Nevada State College President Fred Maryanski dies

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Las Vegas Sun

Nevada State College President Fred Maryanski poses with students in January 2009 after a town hall meeting on education at UNLV.

By Sun Staff (contact)

Published Friday, July 2, 2010 | 8:59 p.m.

Updated Saturday, July 3, 2010 | 8:08 p.m.

Fred Maryanski

Nevada State College President Fred J. Maryanski, credited with transforming the school into a viable and respected institution, died Friday evening. He was 63.

Maryanski died at Nathan Adelson Hospice surrounded by family and friends, the college said in a news release.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, President Fred Maryanski,” said Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Dan Klaich.

“His contributions to Nevada State College are remarkable, and for this reason, his memory will be a permanent fixture in the hearts and minds of the Nevada System of Higher Education,” Klaich said.

Maryanski had led the Henderson college since February 2005.

“Because of Maryanski’s leadership, Nevada State College quickly transformed itself into a viable and respected institution throughout Nevada,” the college said.

Maryanski shepherded the institution through the final stages of its accreditation process, spearheaded and finalized the college’s 509-acre campus master plan, opened the college’s first permanent building on campus and managed the rapid growth of student enrollment, officials said.

“Students, faculty and staff at Nevada State College will fondly remember our dear friend, Fred Maryanski, for his compassion and generosity,” Provost Lesley DiMare said. “Fred is a priceless treasure at Nevada State and in this community. We are so fortunate to have had his leadership.”

Before moving to Nevada, Maryanski was interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Connecticut.

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid issued a statement saying that he was deeply saddened to hear of Maryanski’s death.

“Fred was respected throughout the community and always a pleasure to work with,” Reid said. “He has meant so much to students in Nevada and made Nevada State College the great institution it is today.”

In a statement issued Saturday, U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley said Maryanski will be "remembered for his remarkable contributions as president of Nevada State College and his lifelong passion for education. His vision helped create Nevada State College and his legacy will be the achievements made by generations of students who will benefit from his dedication and leadership."

Maryanski is survived by his wife, Karen Maryanski; sons David Maryanski of Fayetteville, N.C., and Peter Maryanski of Enfield, Conn.; a daughter, Krista Maryanski, of Los Angeles; and three grandchildren.

Information about funeral services was not immediately available. The college is planning to conduct a special celebration of his life in the near future, officials said.