New Regent Hobbs has lots of homework

Jennifer Knight

Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 | 9:58 a.m.

Talk about a learning curve. The surprise appointment of Laura Lopez Hobbs to the university's Board of Regents caught her so off guard, she didn't have time to study.

Next month Hobbs will fill the seat of ailing Regent Tom Wiesner who resigned last week. She will begin her new post without a full understanding of what issues are facing the university system, she said Friday.

"I have no preconceived notions or ideas about the issues facing the university system," Hobbs said. "What I know about the issues, I've read in the headlines."

A self-described no-nonsense woman, Hobbs promises to bone up on all of the details in time for her first meeting in Reno on March 6 and 7. One issue she said interests her is finding ways the university can help diversify the economy.

Hobbs' appointment comes at time when regents are dealing with some far-reaching issues. The system has just approved higher admissions standards that could have long-term effects on the state's rate of high school students who attend college.

University officials also are sculpting a plan that could double tuition at the state's institution over the next 10 years, an issue that could draw fire from minority advocates.

And the new state college in Henderson is off to a bumpy start, with only seven months before its opening and no full curriculum in place.

"She's coming in at a time when the university system has some real issues to deal with," Regent Steve Sisolak said. "The university system is facing shortfalls in revenues and potential cuts. It's going to be difficult."

"I'm sure I have a lot to learn," Hobbs admitted.

The 42-year-old mother of one girl already has her hands full. She is a senior manager of corporate human resources for Southwest Gas Corp., where she met Gov. Kenny Guinn while he was chairman there.

She serves on the board of the Boulder Dam Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and is a member of three other organizations. With the addition of her new regent's spot, the demand for her time will skyrocket.

"I'm probably going to have to work a lot of overtime," said Hobbs, a Republican who describes herself as "conservative." "I have a very busy job. That's my priority, next to my family."

Greg Bortolin, the governor's spokesman, said Hobbs was the one and only candidate ever considered.

Her friendship with Guinn resulted in her appointment, Bortolin said. Guinn also recently appointed her husband, Guy Hobbs, as chairman of the Nevada Task Force on Tax Policy, a group considering revisions to the state's tax structure.

But Laura Hobbs said she won't be a rubber stamp board member for the governor, and her husband's influence won't play a part in her decision-making. Instead, she will seek her own counsel -- advice that Sisolak said was wise.

"She'll be lobbied intensely by several groups, very heavily from both sides," Sisolak said.

Hobbs had yet to hear from her fellow regents as of Friday. Many of the regents said they hadn't heard about the appointment.

"I didn't even know," Regent Mark Alden said. "I'm surprised that Tom even resigned."

"Nobody called me," Sisolak said. "I was outraged. I think this is indicative of our information delivery system."

Regent Linda Howard asked the question that most people were asking Friday, "Who is she?"

Given the board's contentious and often divisive past, regents are curious about the dynamic Hobbs will bring to the table.

"People are not asked to join boards unless they work well with others," Bortolin said. "I think she'll do a good job."8