Monday, April 30, 2018 | 7:50 p.m.
Bart Patterson
The president of Nevada State College was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last week after a single-vehicle accident, the college confirmed tonight.
In a statement, the college said President Bart Patterson was driving home from a charity event when the accident occurred.
“I want to sincerely apologize to the Board of Regents, chancellor, to our community, to my friends and family, to the faculty and staff, and most of all to our terrific students at Nevada State College,” Patterson said in the statement. “I want to always be a role model for them and feel terrible that I let everyone down on what was otherwise a tremendous day for the college. I feel fortunate that nobody was injured and am taking the appropriate steps to ensure this never happens again. While I thought I was in a position to safely drive, clearly I made the wrong choice and am tremendously regretful.”
Patterson is in his sixth year as the leader of Henderson-based NSC, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Before becoming president of the college, Patterson was a vice chancellor and general counsel for the Nevada System of Higher Education.
During an interview with the Sun this month, Patterson said he was hoping to remain at the college for several more years. There was no immediate word from NSHE about what consequences Patterson might face.
“I hope that I can maintain trust in my leadership,” Patterson said in the statement.
