Politician, banker could run new college

Jennifer Knight

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002 | 11:08 a.m.

State university officials are wooing political and business leaders to finish building the yet-to-open Nevada State College at Henderson while they look for a permanent president.

Under a plan being considered by university system Chancellor Jane Nichols, the new leader would get the college open by its Sept. 3 deadline and smooth political and community relationships. An educator would be hired to handle the college's academic side.

"We have great needs in the area of management and community relations as well as academic," Nichols said. "It is unlikely that we will be able to find one person with all of those strengths."

Richard Moore, the college's first president, resigned Monday afternoon after criticism over his approach to building the college. The college does not have a faculty or a set curriculum.

On Tuesday, Nichols approached Bill Martin, CEO and chairman of Nevada State Bank, former governor Bob Miller and former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev, also a former governor, about the job.

The consideration of such community leaders would likely give the state college the shot in the arm it needs to build the strong community relations it needs to generate more donations, university officials said.

"I was asked to consider it, but I'm a full-time banker," the 60-year-old Martin said. "Clearly, what do I know about setting up a curriculum to a college? But, I darn sure know how to hire the people to do it."

Martin, a native-born Texan, who also serves as chairman of the state college foundation, is credited with helping to raise money to save the new college from the brink of financial collapse after Legislative funding was denied in June.

Bryan said Wednesday that although he was happy to be considered, he will not be able to make the commitment. The law firm of Lionel Sawyer & Collins announced Tuesday morning that Bryan will head up its new Washington, D.C., office.

Miller could not be reached for comment.

Pay for the interim president's position has not yet been determined because Moore's salary will still be paid under his contract.

According to Moore's contract, he would be entitled to six months paid leave making a maximum salary of about $94,000 a year. Moore currently makes $182,000 a year. But since money is tight, there may not be enough left over to pay a new position.

"That is part of the puzzle we are working out right now," Nichols said. "Right now, his salary is being covered by LandWell Company (in Henderson)."

Regent Steve Sisolak said Moore's resignation "will hamper" the university system's ability to pay a new president.

Nichols has also contacted David Drew, a professor of education at the Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, Calif. Drew has been working with the college as a consultant to shape its general education and teacher's education curricula.

Although Drew has a full-time role at his present institution, it is likely that he will be offered an expanded role in the college, Nichols said.

All names will now be reviewed by Board Chairwoman Thalia Dondero for consideration where she will forward her recommendations to the regents for a final decision.