Regents to tackle Harter topic

Jennifer Knight

Friday, Aug. 10, 2001 | 11:15 a.m.

The Board of Regents could be without three of its members when it discusses the fates of Carol Harter and Richard Moore next week in Reno.

On the board's agenda for the two-day meeting are a raise for Harter, UNLV president and the target of recent criticism by some of the school's biggest donors, and the fund-raising abilities of Moore, president of the Nevada State College at Henderson.

Regents Steve Sisolak and Jill Derby are expected to miss the Aug. 16 meeting in Reno because of family commitments. Regent Linda Howard has told university officials that she may be absent Aug. 17.

University system officials are looking into allegations made by three key UNLV donors, who say benefactors are not giving to the university because they dislike Harter.

Board Chairwoman Thalia Dondero said Thursday that all of those involved in the allegations are being contacted. Records from the UNLV Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the school, are also being reviewed. The information is expected to be presented to regents before the meeting, Dondero said.

Sisolak said it's likely the issue will tabled until the full board can convene, but that will be decided at the meeting. Regents are expected to discuss a raise for Harter, whose salary would increase from $186,924 to $201,000, making her the highest paid university president in Nevada.

The salaries of head basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour and head football coach John Robinson are also scheduled for discussion. Those items also may be postponed until the matter involving Harter is resolved, Sisolak said.

Robinson's contract is for $500,000 per year over five years. Spoonhour would get $400,000 annually over three years. During the busy meeting, the regents also are expected to approve the naming of the school's athletic director.

Next week's meeting is also a pivotal one for Moore. At their June meeting regents gave Moore until August to raise the necessary $1 million for his salary and the salaries of two staff members.

In June, Derby told Moore next week's meeting "is where the rubber meets the road."

The $1 million goal was required of Moore after the state Legislature failed to pass a bill funding the Henderson college.

One way around the fund-raising goal would come in the form of a $700,000 proposal to dip even further into an estate tax fund. The fund, which comes from taxes paid estate holders, has already been utilized by the university system to make up for a budget shortfall, which came when the Legislature reduced funding to higher education.