Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

THE SAGA OF CHANCELLOR JIM ROGERS AND THE REGENTS

The scene: The 13 regents who oversee the state's university system are seated at a long table inside a college auditorium in Henderson. Two weeks earlier, in a fit of pique, Chancellor Jim Rogers wrote a two-word memo to regents: "I quit." He then mended relations and wrote another curt memo: "I hereby withdraw my resignation."

On this day, about 100 higher-education officials are wondering what will happen when Rogers and regents come together for the first public meeting since they patched up their relationship.

Regent Chairman Bret Whipple (who had called for Rogers' resignation on Jan. 12): Welcome everyone, I'd like to thank everyone for their restraint and professionalism since the episode. The chancellor and I have our few differences, but we agree on most everything else. I really appreciate the work he does.

Applause.

Regent Steve Sisolak: I'd like to thank Jim and Regent James Dean Leavitt (who also wanted Rogers' head) for working things out. They were real gentlemen.

Applause.

Rogers: Well, I am a man of two words or four words.

Laughter.

I have, on the advice of my wife, Beverly, sworn to everyone that there will be no more written memos.

More laughter, and the meeting continues with other business.

Later, the agenda turns to the issue of regent-chancellor relations. Spectators shift in their seats with anticipation.

Whipple: All right, let's set some ground rules. I intentionally placed this after lunch so there would be no throwing of food, no throwing knives, no forks.

Regent Howard Rosenberg: Oh, damn, you're no fun.

Leavitt: I just want to say that the chancellor and I did meet over dinner, we worked out our differences, he publicly and privately apologized, it was a sincere apology and I accepted it. And that's all I have to say about that.

Regent Ron Knecht: I'd like to read a prepared statement that unfortunately is not as short as I would like. Jim has done an excellent job as chancellor ... CEOs who overrun their corporate boards are bad ... Regents need to make sure there is a balance ... Hopefully we can move forward.

Rogers picks his nails.

Regent Michael Wixom: We had a difficult time, but now we are in a good place, and this is a good conversation.

Rosenberg: I wish I could not like Jim and just get mad at him, but he is the most likable guy. Many times I see myself when I look at him.

Rogers: That's scary.

Laughter.

Rosenberg: It's the nicest insult you've ever gotten. We're both passionate � and we both tend to engage our mouth before we engage our brain, and it's a strength and a weakness. Still, the board should reevaluate the balance of power between the chancellor and the regents. And that goes for any chancellor, not just him.

Rogers picks his nails.

Regent Dorothy Gallagher: This whole mess is a failure to communicate, and we need to move on and stop beating this dead horse. If you have a problem with someone, don't write a letter. Just get them in a room, shut the door and have it out.

Sisolak: Are there any students left in the room?

A handful of student government representatives stand up.

This whole thing was resolved because of you, because both men believe in you students, so I want to applaud you.

Applause.

Regent Jack Lund Schofield: I taught with Jim's mom and knew his dad, and they are good people. Jim is a good man. I'm so glad we are working together again as a team.

Rogers picks his nails.

Regent Cedric Crear: This raised a few concerns for me, and the whole thing should have been handled more professionally. But I think we should give the CEO power and stay out of it.

Rosenberg: But business and academia don't mix that way!

Regent Mark Alden: What a terrific board we have. We all work so hard.

Regent Thalia Dondero: I just think the chancellor is wonderful.

Whipple: Any other comments or questions?

Regents shake their heads. Rogers picks his nails.

Whipple: Seeing none, let's move on.

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