Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Joe, a Silver State star

Friday, June 9, 2000 | 9:23 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

PEOPLE IN GENERAL, and university presidents specifically, don't come much better than retiring UNR President Joe Crowley. Believe it or not, 21 years ago there was some serious doubt that the Board of Regents would favorably consider naming then-acting President Crowley to the president's chair.

Joe, an outstanding teacher, was being undercut by at least one or more university administrators, but 726 fellow faculty members signed a petition to support his appointment. This year he leaves the job as the longest-serving president at a single institution among our country's principal public universities.

In February 1979, when the regents were thinking about seeking a leader from outside the system, the Sun editorialized:

"Nevada hasn't heard much of Dr. Joseph Crowley because he is a bright, hard-working, quiet person who came into his present position when the office was leaderless and in a state of turmoil. He assumed the reins of power with strong open support from students and faculty alike. Joe is a symbol of respect the people wanted so they could refer to him as 'our president.'

"Joe's presence was immediately felt as he attended university affairs both on and off the Reno campus. His new position didn't keep him from visiting with parents, urging students on to higher academic achievement, working with the faculty as individuals and in groups, nor did it prevent him from helping two of his children on their newspaper routes during inclement weather or when they were ill. Being a husband and the father of children ages 10, 12, 14 and 16 years is an important part of Joe's life."

Even the 1979 Nevada Assembly passed a resolution that Crowley "be considered among the final candidates for president" of UNR.

This column also quoted Mel Steninger, former regent and then-publisher and editor of the Elko Daily Free Press, who wrote:

"Regents of the university are scheduled to consider this appointment in coming weeks, and our investigation suggests those officials would be well advised to cancel travel vouchers for its galavanting search committee and place Joe Crowley in the UNR president's chair forthwith." This was one issue that Mel and I could easily agree upon.

Wisely the Board of Regents took the advice sent their way and selected Crowley. He has made all of Nevada proud of his accomplishments as a state and national leader of higher education. His retirement also brings the good news that he will return to the classroom next year, where his star will continue to shine.

I came to know this farm boy from Iowa when he was teaching political science at UNR. Later, in 1972, Joe was a George McGovern delegate to the Democratic National Convention. There was no way that McGovern could carry Nevada, but Joe stuck with him as a matter of principle. Principle is one item that Crowley has enough of to spread over a room full of people and still have enough left over to satisfy a university ethicist.

Joe showed me his skills when he was chairman of the UNR Faculty Senate. He not only taught political science, but he also practiced it in a most pragmatic style. He didn't raise his voice when discussing the needs of UNR, but he used every pedantic skill in his bag of tricks to "educate" this governor and the legislators. I thoroughly enjoyed those sessions and admired his persistence and patience. When all was said and done, he had taught all of us some lessons.

The combination of Crowley and his football coach and athletic director, Chris Ault, brought sports alive and to a respectable level at UNR. Joe, in 1993, accomplished something there was little hope for a Nevadan to achieve: He was named president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for a term of two years, which gave him the opportunity to shine on a national stage. Yes, and shine he did.

The higher education system of Nevada is most fortunate that Joe will again teach some courses. The regents had better make sure they also seek his help in the 2001 Legislature because Joe's knowledge, honesty and straight talk are what get things done in Carson City. Also, to have him helping the entire university system, instead of just UNR, will be a plus for UNLV, the Community College of Southern Nevada and the entire state.