Regents weigh Harter status in closed session

Jennifer Knight

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2001 | 11:08 a.m.

The voices of a few outspoken wealthy donors could not persuade the Board of Regents to remove Carol Harter as UNLV president, but one high-powered donor who wrote a letter seeking Harter's removal says the problem has not been resolved.

Regents met in closed session for more than two hours Tuesday to discuss the complaints of three prominent donors, who have criticized Harter's ability to raise money.

The complaints prompted Tuesday's special meeting and a university system inquiry. Jane Nichols, Nevada's higher education chancellor, said before the meeting she planned to present her findings to regents during the closed session.

After the meeting, however, Harter, who was accompanied by an attorney during the proceedings, said information discussed during Tuesday's meeting had already appeared in the area's daily newspapers.

Regents would not publicly comment on what was discussed during the closed-door meeting at the Community College of Southern Nevada. The Regents voted 7-3 to go into closed personnel session, with members Jill Derby, Howard Rosenberg and Steve Sisolak dissenting. Regent Doug Seastrand was absent.

"I think what is good about this decision is that the Board of Regents have shown that they are in control of the presidency and its institutions," Harter said after leaving the meeting on Tuesday.

In a letter to regents, dated July 31, gaming executive Stanley Fulton claimed key donors, such as Lied Foundation chair Christina Hixson, the Reynolds Foundation and car dealer Cliff Findlay were upset with Harter's leadership.

Fulton said Tuesday that his feelings haven't changed.

"Well, I voiced my displeasure and got a lot of heat because of it," he said. "It's not only my displeasure, it's more widespread than anyone believes. I guess that we'll have to see it play out."

Fulton called Harter "mean," and said she doesn't "fit in Las Vegas with her attitude."

Fulton also said that he has given $9.6 million -- which he had planned to donate to UNLV -- to other institutions.

Harter said she has raised $140 million during her six years at UNLV.

Jeff Burr, an estate attorney, has also complained about Harter's fund-raising. Burr, who represents some of Nevada's wealthiest philanthropists, has alleged that Harter has caused UNLV to lose millions in donations.

"You can't measure what is not there," Harter said, referring to Burr's comments.

Harter is scheduled to receive a $12,000 raise, which would increase her salary to $201,000. Discussion of the raise, as well as the salaries of several university system administrators, will be postponed until the regents' next meeting, scheduled in October.