UNR chief to call it quits after 22 years

Wednesday, May 31, 2000 | 11:24 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Joseph N. Crowley, president of the University of Nevada, Reno, for 22 years during its greatest period of growth, announced today he will retire in December.

He is believed to be the longest-serving current president of any university in the nation.

Crowley, who turned 67 on July 9, plans to take some time off and then return to the classroom to teach at UNR. There is speculation he may represent the University and Community College System of Nevada at the 2001 Legislature.

Over the years, his low-key approach has gained the respect of legislators, both north and south.

His departure brings to three the number of vacant high-level positions in the system. Regents are searching for a chancellor and for a president at the Community College of Southern Nevada.

University Regent Steve Sisolak of Las Vegas said it had been rumored that Crowley would step down, but he was surprised he was leaving in December. Sisolak has clashed with Crowley on a number of issues, but he praised him highly.

"Joe is one of the finest presidents anywhere," said Sisolak. He added that they have been "passionate" on opposite sides of issues but that he respects the UNR president.

"Somebody will replace him and sit in his seat, but I don't think anybody will be able to fill his shoes," said Sisolak.

Crowley came to Reno as a political science professor in 1966 and was chairman of the department from 1976 to 1978. In February 1978, he was named acting president to replace Max Milam and became permanent president in March 1979.

During his tenure, the number of students has increased from 7,830 to 12,500; more than 40 of the 100 buildings on campus have been constructed during the 22 years; private fund raising has jumped from $3.7 million in 1983 to $28 million last year, which was a record; research and development funds have jumped from less than $10 million to $70 million a year and budgeted full time faculty has risen by 35 percent.

His accomplishments include establishing new homes for Mackay School of Mines, College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and departments of judicial education, speech pathology and fine arts. The Don Reynolds School of Journalism was created along with a new building.

Crowley established the College of Human and Community Sciences; enhanced Women's Center and women's athletics and developed an international studies program.

He has been a strong supporter of the athletic programs as the school moves up to the Western Athletic Conference next season. He once served as president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

His administration has been criticized by some professors as being too loyal to long-time associates, cronyism, favoring athletic programs too much and being too slow in acting on personnel issues.

Greg Bortolin, manager of media relations for the university, said Crowley made a promise to himself when he took over as president that he would return to teach some day. He said Crowley will take some time off after December, and it may be a year to 18 months before he resumes teaching.