THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Marjorie Bell Chambers, Ph.D.

March 11, 1923 – August 25, 2006

“Women have come a long way in our struggle for equality in law and before the courts of law. But there are still in this country some Neanderthal men whose perceptions are blinded by ancient custom and self-conceit.”

Educator, Author, Historian, Politician. A lifelong advocate for women’s rights. Became a national spokesperson for the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment. The first woman to run for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, a national president of the American Association of University Women and the president of Colorado Women’s College and Colby-Sawyer College. Served as an adviser to four presidents and 10 governors of New Mexico in multiple appointed positions and commissions. Chaired the National Advisory Council on Women’s Educational Programs under President Gerald Ford and the Committee for Women under President Jimmy Carter.