Derby files for third term on regents

Saying the university system is in a critical transition, Jill Derby of Gardnerville filed Monday for a third term on the Board of Regents.

"It's a time of really great transition for us and we need some stability and continuity," said Derby, who is in her third year chairing the board.

She pointed out that the board is working through complex issues involving equity between the different campuses while building a budget, looking for a new chancellor, vice chancellor of finance and campus presidents for the Community College of Southern Nevada among other positions.

She said they hope to finalize the description of what the new chancellor should be to put out to potential candidates May 9.

"We want a very good professional who brings strong leadership to the system," she said.

But she said that doesn't necessarily mean someone who will centralize control over the seven campuses in the system.

"I'm not saying a 'strong chancellor,'" she said. "That sends a message to people that I think is inaccurate."

The board is also working through creation of Nevada's first four-year state college, to be located in Henderson, and the dental school lawmakers approved in 1999.

The dental school was approved amid assurances it would not require large amounts of state money but would be pretty much self-sufficient. But University of Nevada Las Vegas President Carol Harter told the regents in April it would require significant state funding.

Derby said the board will receive a report on that issue and that the funding issue "is the conversation at the June meeting."

Derby's district includes south Washoe County, the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Douglas, Storey and part of Lyon counties.