have all of them,” he said. “When you go through your professional career, you meet people who make you better at what you do. Sandy was one of those individuals.”

Parsons got along with everyone and genuinely wanted to see others succeed, Douglas said. Even in times of extreme stress and challenge, she was even-keeled in her approach and determined to find a solution.

“She would say, ‘This is what we need to do,’ and then she would help you do it,” Douglas said. “She was always willing to roll up her sleeves and be part of the solution: ‘I’m offering this advice, and if you need me for anything, just let me know.’”

Parsons’ expertise, candor, and ability to navigate politically sensitive situations were incredible assets, said Chela Mendoza Patterson, retired associate vice president for student life. Though they were colleagues for about 14 years, the two became a “dynamic duo” when they were appointed as interim leadership for the division, and she remains grateful for their partnership, the laughs they shared, and the tough conversations they had. 

“She never lost sight of that focus on serving students. She worked in some challenging areas, especially the conduct pieces, but she never lost sight of the humanity of the students, even when they messed up,” Mendoza Patterson said. “I appreciated that so much about her. And I think her sense of humor is what kept her grounded in that.”

Parsons was a mentor to those who worked with her, both colleagues and students alike, caring for them on a personal and professional level, said Holly Hunt, director of the Accessibility Resource Center. Whether people were going through their own challenges or struggling at work, she was the first to check in and see what support they might need.

“Sandy felt like the glue that held all of us in Student Affairs together through the pandemic,” she said.

Parsons’ work, which ranged from student conduct to accessible technology to Title IX violations, earned praise both on and off campus, including recognition from the Office of the Chancellor. President Gayle Hutchinson said she is heartbroken by her death.

“She was a passionate colleague and a dear friend to me and so many others in the community,” Hutchinson said. “What I admired most about Sandy was her loving, generous, and compassionate spirit. She spent her life helping and comforting those in need no matter the time of day or night. For those struggling with tough times, Sandy always found ways to make them laugh and feel affirmed and valued. May we honor her legacy with kindness towards others and service beyond self.”

After spending the last few months on medical leave, Parsons recently transitioned to retirement. She was looking forward to spending more time crafting, as she enjoyed painting, mosaic work, knitting, and many other creative pursuits. She also enjoyed music, writing poetry and short stories, and spending time with her family and three dogs.

She is survived by her daughter, Emily Hunt-Parsons, and many others who saw her as a mother, as well as her loving extended family.

The University flag will be lowered Monday, October 11, in her memory. Service information will be shared when it is finalized.