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In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Virginia Claire Higbie, 1932-2016

Virginia HigbieNew Mexico State University recently held a memorial service to celebrate the life of Virginia Higbie, who served as dean of the College of Health and Social Services at the University. Dean Higbie died in June 2016 at the age of 83.

Dr. Higbie served as the second dean of the College of Health and Social Services from 1988 to 2000. She returned as interim dean in 2008. During her tenure, Dr. Higbie developed the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs in social work, nursing, and public health sciences.

“When I think of Dean Higbie, two words come to mind – passion and exuberance,” said Greg Fant, associate vice president and deputy provost at New Mexico State University. “She was passionate about students, health care and NMSU. Always upbeat, she communicated her passion effectively. NMSU is a better place because of her legacy.”

The Virginia C. Higbie Endowed Scholarship was established in 2009 for students in the College of Health and Social Services.

Dr. Higbie earned a bachelor’s in nursing from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. She held a master’s degree in nursing from Boston College and a Ph.D. in higher education administration and finance from the University of New Mexico.

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