Fulton cuts UNLV out of his will

Jennifer Knight

Friday, Aug. 31, 2001 | 11:16 a.m.

Former Anchor Gaming Chairman Stanley Fulton said this morning he has removed the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from his will and has resigned as a trustee of the foundation.

Fulton's resignation ends a 25-year relationship with the university that has soured under Carol Harter's presidency.

Fulton has donated more than $9 million to UNLV, the bulk of which paid for the International Gaming Institute. Fulton cited his growing displeasure with Harter, saying, "I can see no reason to renew the relationship under the present leadership."

Fulton, who sold his shares in Anchor Gaming for $500 million, had planned to leave the university 10 percent of his net worth.

Fulton, a high-powered philanthropist and former Anchor Gaming chairman, wrote a letter to the Board of Regents, dated July 31, seeking Harter's ouster. Fulton claimed Harter was costing the university millions by driving away top benefactors. Fulton has claimed other key donors, such as Lied Foundation chair Christina Hixson, the Reynolds Foundation and car deal Cliff Findlay were upset with Harter's leadership.

"Everybody has asked me to let this issue die, but I can't do that," Fulton said today.

Regents discussed the complaints of three donors, including Fulton, for more than two hours during a closed-door session Tuesday. No action was taken against Harter.

Harter was traveling today and could not be reached for comment.

Regents Tom Weisner and Thalia Dondero met with Fulton about his concerns before Tuesday's meeting, but the closed door discussion about Harter's fund-raising took only 20 minutes, according to sources at the meeting.

Fulton said his unhappiness with Harter's performance started soon after he donated $6.7 million in startup money for the university's International Gaming Institute. There were several delays and the project went over budget, which forced Fulton to spend $1.2 million more than he originally intended, he said.

Harter is scheduled to receive a $12,000 raise, bringing her salary to $201,000. The discussion of the raise was postponed until the next regent's meeting in October.