The little (soon-to-be-big) college that could

By Damon Hodge

Thursday, May 22, 2008 | midnight

“Critics view the concept as a financial sinkhole that could swallow the state’s higher-education budget.” –Las Vegas Sun, 1999

When the idea for a state college to serve as the second tier of a three-tiered state higher-education system sprouted in the late ’90s, sentiment was divided. Some saw Nevada State College working like its California counterparts—as an option for thousands of students unable to meet the strict standards of the University of California system. UNLV would have to be more selective to become a top research institution, the thinking went, and students denied admissions would need someplace to go get a four-year degree. Enter NSC.

Of the naysayers’ voices, Nevada System of Higher Education Regent Steve Sisolak’s rose loudest: “I had some reservations early on, and I still have reservations. I wish the state had allocated more money to the college, especially when we had a surplus.”

A rocky beginning didn’t assuage fears. Shortly after NSC opened in 2002 with 176 students, then-president Kerry Romesburg left for a job in Florida. Fundraising lagged. Romesburg only raised $1 million of the $10 million he promised. “We had a roller coaster of a beginning,” says Spencer Stuart, NSC’s associate vice president of college relations.

And yet, six years and more than 300 graduates later, NSC’s authoring a different narrative. The school has proven its worth—even to Sisolak. “I’m happy it’s here.”

You should be, too. Its education and nursing programs are helping fill gaps in those respective professions. The bulk of the 150 graduates at May 17’s commencement majored in nursing and education, and most alumni, Stuart says, stay and work in Nevada.

NSC has been a hit with Hendersonites (a third of the student body), as well as students wanting smaller class sizes and cheaper tuition. With 509 acres—compared to UNLV’s 339—NSC has room to grow. Master plans call for up to 25,000 students and, possibly, sports teams.

That’ll take money. The state’s current budget crisis worries Sisolak. “NSC is the youngest institution, the baby in the family. UNLV and UNR are teenagers and have needs. It’s freed up students who can’t get in those schools, but they’re being directed to state college, and NSC doesn’t have the capacity to accept them. Economic issues hurt state colleges more than others.”

Not one for hindsighting higher education, Chancellor Jim Rogers says he’s content with NSC’s progress. “I knew about funding issues, but I hate to anticipate problems. I don’t start worrying about things until they’re here.”