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Fond Farewell: Passing of Communication Sciences and Disorders Professor Beatrice Jimenez

Announced on: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Professor Beatrice Jimenez on July 22, 2025, at her home in Chico. She was 81.

For more than two decades, Jimenez was a vital part of the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) program at Chico State, teaching, mentoring, and leading with care and dedication. Her insight and commitment made a lasting difference to the University, her students and colleagues, and the wider community.

Born November 12, 1943, in Stockton, California, Jimenez earned an associate degree in sociology from San Joaquin Delta College in 1964, a bachelor's degree in sociology from San Jose State University in 1966, and a master's degree in communicative disorders from Fresno State in 1975. She went on to complete her doctorate in speech and hearing science at The Ohio State University in 1977.

Jimenez joined the Chico State faculty in August 1980, serving in multiple leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Education, coordinator of the CMSD program, and director of the Clinic for Communication Disorders. A respected scholar, she published and presented widely on bilingual service delivery, child phonological disorders, and clinical supervision.

"Bea was the most phenomenal friend and colleague anyone could hope to have," said longtime collaborator Judy Brasseur, who began her career on campus alongside Jimenez. "From the beginning, we bonded over our shared passion for clinical practice and supervising students, and collaborated on research, conference presentations, and publications. Her acute observation skills, sharp instincts, intense loyalty and integrity, ethical values, and moral compass were an unquestionable asset to our program. Working side by side for more than two decades, I came to rely on her brilliance, humor, and friendship in ways that shaped not only our careers but also my life."

The University flag will be lowered in her honor on Friday, October 17, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 18, at noon at the Chico State campus flagpole in front of Kendall Hall, with a reception to follow at Selvester's Café-by-the-Creek from 12:15 to 3:30 p.m. All who knew her are warmly invited to attend.