Elko rancher files for Board of Regents seat

Elko rancher and former Great Basin College vice president Stan Aiazzi filed Thursday for the Board of Regents seat representing rural Nevada.

Aiazzi, who worked for Great Basin College since it began as Elko Community College 30 years ago, said his focus is on access for students.

"I know what higher education does for rural people," he said.

He cited himself as an example, saying he was a 24-year-old cowboy when he decided to go to college.

Aiazzi, 59, described himself as "a community college advocate."

"The potential is almost unlimited," he said.

He also said he hopes to add a more stable influence to the board.

"I think it's time somebody with a calm, reasonable voice was on the regents," he said.

Since leaving Great Basin College, he has been ranching cattle on leased property near Lamoille in Elko County.

He enters the race for the seat representing most of rural Nevada against former regent Dorothy Gallagher who said she decided to run again after Marcia Bandera of Elko decided not to be a candidate. Bandera was appointed to the District 8 seat two years ago.

when Gallagher retired four years into her six-year term.