Geraldine Forbes Isais, former dean of the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning and founding dean of Woodbury University’s San Diego campus, has died at 76.
Forbes Isais joined the University of New Mexico in 2005 and became the first woman to serve as dean of the School of Architecture and Planning in 2010.
During her tenure at UNM, she supported the development of CityLab, the Antoine Predock Center for Design Research, and the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute, which she helped establish with Dr. Ted Jojola.
Her work in architectural education was recognized with the ACSA Distinguished Professor Award in 2006 and a Faculty Hall of Fame Award from Woodbury University in 2009. In 2016, DesignIntelligence included her among its 25 Most Admired Educators.
Before joining UNM, Forbes Isais served as the founding dean of Woodbury University’s San Diego campus and also held leadership roles with the ACSA, where she was a former president and previously served as chancellor of the ACSA College of Fellows.
Archinect reported the death in its article published Oct. 5, 2026.
