Anderes drops out of chancellor race

Monday, Jan. 31, 2000 | 11:28 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A committee to search for a new chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada holds its first meeting Feb. 9, and acting Chancellor Tom Anderes has withdrawn his name for the job.

Regent Chairwoman Jill Derby said today Anderes notified the board last week that he doesn't want to be considered. "After six months, he doesn't feel it's the right fit," said Derby.

Anderes, 49, has been vice chancellor for finance and planning since 1994 and will return to that position when a new chancellor is selected. He has been filling in since the resignation of Chancellor Richard Jarvis on Aug. 31.

"I'm pleased and so is the board that Tom Anderes wants to stay on in his present position," Derby said. "His experience in finance and planning has served us so well." She said she was disappointed that Anderes withdrew but respected his decision.

Anderes said today, "I don't think I would be the right person for the job. They (the regents) need a fresh perspective ... somebody they can rally around, and I don't think that is me. I think I have been doing an all-right job." But he added, "There may be a better opportunity for them (the regents) to come together" with a new person from outside.

After Anderes was named interim chancellor, the regents split on whether to begin a search for a permanent replacement. Some board members wanted to continue with Anderes as interim head of the system, possibly until after the 2001 Legislature, Derby said. But the majority wanted to begin a search.