The Nevada System of Higher educations website defines a Regent as similar to a corporate board of directors, Nevada’s Board of Regents governs the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Elected to serve a six-year term, the 13 Regents set policies and approve budgets for Nevada’s entire public system of higher education: four community colleges, one state college, two universities and one research institute.
The eight institutions the Regents govern include: College of Southern Nevada; Desert Research Institute; Great Basin College; Nevada State College; Truckee Meadows Community College; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of Nevada, Reno; and Western Nevada College. NSHE provides educational opportunities to more than 106,000 students.
That’s a great definition of what a Regent is, and here’s my take on the position: A Regent in the Nevada System of Higher Education must be a resource to Nevada’s institutions. In addition to setting policy and approving budgets, regents are responsible for choosing the presidents of Nevada’s colleges and universities and being a liaison between the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and the rest of the community.
Regents are part of higher education strategic planning to ensure that students have access to resources, that students are graduating in a timely manner, and that higher education institutions have partnerships with local companies so that those who are already in the work force can access programs of study online. I believe a key role for a Regent is to engage the community, and ensure that our campuses have everything they need to empower community members through education.
Why am I Qualified to be a Regent?
After getting out of the military, I used my G.I. Bill and attended Jr. College. I spent more time accumulating college course credits than I should have due to a lack of academic guidance. After receiving more than enough credits to earn my Associate Degree, I was accepted to Cal State San Marcos where I studied literature with an emphasis in critical analysis. I put myself through school and can relate to the challenges of students who have to do the same. I have a firm understanding of the importance of the resources students must have in order for their education to be successful. I understand that we are in unprecedented times and my experience in working in high threat environments equates to working in areas of what can be considered crisis. I have seven years of experience in working for the betterment of our community in a non-partisan capacity, including three years of experience as an elected school organization team member helping with budgetary issues and policy for an elementary school.
I recognize that students in our higher education system are a diverse group of community members whose ages vary. I believe it’s important to recognize that the learning process and challenges of our adult learners, including those transitioning from military service, are different from students who have recently graduated from high school.
As a small business owner and someone with experience in assessing personnel for overseas government work, I believe I bring a fresh approach to the regent position. Based on the culmination of all my experiences, I have been able to demonstrate a high capacity for large scale coordination, problem solving and organizational evaluations. My experience in the community, as an advocate for the betterment of all community members, has provided me the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic leaders. I’ll work collaboratively with the current board and help implement policies for the betterment of students, faculty, and supporting staff.