Henderson college on agenda for regents

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999 | 11:46 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The issue of creating a four-year state college in Henderson comes before the board of regents, meeting today and Thursday in Reno, and Richard Moore, president of the Community College of Southern Nevada, could be named founding president of the new school.

Moore Tuesday refused to talk about the possibility until after the regents decide what they are going to do.

But Regent Mark Alden of Las Vegas, said he will propose, if he is permitted, to nominate Moore for the founding presidency of the college that hasn't been approved by the Legislature and hasn't been built.

"I want to move forward very quickly and name a founding president," said Alden. "He's the right person for the job."

Regent Chairwoman Jill Derby of Minden, said there "is certainly interest on the part of the board," in selecting Moore. "But I can't tell you how it will go."

"He knows the south and he knows the players, and there are many factors that make him a good candidate and he's certainly interested," Derby said.

The board of the University and Community College System of Nevada will receive a study report on the feasibility of starting the four-year college in Henderson.

"The recommendation of the Henderson college committee is two fold," Derby said. "One is going ahead with the plan for the college, and the second is to initiate a search for a founding president. The board will be considering that."

Since this will require budget allocation from the Legislature, Derby said the committee recommended there be an "advocate" in place for that college by the spring when the budget process is under way.

"I anticipate we will make some decision. How far, we will go, I don't know," Derby said.

Regent Steve Sisolak of Las Vegas is lukewarm to the idea of Moore leaving the Community College of Southern Nevada. "I don't want to hold him back, but I need to be assured that CCSN will not be detrimentally affected by his departure. "

Moore, said Sisolak, has gained a lot of respect. But the regent said he was concerned that the community college system in Southern Nevada might suffer with Moore leaving.

Sisolak also is worried about the funding. "Starting a new institution means a lot of money. My first priority is to fix the inequities," referring to the disparities between southern and northern schools in the system.

"The last thing we want to see is a Henderson State College become the third underfunded institution in the system," he said. His remarks referred to UNLV and CCSN, which he said are receiving less state support than the University of Nevada, Reno and the community colleges in northern Nevada.

Alden said the Henderson College will need a sponsoring school to become accredited. He will recommend that UNR rather than UNLV be given that job.

This would ensure there is a "totally independent" school performing the task. The reason he is choosing UNR, Alden said is because, "They have 100 years of academics. They are well respected among accrediting institution. And it's better it's a northern university."