PASTTENSE Forbes becomes first woman vice president After receiving her baccalaureate in nursing from the University of New Mexico in 1960 and her M.S. in nursing from OHSU in 1966, Orcilia Forbes began her career in university administration as assistant director of Student Health Services at Portland State University. In 1975 she was appointed to the position of dean of students. Then, in 1978, President Joseph Blumel took the bold step of changing her appointment to vice president for Student Affairs, which required specific approval by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education. This gave her the honor of being the first female vice president in the Oregon State System of Higher Education. After an exemplary career at PSU, she resigned to accept the post of vice president for student affairs at the University of New Mexico in 1989. She retired from her final university position, vice president for advancement at Oregon State University, in 2003. She now lives in Portland’s Pearl District. Past Tense features glimpses into Portland State’s history. To submit a story (or an idea for one), email the RAPS History Preservation Committee at raps@pdx.edu. Orcilia Forbes
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