Chancellor Jim Rogers spoke to over 300 (more would have attended except the room was at capacity) on his State of the System Address for Nevada System of Higher Education at Nevada Development Authority’s October 2007 meeting in Las Vegas. Chancellor Jim Rogers is the Chief Executive of the University System which includes eight institutions of higher education. The University System in Nevada is the only higher education system in the United States that is governed by one central authority [1], namely the chancellor. A large portion of the audience was from the university, the community colleges and the Clark County School District. In addition the audience included businessmen, politicians and community leaders.
Rogers was happy to report that the Nevada Health Sciences System is a reality. The Health System’s goals are to develop quality medical care and state of the art research. The eight institutions have 150 related health programs which the system is expanding to create more nurses, doctors, and health care professionals. The institutions are forming partnerships with doctors, hospitals and researchers to raise the quality of health care in Nevada. Rogers said that Nevada is ranked 45th for doctors, 49th for nurses and 39th in state health status.
In the past year the institutions are beginning to the develop business partnerships which will help develop the economic engine of Nevada. Rogers believes that a key part of Nevada’s economic future requires 1) research and technology transfer and 2)workforce development and training. Rogers is committed to increasing the number of kids that finish high school and complete a college education which is an area that Nevada can improve.
Rogers would like to see more businesses and individuals invest in education. He believes that a great university system cannot be built alone by legislators; 75% of the funding must come from the private sector. Although he believes it is crucial in 2009 that the legislature increases its funding of higher education or education in Nevada will slide backwards.
Rogers ran the breakfast meeting but the audience watched his and Walt Rulffes, Clark County Superintendent, taped presentations. The two presentations would be shown again on Channel 3 on Friday, October 12th. Rogers is providing clear leadership for the University System in Nevada.
1. Nevada’s State of Education October 2007. Copy of speeches by Chancellor Jim Rogers, Superintendent Walt Rulffess, et al. October 10, 2007.
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