Rogers: Morgan should consider post

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006 | 7:49 a.m.

UNLV's Boyd Law School Dean Richard Morgan is an ideal candidate for the university's soon-to-be vacated presidency, Chancellor Jim Rogers said Friday.

And Morgan, 60, is considering applying for the job.

Despite Rogers' support, that doesn't mean he'll get it, both men said.

"I really don't see myself as necessarily even a candidate for the job, much less even getting the job," said Morgan, who said he was surprised by UNLV President Carol Harter's decision to step down this summer. "These are very, very attractive positions that should attract really wonderful candidates."

Rogers believes Morgan is a wonderful candidate, and if there is a better one, it means the university system will have a "great choice."

While the Nevada System of Higher Education will conduct a national search, Morgan has found a big supporter in Rogers. The chancellor said the two share a similar management style, the same incentive to "drive every nickel that you can into the classroom," and the same flair for raising money and working in the community.

Rogers also can't say enough about Morgan's success in launching UNLV's law school, which opened in August 1998.

Rogers has repeatedly pointed to the law school as the poster child for success at UNLV. U.S. News & World Report ranked it in its top 100 law schools in spring 2004 -- the first year the school was able to be ranked. In 2005 the law school dropped a few places in the rankings, but saw three of its specialty programs named in the top 25 in the nation.

"I believe in him," said Rogers, who went on to rave about everything from Morgan's experience as a corporate lawyer under former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan to Morgan being at the top of his class at UCLA's law school.

Rogers has also repeatedly turned to Morgan as a mediator to help him negotiate with regents and other system officials.

Others have recently approached Morgan to apply for the open UNR presidency, something he said he considered but decided not to do.

Morgan said he'll have to talk with his family before he makes a decision about UNLV. The main task before the next presidents of both universities is the proposed academic medical center, and while it is an exciting project, it is also a hefty one, Morgan said.

He's also not finished with the building of the law school, he said.

"There are more challenges and more fun to be had there."

Morgan noted that the law school would not be here today if it had not been for Harter.

"She got it going with the Legislature and the donor community before anyone ever heard of me, and since I've been here, she's been very supportive of the law school," Morgan said.

The search to replace Harter will begin Monday, according to Bret Whipple, chairman of the regents.

Christina Littlefield can be reached at 259-8813 or at clittle@ lasvegassun.com.