Jim Rogers gets chancellor emeritus title at Regents meeting

By Emily Richmond

Thursday, March 4, 2010 | 3:15 p.m.

Jim Rogers -- philanthropist, businessman and retired chief officer of Nevada's higher education system -- picked up a new title at today's Board of Regents meeting: chancellor emeritus.

James Dean Leavitt, the Regents' chairman, proposed the honor in recognition of Rogers' service to higher ed. Rogers served five years as chancellor and stepped down July 1, 2009. He has also been a major donor, including $25 million to UNLV.

But the ceremonial moment was tinged with some bitterness, as Rogers expressed his profound disappointment at how the state's budget crisis was hurting public education in Nevada.

"It breaks my heart that we're slowly giving away our future," Rogers said. "This is death by a thousand cuts, literally."

During the recent special session, the Legislature ordered a 6.9 percent reduction in education funding. While that's better than the 10 percent that had been previously discussed as a likely scenario, it shouldn't be considered a victory, Rogers told the standing-room-only audience at the College of Southern Nevada's West Charleston campus.

"I hope that you’re not content," Rogers said. "I hope you’re just about an inch away from rage."

He pledged his continued support of higher education and said he would use all resources at his disposal to help lobby on its behalf. Rogers is owner of Sunbelt Communications, which operates 16 television affiliates in five states, including KVBC Channel 3 in Las Vegas.

Known for his hands-on leadership style, typically evidenced by the rolled-up sleeves of the plaid shirts he favors, Rogers was more formally attired today in a blue blazer and red and blue striped tie.

"I always wondered what it would take to get you in a coat and tie," Leavitt said, to laughter from the audience.

"I promise you it will never happen again," Rogers said.