Anthony seeks chairman’s job on regents board

Jennifer Knight

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.

Just days after the chairman's position on the Board of Regents opened, Regent Stavros Anthony has emerged as the front-runner for the post, despite his short tenure on the board, regents said.

After Chairman Doug Seastrand announced he does not plan to run for a second term, word that Anthony was interested in the job spread quickly. At least 10 members of the 13-member board have talked to him about his candidacy in advance of next week's regents meeting, according to interviews with the Sun.

"I think I would run board meetings where things are well debated and people are treated fairly and issues are resolved," Anthony said.

The Board of Regents oversees the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Anthony said fellow Regent Bret Whipple encouraged him to run. The two have served on the board since January.

During Anthony's five months on the board, the Metro Police captain has gained the respect of his peers, regents said.

Anthony served as a calming influence on the board, regents said, addressing disharmony caused by months of infighting among regents last year.

Regent Jack Lund Schofield, who is also new to the board, said that when Anthony contacted him, he was thrilled to learn Anthony was considering the chairman's position.

"He said he was thinking of doing that and he wanted to be a candidate for the position, and I said, 'That's wonderful, you have my vote,' " Schofield said.

Seastrand said he would not run again due to demands from family, work and church, board members said.

Speculation began about who would be next and word got around regarding Anthony's interest, Regent Mark Alden said.

"He didn't approach me. I called him," Alden said. "He said if I supported him, he would appreciate it. I didn't indicate to him that I was going to do that. I set out what the parameters were and said if you're not going to support those, I'm not going to support you."

Alden said his "parameters" were that the new chairman must work to reduce the number of board meetings, ensure regents are better prepared at meetings and make sure that all regents get equal speaking time.