Harter highlights research efforts

Jennifer Knight

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 10:09 a.m.

In spite of financial obstacles, a need to address increasing enrollment and problems concerning some high-profile donors, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, President Carol Harter on Thursday attempted to drive home the image of a strong university that is making large strides in the area of research.

"Despite fiscal challenges, I truly believe we are one of the most important resources that the state of Nevada has in its midst to develop a positive future," Harter said. "In many ways, we are the jewel in the crown."

Harter, who gave her annual State of the University speech at the Cox Pavilion on Thursday, spoke about the university's growth in terms of enrollment, federal research money and facilities.

But Harter's speech made more clear what has been muddy in the past: What is UNLV's role in the community?

Her answer was two-fold: To become a serious research university, which will carry with it academic, as well as financial, clout. Second, get there by partnering with the private sector and business community.

Harter also said UNLV next year would receive an $8.75 million federal research grant to fund a research partnership between the school and the Department of Energy. Researchers will explore ways to transform radioactive waste into less harmful material.

But the news wasn't all good.

Harter spoke of Sept. 11, when her speech was originally planned. One month to the day later, Harter said it was an an uncertain time, for both the nation and university.

She said the university would have to make room for 1,250 new students, despite what she termed a "grim budget."

Harter, nonetheless, set some lofty goals for the university. There are still plans to continue building 13 new structures over six years, and plans for a downtown academic medical center remains viable, she said.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who attended the speech, said the the city still wants to place the medical center on city land. He planned to fly to Reno today in an attempt to sell the idea to officials at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Harter, however, did not discuss fund-raising, which became a controversial subject after some high-powered donors said they will no longer give to the university while Harter is president.

Harter did talk of the $136 million she has raised over six years, as well as $122 million promised to UNLV through wills and trusts.

Harter also mentioned the need for more endowed chairs, paid professorial positions that bring credit to a university. She spent several minutes talking about Nobel Prize-winning playwright Wole Soyinka, who holds one of the few endowed chairs.