News Articles – NSHE System Administration /system-administration Wed, 27 May 2026 17:22:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 /system-administration/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/nshe-favicon-150x150.png News Articles – NSHE System Administration /system-administration 32 32 What鈥檚 Driving NSHE: A Systemwide Plan for Student and State Success聽 /system-administration/news/2026/05/whats-driving-nshe-a-systemwide-plan-for-student-and-state-success/ Wed, 27 May 2026 17:21:59 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=32494 Continued]]> What Guides NSHE? Our Strategic Plan

The 海角乱伦社区鈥檚 Strategic Plan is the foundation for how we set priorities, make decisions, and serve the state. Approved by the Board of Regents, the plan provides long-term direction and ensures alignment across all eight NSHE institutions.

The current plan, Success by Design, runs through 2031 and focuses on five key goals: 

  • Increase Access to Higher Education

  • Improve Student Success

  • Close Institutional Performance Gaps

  • Meet Workforce Needs in Nevada

  • Increase Solutions Focused Research

This plan helps ensure that NSHE is focused on what matters most, improving outcomes for students and strengthening the impact of higher education across Nevada.

Further Reading

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NSHE and Washoe County Expand Secure Wi-Fi Access Service eduroam to 80 Public Locations /system-administration/news/2026/05/nshe-and-washoe-county-expand-secure-wi-fi-access-service-eduroam-to-80-public-locations/ Wed, 27 May 2026 17:20:09 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33868 Continued]]> Washoe County is now Nevada鈥檚 largest municipal eduroam provider, helping bring the statewide network of eduroam hotspots to nearly 350 locations.

The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) has partnered with Washoe County to expand eduroam, a secure Wi-Fi access service, to 80 public locations across the county, including libraries, parks, community centers, senior centers, and other county facilities. The expansion gives students, educators, and researchers more places to connect securely using their existing school or institutional credentials when they are away from their school or campus.

鈥淭his partnership with Washoe County reflects the kind of practical collaboration that helps students and educators stay connected wherever learning takes them,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淓xpanding eduroam to 80 public locations strengthens access to educational resources and supports Nevada鈥檚 K-20 students, faculty, and researchers beyond the walls of a classroom or campus.鈥

With this launch, Nevada now has nearly 350 eduroam hotspot locations statewide. Washoe County is the largest municipal eduroam provider in Nevada and adds more locations to the statewide network than any non-K-12 partner. The expansion also builds on recent NSHE partnerships with the Washoe County School District and the City of Reno, as well as earlier expansions with Clark County and the City of Las Vegas.

Together, these locations serve Nevada鈥檚 K-20 education community, including students, faculty, staff, and researchers from NSHE institutions and a growing number of K-12 partners and education organizations. As the network grows, they have more places to connect securely using their existing school or institutional credentials.

鈥淪tudents and educators do not learn and work in only one place,鈥 said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淏y expanding eduroam at public locations across Washoe County, we are giving Nevada鈥檚 education community more places to connect securely, whether they are at a library, a park, a community center, or traveling between institutions across the state.鈥

Once eduroam is set up on a user鈥檚 device, it can connect securely and automatically at participating sites across Nevada and at more than 38,000 locations worldwide.

鈥淲ashoe County is proud to partner with NSHE to make eduroam available at 80 public locations across the county,鈥 said Behzad Zamanian, Chief Information Officer for Washoe County. 鈥淥ur team focused on places where the technology infrastructure was already in place and prioritized public-facing locations such as libraries, parks, community centers and senior centers wherever possible. This gives students, educators and researchers more places to securely connect while using County facilities and community spaces.鈥

The Washoe County expansion is part of NSHE鈥檚 broader statewide effort to expand eduroam beyond campuses and into more schools, libraries, public facilities, and community spaces. A map of participating eduroam locations, including Washoe County sites and other locations across Nevada, is available .

NSHE supports eduroam in Nevada through its System Computing Services and offers the service at no cost to eligible public partners through state funding. This effort aligns with the Board of Regents鈥 priorities around access, student success, and meeting Nevada鈥檚 education and workforce needs.

About eduroam in Nevada

Through eduroam, students, faculty, and researchers affiliated with NSHE institutions already enjoy secure, user-friendly wireless internet access when visiting other NSHE institutions and more than 38,000 hotspot locations worldwide. NSHE System Computing Services is actively working to expand eduroam鈥檚 availability to K-12 schools, libraries, museums, and municipalities across the state, helping bridge the digital divide and promote educational opportunities at all levels.

Learn More

Additional details about eduroam, including how it supports students, educators, and researchers throughout Nevada, are available at . NSHE is also part of Internet2鈥檚 program, a national effort among research and education networks to expand eduroam access for K-12 schools, libraries, museums, and other community-serving locations. Questions can also be directed to support@nshe.nevada.edu.

Media Availability

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

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NSHE鈥檚 TMCC Secures GOED WINN Funding to Expand High-Demand Diesel Technician Training /system-administration/news/2026/05/nshes-tmcc-secures-goed-winn-funding-to-expand-high-demand-diesel-technician-training/ Fri, 22 May 2026 15:54:16 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33857 Continued]]> $636,637 award will strengthen hands-on training for skilled careers that keep key Nevada industries moving

Truckee Meadows Community College will expand high-demand diesel technician training thanks to a $636,637 workforce award from the , secured by the 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE).

The award was approved by the GOED Board through the Fund and will support TMCC鈥檚 Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technician Workforce Capacity Expansion. The funding will strengthen hands-on training in diesel and heavy equipment maintenance, giving students more experience with the tools, systems, and equipment used in the field.

鈥淲e appreciate GOED鈥檚 continued partnership and investment in workforce programs that respond to Nevada鈥檚 needs,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淭his funding will help expand training that connects students to good careers while supporting the employers and industries that keep our state moving. It is exactly the kind of practical work our community colleges are built to do.鈥

The award comes as Nevada continues to see strong job growth and increased demand for skilled workers. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Nevada ranked No. 1 in the nation for job creation for the ninth straight month in March, adding 28,700 jobs from March 2025 to March 2026.

鈥淣evada鈥檚 economy is growing, and NSHE has a responsibility to help students access the training and skills needed to be part of that growth,鈥 said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淭his investment helps TMCC expand capacity in a field where employers have made it clear they need more skilled technicians. It also shows what is possible when higher education, state partners, and industry work together around real workforce needs.鈥

Diesel and heavy equipment technicians play a practical and essential role in Nevada鈥檚 economy, keeping the equipment used in mining, transportation, logistics, construction, and public works operating safely and reliably. Employer partners supporting the TMCC expansion include McCandless Truck Center, Empire Southwest LLC and Coeur Rochester, each of which identified a need for more trained technicians in Nevada.

鈥淭MCC is proud to help prepare students for technical careers that support essential industries in Northern Nevada and across the state,鈥 said TMCC President Jeffrey Alexander. 鈥淭his funding will allow us to strengthen hands-on training, expand opportunities for students, and continue working closely with employers who need skilled heavy equipment and diesel technicians.鈥

The funding will support updated training equipment, instructional tools, hydraulic and diagnostic systems, and facility improvements. These upgrades will help align the learning environment with the equipment and systems students will use on the job.

鈥淚nvesting in a Heavy Equipment Diesel Technology program is an investment in Nevada鈥檚 workforce, infrastructure, and economic future,鈥 said Elaine Silverstone, GOED鈥檚 Director of Workforce Development. 鈥淎s our construction, mining, transportation, and public works industries continue to grow, the demand for highly skilled diesel technicians has never been greater. This program will create direct pathways to high-quality, high-wage, in-demand careers while helping employers across Northern Nevada build and retain the talent they need to keep our economy moving forward.鈥

The expansion supports the Board of Regents鈥 workforce priorities by strengthening career-connected training at one of NSHE鈥檚 premiere community colleges. It is part of NSHE鈥檚 broader work to help Nevada students build skills for in-demand careers while supporting the employers and industries that drive the state鈥檚 economy.

Media Availability

For media inquiries, interview opportunities, and additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

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Nevada FAFSA Completion Increases 18% as NSHE Announces聽Second Annual聽FAFSA聽Challenge Winners聽 /system-administration/news/2026/05/nevada-fafsa-completion-increases-18-as-nshe-announces-second-annual-fafsa-challenge-winners/ Tue, 19 May 2026 17:55:33 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33775 Continued]]> Three high schools recognized for leading gains in FAFSA completion across the state 

The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) is proud to announce the winners of the second annual Nevada FAFSA Challenge, recognizing three high schools for improving Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among Nevada seniors. The announcement comes as FAFSA completion among Nevada high school seniors increased 18 percent statewide as compared to the same time last year, reflecting broader progress in efforts to help more students access financial aid and postsecondary opportunities.

This year鈥檚 winners are Indian Springs High School, West Career and Technical Academy, and Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, all from the Clark County School District.

鈥淚mproving FAFSA completion is about making sure more Nevada students can see a path to higher education and understand the financial support that may be available to them,鈥 said Chair of the Board of Regents Byron Brooks. 鈥淭his work directly connects to our responsibility to expand access, improve affordability, and help students take the next step toward their future.鈥

The Nevada FAFSA Challenge recognizes high schools that achieve the greatest increase in the percentage of seniors completing the FAFSA, with categories based on senior class size.

  • Indian Springs High School increased FAFSA completion by25.83 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of up to 199 students.
  • West Career and Technical Academy increased FAFSA completion by 8.66 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of 200 to 499 students.
  • Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts increased FAFSA completion by 7.53 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of 500 or more students.

鈥淭oo many Nevada students assume higher education is financially out of reach, even while millions of dollars in aid go unused each year,鈥 said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淲hen students complete the FAFSA and understand the support available to them, they begin to see that higher education is within their reach. That is why efforts like the Nevada FAFSA Challenge are so important.鈥

The Nevada FAFSA Challenge builds on broader statewide efforts to support FAFSA completion, including NSHE鈥檚 FAFSA Completion Initiative and Apply Nevada, which provide schools, counselors, students, and families with data, workshops, and resources. The work also aligns with Assembly Bill 235, sponsored by Assemblywoman Brittney Miller and approved by the Nevada Legislature in 2021, which supports FAFSA education and coordination between high schools and Nevada colleges and universities.

鈥淎s the Destination District, our counselors and educators work to make sure students identify their path to a future career, so they graduate ready for college or a career,鈥 CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert said. 鈥淲e congratulate all three FAFSA Challenge winners and look forward to seeing more CCSD students pursuing a college degree. Thanks to the school administrators and counselors for encouraging our students to pursue higher education and sharing resources available to make that pursuit a reality.鈥

Each winning school will receive a personalized banner to display during the upcoming school year and will be formally recognized at an upcoming meeting of the Nevada Board of Regents. The Nevada State Treasury is also providing a 529 scholarship gift basket to be awarded to one FAFSA-completing senior at each winning school.

鈥淔AFSA completion is one part of helping students and families understand how education after high school can be within reach,鈥 said Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman, College Savings Deputy of the Nevada State Treasury. 鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to support the Nevada FAFSA Challenge and recognize students who are taking steps to plan for their education and their future.鈥

Completing the FAFSA can make a major difference in whether students continue their education after high school. National data shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84 percent more likely to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after graduation than those who do not. Supporting FAFSA completion also aligns with the Board of Regents鈥 2025-2031 Strategic Plan, Success by Design, which prioritizes expanding access to higher education and improving student success across Nevada.

Media Availability

Representatives from NSHE and partner organizations are available to discuss the Nevada FAFSA Challenge, FAFSA completion efforts, and the impact on Nevada students. For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.聽

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NSHE Board of Regents Selects Dr. Sandra B. Richtermeyer as Next President of Nevada State University /system-administration/news/2026/05/nshe-board-of-regents-selects-dr-sandra-b-richtermeyer-as-next-president-of-nevada-state-university/ Fri, 01 May 2026 17:03:39 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33664 Continued]]> The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) Board of Regents approved the appointment of Dr. Sandra B. Richtermeyer as the next president of Nevada State University (Nevada State), following a national search and broad community input.

鈥淒r. Richtermeyer brings strong experience and a clear understanding of the role Nevada State plays within our higher education system and the Southern Nevada community,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淎s the university continues to grow its academic programs and strengthen pathways tied to Nevada鈥檚 workforce needs, the Board is confident Dr. Richtermeyer is well prepared to lead Nevada State forward.鈥

The search for Nevada State鈥檚 next president was led by the Board鈥檚 ad hoc Nevada State University Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Regent Amy J. Carvalho, with support from Academic Search. Four finalists participated in public forums before the committee made its final recommendation to the full Board of Regents.

鈥淭his search was about finding a president who understands both where Nevada State is today and what it can become,鈥 said Regent Amy J. Carvalho, Chair of the ad hoc Nevada State University Presidential Search Committee. 鈥淲e heard from students, faculty, staff, and community members about the kind of leadership the university needs. Dr. Richtermeyer brings the ability to listen, build trust, and help Nevada State continue expanding opportunity for the people and communities it serves.鈥

NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair also shared his support for the appointment:

鈥淣evada State has made meaningful progress as a university, and this appointment is an important step in continuing that work,鈥 said Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淒r. Richtermeyer understands the importance of accessible academic programs, strong student support, and partnerships that connect education to opportunity. I look forward to working with her to support Nevada State鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff as the university continues to grow.鈥

Dr. Richtermeyer will take office on August 1, 2026, succeeding Acting President Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, who has led the university during the transition following former President Dr. DeRionne Pollard鈥檚 departure to serve as President of the American Association of Community Colleges.

The Board of Regents and the 海角乱伦社区 thank Dr. Lopez Lasater for her leadership and service during this important transition.

About Dr. Sandra B. Richtermeyer

Dr. Sandra B. Richtermeyer is a higher education leader with more than 30 years of experience in faculty and administrative roles. She currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at Rutgers University-Camden, where she leads the academic enterprise and holds a faculty appointment as a full professor of accounting.

Dr. Richtermeyer previously served as Dean of the Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she led work in enrollment growth, student engagement, fundraising, academic planning, and interdisciplinary program development. She also held faculty and leadership roles at Xavier University and the University of Wyoming, following earlier professional experience as a CPA.

Dr. Richtermeyer holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration, an MBA and an M.S. in Information Systems from the University of Colorado, and a B.S. in Management Information Systems and Accounting from the University of Wyoming. She is an active volunteer and board member and has held national and global leadership roles in several professional and nonprofit organizations.

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海角乱伦社区 Names Jason Frierson as Vice Chancellor of Government Relations /system-administration/news/2026/04/nevada-system-of-higher-education-names-jason-frierson-as-vice-chancellor-of-government-relations/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:03:43 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33622 Continued]]> The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) has named Jason Frierson as Vice Chancellor of Government Relations, where he will provide executive-level strategic direction and coordination of systemwide government relations.

Frierson brings nearly two decades of public service and legislative affairs experience at the local, state, and federal levels. He served five terms in the Nevada State Assembly, including three as Speaker, developing an exceptional command of Nevada鈥檚 legislative process and earning a reputation as a collaborative leader skilled at building bipartisan consensus.

鈥淪trong relationships with state and federal partners are essential to advancing the mission of our institutions,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淛ason Frierson’s experience in public service and his ability to bring people together will serve the 海角乱伦社区 well.鈥

鈥淛ason is a respected leader with a proven ability to navigate complex policy issues and build meaningful partnerships,鈥 said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淗is experience at the local, state, and federal levels, combined with his collaborative approach, makes him well-suited to lead our government relations efforts. We are excited to welcome him to NSHE.鈥

Frierson also served as United States Attorney for the District of Nevada, leading a team of more than 100 prosecutors and staff professionals handling federal criminal, civil, and appellate cases. Most recently, he was Principal and Counsel at Cornerstone Government Affairs, representing education, health care, technology, and economic development clients through the 2025 legislative session.

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join the 海角乱伦社区 and continue serving the people of this state,鈥 Frierson said. 鈥淣SHE plays a critical role in expanding opportunity and supporting Nevada鈥檚 future, and I look forward to working with our institutions, policymakers, and community partners to advance that mission.鈥

Frierson holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he played football and served as student body president. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he also served as student body president.

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NSHE Earns Strong Financial Ratings as System Moves to Reduce Long-Term Debt Costs /system-administration/news/2026/03/nshe-earns-strong-financial-ratings-as-system-moves-to-reduce-long-term-debt-costs/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:39:55 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33454 Continued]]> The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) has received strong financial ratings from Moody鈥檚 and S&P Global Ratings, reflecting the system鈥檚 overall financial stability and positioning it to manage borrowing costs as it continues to invest in its campuses and programs.

The ratings were issued as NSHE prepares to refinance existing debt for the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a move approved by the Board of Regents at its March 5鈥6 meeting to help reduce long-term debt service costs. The refunding bonds are scheduled for competitive sale next week.

鈥淥ur role is to provide responsible oversight and support the long-term strength of the 海角乱伦社区,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淒ecisions like this reflect that commitment and ensure our institutions remain well-positioned to serve students and communities across the state.鈥

Moody鈥檚 affirmed NSHE鈥檚 Aa2 rating, its third-highest, with a stable outlook. S&P Global Ratings assigned a similar AA- rating to the upcoming bond issuance and affirmed its AA- rating on NSHE鈥檚 existing debt, also with a stable outlook. Both ratings have remained unchanged since March 2023, reflecting the system鈥檚 continued financial strength.

To support their updated ratings, both agencies cited sustained enrollment growth, increasing operating revenues, and NSHE鈥檚 prominent statewide role as Nevada鈥檚 sole public higher education system. S&P also highlighted the system鈥檚 鈥渧ery strong鈥 enterprise and financial profile and its capacity to support future capital investment.

鈥淭his reflects the strength of our system and the care we take in managing it,鈥 said Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淲e have a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of our resources, and I thank the Board of Regents for their continued commitment to that work and to the long-term strength of our institutions and the state.鈥

Together, the ratings underscore NSHE’s sustained fiscal health and reinforce the system’s ability to plan for long-term investments across its institutions.

Media Availability

For media inquiries, interview opportunities, and additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

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NSHE Names Brody Leiser as Vice Chancellor of Budget and Finance /system-administration/news/2026/03/nshe-names-brody-leiser-as-vice-chancellor-of-budget-and-finance/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:36:22 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33431 Continued]]> The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) has named Brody Leiser as Vice Chancellor of Budget and Finance and Chief Financial Officer for System Administration.

Leiser brings more than 20 years of fiscal leadership experience with the State of Nevada, including senior roles overseeing multi-billion-dollar budgets, revenue forecasting, federal fund allocation, and legislative policy implementation.

Most recently, Leiser served as Chief Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst for the Fiscal Analysis Division of the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau. In that role, he helped lead analysis and implementation of the state鈥檚 biennial budget and worked closely with lawmakers on fiscal policy and budget legislation.

鈥淪trong financial leadership is essential to supporting our institutions and the students they serve,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淏rody鈥檚 experience in public finance and his work on Nevada鈥檚 state budget will be a valuable asset to the 海角乱伦社区.鈥

鈥淏rody brings a deep understanding of Nevada鈥檚 budget process and a long record of public service,鈥 said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淗is experience working with lawmakers and managing complex budgets will be invaluable as we continue strengthening financial stewardship across the 海角乱伦社区. We are excited to welcome him to the NSHE team.鈥

Earlier in his career, Leiser served as Deputy Director of the Nevada Department of Taxation, where he led operations within the Administrative Services Division, including budget development, accounting, tax distribution, and financial reporting.

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join the 海角乱伦社区 and support the important work happening across our institutions,鈥 Leiser said. 鈥淣SHE plays a vital role in expanding opportunity for students and strengthening Nevada鈥檚 workforce and economy. I look forward to working with campus leaders and colleagues across the system to ensure strong financial stewardship that supports students, faculty, and communities throughout the state.鈥

Leiser succeeds Chris Viton, who is returning to UNLV to serve as its next Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer. NSHE thanks Viton for his leadership and service as system CFO and is pleased that his talents will continue to benefit students and institutions within the 海角乱伦社区.

Media Availability

For media inquiries, interview opportunities, and additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

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NSHE聽Regents聽Approve New Policy to Expand Access to No-Cost and Low-Cost Course Materials聽 /system-administration/news/2026/03/nshe-regents-approve-new-policy-to-expand-access-to-no-cost-and-low-cost-course-materials/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:08:55 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33422 Continued]]> Recognizing that the cost of course materials plays a meaningful role in students鈥 academic journeys, the 海角乱伦社区 Board of Regents has approved a policy revision that strengthens the use and identification of no-cost and low-cost instructional materials across its institutions.

Under the revised policy, courses that rely exclusively on no-cost or low-cost required materials will be clearly identified in the course registration system, giving students and families clearer information as they plan their schedules and overall cost of attendance.

According to the College Board鈥檚 most recent report, students at public institutions budget between $1,290 and $1,520 per year for books and supplies, depending on the sector. Clearer identification of courses that use no-cost or low-cost materials can provide greater cost savings and predictability as families prepare for the cost of earning a degree or certificate.

The updated Board policy defines 鈥渘o-cost鈥 instructional materials as those with a total list price of $0, and 鈥渓ow-cost鈥 materials as those with a total list price greater than $0 but no more than $40 for all required materials in a single course for one term. Class or laboratory fees and equipment are not included in this calculation.

Many of the courses that qualify under the revised policy rely on Open Educational Resources, or OER. These materials are either in the public domain or openly licensed, allowing students to access them at no cost and enabling faculty to adapt content to meet course objectives. Across the country, OER have become an important tool in expanding access to learning materials while maintaining academic quality and flexibility.

鈥淎ccess is about more than admission. It is about making sure students have the tools they need to succeed once they are in the classroom,鈥 said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. 鈥淓xpanding access to no-cost and low-cost learning materials helps ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed.鈥

鈥淭his is thoughtful academic policy that supports student success,鈥 said Regent Joe Arrascada, Chair of the Academic, Research and Student Affairs Committee. 鈥淓ncouraging the use of open educational resources and other low-cost learning materials helps reduce barriers for students while preserving faculty flexibility in selecting course materials. Clearly identifying these courses will also help students make more informed decisions as they plan their schedules.鈥

Faculty at NSHE institutions will continue to select instructional materials for their courses. The revised policy encourages and supports the use of no-cost and low-cost options, including OER and library-licensed materials, while maintaining academic freedom and institutional flexibility.

鈥淲hen students have access to required materials from the first day of class and clearer information about cost, they are better positioned to stay on track and complete their programs,鈥 said Chancellor Matt McNair. 鈥淐ompletion drives opportunity. As more Nevadans earn degrees and credentials, they strengthen their own futures and contribute to a more resilient and competitive workforce for our state.鈥

Institutions will implement the updated course identification requirements in their registration systems no later than July 1, 2026.

The policy revision fulfills requirements outlined in Assembly Bill 345, passed during the 2025 Session of the Nevada State Legislature, which directed NSHE to establish clear definitions for no-cost Open Educational Resources and low-cost course materials.

Media Availability

For media inquiries, interview opportunities, and additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

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NSHE Regents鈥 2026 Distinguished Nevadans, Honorary Degrees Announced /system-administration/news/2026/03/nshe-regents-2026-distinguished-nevadans-honorary-degrees-announced/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:08:27 +0000 /system-administration/?post_type=news&p=33414 Continued]]> The 海角乱伦社区 (NSHE) Board of Regents has announced the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Nevadan Award, the most prestigious award conferred by the Board, as well as honorary degrees that will be presented at NSHE鈥檚 spring commencement ceremonies.

Distinguished Nevadans

The Distinguished Nevadan Award recognizes prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to the cultural, economic, scientific, or social advancement of Nevada and its people.

This year鈥檚 Distinguished Nevadans include:

  • Donna Lee (Nominated by Chair Byron Brooks) 鈥 A retired United States Navy veteran and longtime advocate for Nevada鈥檚 veteran community, Lee has dedicated more than two decades to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Through hands-on advocacy, she has helped hundreds of Nevada veterans access housing, benefits, treatment, and mentorship while advancing efforts to address veteran homelessness, mental health, and suicide prevention. Her continued service and leadership have strengthened support networks for veterans across Southern Nevada.
  • Diana L. Bennett (Nominated by Regent Heather Brown) 鈥 A pioneering leader in the gaming and hospitality industry, Bennett is the Chair and Co-Founder of Paragon Gaming and a second-generation casino operator whose work has shaped gaming development across North America. Her career has been marked by innovation and leadership, including her induction into the American Gaming Association鈥檚 Gaming Hall of Fame in 2017. In Nevada, Bennett has also made a lasting impact through extensive philanthropic leadership, serving as Chair of the Three Square Food Bank Board and the UNLV Foundation Board while supporting numerous initiatives that advance education, community development, and opportunities for women.
  • Dixie May (Nominated by Regent Carol Del Carlo) 鈥 A Reno philanthropist whose decades of generosity have supported education, youth programs, and community organizations across Northern Nevada, May has made lasting contributions to the University of Nevada, Reno and the broader community. Through both personal giving and the Wilbur May Foundation, she has provided significant support for Wolf Pack Athletics, student scholarships, and programs such as the Dean鈥檚 Future Scholars initiative, while also contributing to community organizations, including the Children鈥檚 Cabinet and Renown Health.
  • Thomas J. Hall (Nominated by Regent Jeffrey S. Downs) 鈥 A Reno attorney whose career in real estate, land use, and water law has helped shape development across Northern Nevada, Hall has practiced law in the Reno-Tahoe region for more than five decades. Beyond his legal work, he has been deeply involved in civic and educational leadership, serving in numerous community organizations and supporting initiatives that expand opportunities for Nevada students. His longstanding commitment to the University of Nevada, Reno, including service as chair of the UNR Foundation and president of the Alumni Association, has strengthened programs in education, aviation, and community development across the region
  • Alan Feldman (Nominated by Vice Chair Stephanie Goodman) 鈥 A longtime Las Vegas leader whose career in gaming communications and public affairs has spanned more than three decades, Feldman has helped shape conversations around responsible gaming and community health in Nevada. After senior leadership roles with Mirage Resorts and MGM Resorts International, he continued his advocacy through work with organizations focused on problem gambling awareness and research, including the International Center for Responsible Gaming and the Nevada State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling. Feldman also contributes to education and research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute, where he supports initiatives that advance responsible gaming practices and public understanding of gambling-related issues.

Honorary Degrees

Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the improvement of academic programs and student life at one of NSHE鈥檚 eight institutions.

College of Southern Nevada 鈥 Honorary Associate Degree

  • Frank R. Woodbeck 鈥 A longtime public servant and higher education leader, Woodbeck retired from the College of Southern Nevada in 2025 after more than four decades advancing workforce development, economic development, and public policy in Nevada. Through his work with CSN, the 海角乱伦社区, and the State of Nevada, he helped strengthen partnerships that connect education and workforce opportunities for Nevadans, including efforts supporting the Westside Education and Training Center in Las Vegas.

Great Basin College 鈥 Honorary Baccalaureate Degree

  • Terri ClarkA healthcare and community leader with more than three decades of service in Nevada, Clark has strengthened partnerships among healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community organizations. A graduate of Great Basin College and Chair of the college鈥檚 Institutional Advisory Council, she has supported initiatives that expand student support services and workforce pathways in rural communities.

Nevada State University 鈥 Honorary Master鈥檚 Degrees

  • Stephanie Garcia-Vause 鈥 A longtime public servant with nearly three decades of leadership in the City of Henderson, Garcia-Vause has helped advance planning and development efforts that support education and community growth in Southern Nevada. She played a key role in the College Area Plan that established the foundation for the development and expansion of Nevada State University and strengthened collaboration between local government and higher education.
  • Jon Porter 鈥 A former mayor, state senator, and U.S. representative, Porter has dedicated his public service career to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities across Southern Nevada. He played a key role in the establishment of Nevada State College, now Nevada State University, helping expand access to four-year public higher education for the region鈥檚 growing population.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas 鈥 Honorary Doctorate Degrees

  • Jacob Coin 鈥 A citizen of the Hopi Tribe and a leader in Indian gaming law and policy, Coin has spent nearly three decades advocating for tribal sovereignty and economic development across Native communities. Through a 25-year partnership with the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, he has supported student mentorship, curriculum development, and workforce opportunities, while helping secure a $9 million investment to expand UNLV鈥檚 education initiatives in tribal hospitality, governance, and gaming.
  • Jung-Ho Suh 鈥 A UNLV alumnus and Chairman of Ambassador Hotel Group, Suh is a global hospitality leader whose work has helped shape the modern tourism and lodging industry in South Korea and beyond. Through decades of partnership with UNLV鈥檚 William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, including philanthropic support and international collaboration, he has helped expand the university鈥檚 global reach and strengthen hospitality education worldwide.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

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