Regents demand accountability from state college

Jennifer Knight

Friday, Dec. 21, 2001 | 9:06 a.m.

Members on the state's Board of Regents say they have been left in the dark about fund-raising and student enrollment at the new Nevada State College, and they are seeking a monthly progress report.

Three regents say the school's president, Richard Moore, has not kept them abreast of how much money has been raised, how many students have signed up for classes, the college's location and other vital details.

"From what I've seen, I don't feel like enough information has been provided from the administrators," said Regent Linda Howard, who requested the progress reports be put on the January agenda. "Whatever (Moore) plans to do, I think it should be approved by the board members. That's the problem, until now, these presidents have been running amuck."

Nevada's university system chancellor says she has already asked Moore to update regents at their January meeting. Given the college's fast-approaching opening in fall 2002, the regents say they prefer having regular reports rather than sporadic updates.

"I don't think we are going to have all of the answers," said Chancellor Jane Nichols. "I know he is busy hiring faculty and administrators. I know he is busy working on recruitment plans. What surprises me is that people think there are going to be definite answers approximately six weeks after they came up with the money to implement the plans."

Moore's last update to regents was during an October meeting in Fallon. Backers of the college announced a $500,000 donation to pay for hiring key administrators and faculty. Advertisements for 18 positions have since appeared in a national education publication with all positions beginning by July 2002.

Moore said in August that $3 million was needed to open the college on a "quality basis," but all of his updates on fund-raising efforts have been sketchy at best, said Regent Tom Kirkpatrick.

"When he gives us a report, we don't get real good data," Kirkpatrick said. "We still don't have any idea how much money they've collected in the foundation."

"There seems to be a circle of people who know what's going on, and I don't seem to be in that circle," said Regent Steve Sisolak.

Moore could not be reached for comment, but his assistant, Diana Jensen, said that he would not be able to answer any questions until after the first of the year.

Moore did not release exact figures to Regent Mark Alden when asked how many students applied for admissions before Tuesday's first critical deadline.

Board of Regent Chair Thalia Dondero said the college is in talks with both the city of Henderson and officials at Foothill High School in Henderson to hold classes at their facilities. Moore has also told her that a large number of students have applied.

"I thought he said he had 700 students (sign up)," Dondero said.

State college recruiters reported last month that they had handed out 700 applications during a recruiting convention, 25 of which were completed.

The school needs 500 full-time students to meet its goal.