Regent: CCSN’s chief may be ousted

Jennifer Knight

Friday, Nov. 7, 2003 | 9:02 a.m.

Board of Regent Chairman Stavros Anthony said Wednesday that an ongoing university system investigation could end with the resignation or removal of the Community College of Southern Nevada president.

"Absolutely that is a possible outcome of this investigation," Anthony said Thursday on the TV program "Face to Face with Jon Ralston."

Appearing on the same show, university system chancellor Jane Nichols said she had faith in Remington.

The university system is investigating CCSN's hiring and lobbying practices after a variety of allegations surfaced after this year's legislative session.

The investigation centers on allegations made by Topazia "Briget" Jones that CCSN engaged in improper hiring practices and used her to try to get a bill passed during the 2003 Legislative session that would have given the college the ability to grant four-year degrees.

Jones, who is alleging she was hired, promised quick promotion and discriminated against, has described herself as the "special assistant" to Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas.

Jones filed her complaint with CCSN after she was told she was fired. Nichols intervened, had her reinstated and began an investigation into her allegations.

Nichols said the bill Jones had talked about in her complaint appeared to be an attempt to circumvent the university system.

"It would appear on the surface that the college was working on a bill that I did not approve and the board did not approve," Nichols said Wednesday.

The investigation, however, has become much broader. It has included an audit of CCSN lobbyist John Cumming's expenses during the legislative session. Nichols said the investigator is also looking at the college's hiring of Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, and Assemblyman Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas.

Much of the investigation has centered around Cummings, who in past interviews has said he did nothing improper.

"I have been directed by the chancellor not to comment on this matter except to say what started out as a simple inquiry appears to have taken on Salem-esque proportions," Cummings said.

Regent Linda Howard said the investigation seems to have taken a wrong turn because unreliable information and sources have been used as a basis for the investigation.

"This is a case where the process has been blatantly disregarded and the rules have been continuously violated from the top of the system all the way to the entry level," Howard said. "I'm not sure that this investigation will get to the bottom of the issues at hand."

Remington declined comment for this story.

Cummings said he believes the college community would view his removal as a travesty.

"This system would lose its premier academic leader," Cummings said. "It would not be something from which CCSN could easily recover."