Member |
| NEVADA FACULTY ALLIANCE ESTABLISHED 1983 |
2024 BOARD OF REGENTS Elections
The NFA-PAC is pleased to announce endorsements for Carlos David Fernandez (Regent Distrist 1), Tonia Holmes-Sutton (Regent District 4), Carol Del Carlo (Regent District 9, elected in primary), and Amy Carvalho (Regent District 12).
READ MORE>> Nevada Faculty Alliance Announces Endorsements for the Board of Regents
General Election on November 5, 2024. Early voting begins October 19 and ends November 1, 2024
Candidate Responses to NFA Questionnaire
Board of Regents District 1
| Board of Regents Race | Candidates | |
|---|---|---|
| Regent District 1 | Matthew Bowen | Carlos Fernandez (NFA Endorsed Candidate) |
| www.Fernandez4NV.com | ||
| Any notable endorsements | No Response |
Vegas Chamber of Commerce AFL-CIO Southern Nevada Central Labor Council International Brotherhood of Teamsters - 14 International Brotherhood of Teamsters - 631 Nevada State Education Association Distinction: Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate |
| Educational background | No Response |
B.A. Journalism - Integrated Marketing Communication, University of Nevada, Las Vegas M.A. Urban Leadership (In Progress), University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
| Current profession/employment | No Response | Executive Director, The American Institute of Architects, Nevada & Las Vegas Chapters |
| Professional/employment background | No Response |
Public Policy Manager, Vegas Chamber o Specialized on issues related to K-12 Education, Higher Education & Workforce Development Program Manager, University of Nevada, Las Vegas o Established UNLV's Passport Acceptance Facility in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and Vice President's Office for Student Affairs Solutions Analyst, Foresee Consulting o Project management consulting role focusedon system migration andupgrades. |
| Past elected offices or other public service | No Response |
President, Consolidated Students of the University of Nevada (CSUN) Vice Chair, Nevada Student Alliance |
| Briefly, why are you running for the Board of Regents at this time? | No Response | I am running for the Board of Regents because I see a critical opportunity to shape the future of Nevada's higher education to betteralign with our evolving workforce needs,ensure greater accessibility, and support student success from enrollment through graduation and into their careers. My experiences have given me a unique perspectiveon how to bridge gaps between education and industry, and I feel compelled to contribute at a pivotal time for educational policy in Nevada |
| What are your three highest priorities for the Board of Regents and the Nevada System of Higher Education? | No Response |
1) Accessibility (Engage): Enhancing accessibility to higher education for all Nevadans, reducing barriers to entry, and promoting diverse educational pathways. 2) Student Success (Empower): Fostering environments that support student success, including comprehensive advising, career services, and community engagement initiatives. 3) Workforce Alignment (Elevate): Ensuring that academic programs are closely aligned with the current and future needs of Nevada's economy, preparing students for successful careers. |
| From your perspective, what is the role of higher education in Nevada? | No Response | The role of higher education in Nevada is to serve as a cornerstone for personal and professional development, economic growth, and societal advancement. It should provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers, foster innovation, and contribute to the state's overall prosperity. |
| The Board of Regents oversees two comprehensive universities, a four-year state university, four community colleges, and a research institute. Given limited resources, how would you balance the needs and allocate resources for the various institutions of NSHE? | No Response | Balancing the needs and allocating resources among NSHE institutions requires a strategic approach based on each institution's strengths, community needs, and potential for impact. I would advocate for a collaborative assessment of priorities, ensuring that resources support programs with the highest potential for student success and alignment with Nevada's economic development goals. The work that the Board of Regents is doing in providing institutions with an updated funding formula will help address this very issue. |
| The Board of Regents and Nevada System of Higher Education have been in the news lately and over many years for conflicts among and between Regents, the Chancellor, campus Presidents, and the Legislature. How would you address those issues? | No Response | Addressing conflicts within NSHE requires open communication, transparency, and a commitment to shared goals. I would promote a culture of collaboration, ensuring all voices are heard and focusing on common objectives that advance the quality and accessibility of higher education in Nevada. With this in mind, NSHE must stick and be accountable to policies that the they have developed for themselves in terms of their actions and conducting themselves with the highest of standards, including the use of language that is proper and inclusive. |
| What are your thoughts about collective bargaining for NSHE professional employees? Specifically, do you support or oppose legislation for collective bargaining rights for NSHE professional employees in statute? | No Response | I support collective bargaining rights for NSHE professional employees as a means to ensure fair treatment, equitable compensation, and a conducive working environment. It's important that employees have a voice in negotiations that affect their professional lives and the quality of education they provide. |
| In the wake of the December 6th tragedy at UNLV, how would you propose to improve campus safety? | No Response | Improving campus safety requires a comprehensive approach, including enhanced security measures, mental health support, and community engagement programs. I would advocate for a review of current safety protocols, investment in mental health resources, and the development of community-based strategies to foster a safe and supportive campus environment. |
| Would you support or oppose a policy to regulate discussion of or teaching about topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity on NSHE campuses? | No Response | I support academic freedom and the exploration of diverse perspectives in higher education. Policies regulating discussion on topics like Critical Race Theory and gender identity should protect this freedom and ensure that education fosters critical thinking, inclusivity, and understanding among students. |
| What is your view of NSHE governance? Should the Board of Regents concern itself with the internal operations of the eight NSHE institutions, or else should the Board simply hire the Presidents and let them run the institutions? | No Response | NSHE governance should balance oversight with autonomy, ensuring the Board of Regents sets strategic priorities and policy directions while empowering institution presidents to manage day-to-day operations effectively. This approach supports accountability across the system. |
| Recently, a search for Chancellor ended with no hire and an appointment of an Interim Chancellor. What steps would you recommend to create a transparent and successful process for hiring a highly qualified candidate for Chancellor? | No Response | A transparent and successful process for hiring a Chancellor involves clear criteria, broad stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to diversity and excellence. Considering the current structure that requires Nevada open meeting law be followed, I would recommend an open search process that solicits input from across the NSHE community and leverages external expertise to identify and attract top candidates. |
| A proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution is on the ballot this November. What is your position on the proposed amendment? | No Response | My stance on the proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution is one I strongly support. Through my work with the Vegas Chamber, I've been actively involved in advocating for this change. I believe that by removing the Board from the constitution, we can enhance accountability and ensure that the Board does not function as an unchecked "fourth branch of government." This amendment is a crucial step towards ensuring that the governance of higher education in Nevada remains transparent, responsive, and fully accountable to the public and the state legislature. |
| If elected to the Board of Regents, do you pledge to uphold the principles of academic freedom and tenure as expressed in the AAUP/AACU Statement of Principles of Academic Freedom and Tenure? | No Response | Yes |
Board of Regents District 4
| Board of Regents Race | Candidates | |
|---|---|---|
| Regent District 4 | Aaron Bautista | Tonia Holmes-Sutton (NFA Endorsed Candidate) |
| aaronbfornevada.com | toniaholmessutton.org | |
| Any notable endorsements |
Nothing official as of now aside from motivational speaker & #8 ranked light heavyweight UFC fighter Khalil Rountree, but I do have support from State Assemblywoman Erica Mosca and State Senator Edgar Flroes, they are who encouraged me to run for Regent. In addition, I have support from State Assemblymen Reuben D'Silva & Max Carter, plus County Commissioner Tick Segerbloom & City Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, both told me to call if I need help with anything. Currently, I am still filling out questionnaires and attending endorsement interviews, but in a previous election I received an A grade from the NV Democratic Education Caucus, was a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate and had an Honorable Mention from PLAN Action. |
Veterans In Politics International (VIPI) Nevada Democratic Veterans and Military Families Caucus (NV Dem Vets) Nevada Veterans Association, and Armed Forces Chamber |
| Educational background | I hold a Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelors In Public Administration from Nevada State University, and an Associates of Art from CSN. |
Doctorate of Education, Educational Leadership, UNLV National Board Certification, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Masters of Education, Special Education, UNLV Teaching Certification, UNLV Bachelors of Arts, Social Sciences, Hawaii Loa College Regents High School Diploma, New York |
| Current profession/employment | I am currently a special education teacher at Mater Academy. | Educational Consultant and Leader, State and National |
| Professional/employment background | I have been a teacher for 9 years now, but prior to that I worked for a telecom company called Vital Communications for 6 years as a Warehouse Manager. Before that, I worked in retail at various malls. | I am a National Board Certified Teacher(NBCT). I have served as an educational leader within and outside of the classroom for more than twenty years. I am an educator, leader, and advocate, leading and serving in Clark County as well as throughout Nevada. I engage and empower students, teachers, and leaders in my diverse leadership capacities in local and national networks as well as through state and national Board leadership service. |
| Past elected offices or other public service | I'm currently on the Neighborhood Partners Fund board for the City of Las Vegas, and the For Our Future East Las Vegas board, appointed by Councilwoman Olivia Diaz for both. |
Nevada State Public Charter School Authority Board, Chair, Las Vegas, Nevada Department of Education Appointed Board Member (2019-Present) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Board of Directors, Washington, D.C. Elected Board Director (2016-Present) WestEd Board of Directors, Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory San Francisco, California Nevada State Board of Education Appointed Board Director (2015 - Present) National Teachers Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, Emporia, Kansas Elected Board Trustee (2018-2023) Nevada State Board of Education, Las Vegas, Nevada Governor-Appointed Board Member (2014-2019), Committee Leadership Service Nevada Institute on Teaching and Education Preparation Advisory Board Member, Las Vegas, Nevada; University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Education National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Arlington, VA; Audit Committee Member, Nominating Committee Member, Policy & Advocacy Committee Member; Resource Development Committee Member; Executive Leadership Committee Member WestEd, San Francisco, California, Human Resources and Institutional Development Committee Member, (Vice-Chair, Chair); Management Committee Member (Vice-Chair); CEO Performance & Compensation Committee, Executive Leadership Committee (Vice Chair) Accountability ESSA Workgroup Committee, Nevada Department of Education School Performance Accountability Advisory Committee, Nevada Department of Education State Improvement Planning Committee,Nevada Department of Education |
| Briefly, why are you running for the Board of Regents at this time? | I am running for Board of Regents because I want to improve education and improve my community. As a special education teacher, I'm constantly fighting for my students and families, now I'd like to fight for a better future for them. | I am committed to leveraging my leadership experience as a state and national education leader to inform, influence, and impact education for all Nevadans. I have led and served at the local, state, and national levels in diverse and dynamic capacities, advocating for equity, access, diversity, inclusion, and belonging - and I humbly seek do so, if elected as Board Regent for District 4. |
| What are your three highest priorities for the Board of Regents and the Nevada System of Higher Education? |
1. Increase access & affordability 2. Better the teacher pipeline 3. Improve the learning & working environment by making it safer, more inclusive, & mental health friendly. |
1) Equitable Access to Education I am committed to making higher education accessible to all students, irrespective of their background or financial status. I am dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university system, ensuring fair representation and opportunities for all. 2) Student and Faculty Well-being and Mental Health I advocate for the continued development of student support services, mental health resources for both students and faculty, and comprehensive, academic advising to foster student achievement throughout their educational journey. 3) Communication and Collaboration I support fostering communication and collaboration across the various tiers of public education in our state, thereby reinforcing the PK-16 educational continuum for all Nevadans. |
| From your perspective, what is the role of higher education in Nevada? | For me there's two roles, to improve the outlook of the state by educating students, and to improve the future of the student, also by educating the student. |
I am committed to the advancement of higher education, recognizing the significant role that education plays in fostering an informed, innovative society and maintaining a competitive edge within the global community. Investing in our universities, colleges, and research institutions - encouraging research and development, and attracting top-tier faculty is of critical importance. Education is ongoing endeavor that enriches our lives and our communities. Furthermore, higher education is a driver of economic growth, providing our learners, our workforce with advanced skills and knowledge; allowing us to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across various industries. |
| The Board of Regents oversees two comprehensive universities, a four-year state university, four community colleges, and a research institute. Given limited resources, how would you balance the needs and allocate resources for the various institutions of NSHE | I would balance by looking at equity. I would see where there are disadvantages, and those disadvantages would have to be accounted for. Students and faculty should never be at a disadvantage when going to a certain university or college, and resources must be distributed based on that. We must make sure when analyzing distribution, we are looking at factors such as economic situations of students, facilities, language, support systems etc. because certain factors might call for more resources. | I am deeply committed to the equitable distribution of resources among our institutions of higher education. Given that resources are significantly limited, it is imperative that we consider the resource allocation process with a strategic and balanced mindset. We must ensure that resources are apportioned in a way that promotes the success of our diverse institutions. I advocate for collaborative engagement of leaders to make the best-informed decisions as a collective to best serve the needs of all of our institutions and leaders and learners. |
| The Board of Regents and Nevada System of Higher Education have been in the news lately and over many years for conflicts among and between Regents, the Chancellor, campus Presidents, and the Legislature. How would you address those issues? | I think there should be a public oversight/conflict resolution committee that helps resolve conflict and issues that might arise between the different parties. The regents, chancellor, campus presidents, and legislature are all supposed to be serving the people, not special interest, not personal beliefs. When they fail to do that, the people should be able to have a say in what is going to happen to ensure no one is acting on special interest, but for what's truly better for the students and community. |
I believe in fostering a collaborative and respectful environment. It is critically imperative that we address and resolve conflicts that arise among the Regents, the Chancellor, campus Presidents, and the Legislature. Conflicts, unaddressed, can negatively impact our educational system and impede progress towards equity, access, and successful engagement for all students. I would propose and advocate for a resolution framework based on transparency, mutual respect, and shared goals - emphasizing and prioritizing open dialogue/communication, mediation and conflict resolution, shared vision, and legislative support to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth, innovation to more effectively address present and persisting challenges and to establish a foundation for collective, collaborative leadership. |
| What are your thoughts about collective bargaining for NSHE professional employees? Specifically, do you support or oppose legislation for collective bargaining rights for NSHE professional employees in statute? | I am a fan of collective bargaining because it gives power to the workers. As a teacher and actor who has been a member of both the CCEA and SAG, I like that there is someone looking out for me and negotiating the best pay and benefits on my behalf. It ensures no one is getting underpaid and being taken advantage of. So yes, I would support legislation for collective bargaining rights for NSHE professional employees in the statute. | I support legislation that would grant collective bargaining rights to NSHE professional employees. The ability to negotiate terms and conditions of employment is a fundamental right that should be extended to all workers, including those in higher education. By doing so, we uphold the dignity and respect necessary to provide a high-quality education to our students and ensure that our educators are treated equitably and with the fairness they deserve. Collective bargaining is not only about fairness and equity, but also about improving institutional efficiency and student outcomes. |
| In the wake of the December 6th tragedy at UNLV, how would you propose to improve campus safety? | Currently, I know there is increased security between certain hours, but its only temporary. I would like to make that more permanent. I also would like to see more use of access/proximity cards, fobs, or a rebel card to get into buildings, that would keep people out of buildings who aren't supposed to be in there, or perhaps some sort of verification or check in system like some buildings already have. That way the campus is still an open campus, but we know who is in what building and the business they have being in there. |
Campus security is a prioritized and shared responsibility. Committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community, I would propose and advocate for advanced security systems and emergency stations for immediate incident response, increased review, and engagement of campus police patrols to ensure constant availability, and extensive safety programs. I would also propose and advocate for enhanced mental health services to support a safe learning environment; strengthened ties with local law enforcement and community collaboration and partnership for unified safety efforts, and regular evaluation to mitigate campus risks. |
| Would you support or oppose a policy to regulate discussion of or teaching about topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity on NSHE campuses? | I would oppose a policy to regulate discussion or teaching about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity because reality is reality and inequity and gender dysphoria exist. These are things that need to be talked about because people face challenges or are discriminated against because of them. | As an advocate for educational excellence and academic freedom, I believe in fostering an environment on NSHE campuses where a diverse range of ideas and perspectives can be discussed and explored with respect. It is essential that our academic institutions remain places of learning and growth, where students and faculty are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and open dialogue. I would not support policy to regulate discussion of or teaching about topics such as CRT (Critical Race Theory) and gender identity. |
| What is your view of NSHE governance? Should the Board of Regents concern itself with the internal operations of the eight NSHE institutions, or else should the Board simply hire the Presidents and let them run the institutions? | I believe the Board of Regents should not concern itself with the internal operations of the eight NSHE institutions. I think the Board of Regents should provide oversight and accountability, but the school presidents should run the schools. Certain people are better for certain schools and what words at one school, might not work at another. Having a president can ensure each school is ready to handle their own unique challenges. Having the Board of Regents handling internal operation gives them a lot of power. |
I strongly believe that the governance of our NSHE institutions is critically important. It is essential for the Board to provide strategic direction and ensure accountability, as well as establish a delicate balance between oversight and institutional autonomy. I advocate for a collaborative approach whereby the Board of Regents actively engages with institutional leaders in recognition of and respect for the leadership and the uniqueness of each institution. The Board of Regents should concern itself with the internal operations of NSHE institutions as effective, responsible governance requires transparency, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with state priorities. And the Board, in its leadership commitment and responsibilities, should identify, recruit, and hire highly competent, effective, visionary leaders and empower them to lead and make decisions that foster, cultivate, and enhance student learning and lived/life experiences and advance institutional goals. Respecting and honoring the Presidents' leadership, without micromanaging, the Board of Regents should work together to set and communicate clear expectations, evaluate performance, and provide support to facilitate successful, effective, impactful leadership. |
| Recently, a search for Chancellor ended with no hire and an appointment of an Interim Chancellor. What steps would you recommend to create a transparent and successful process for hiring a highly qualified candidate for Chancellor? | The steps that I would recommend is to make sure all stake holders are on the same page as to what they are looking for in terms of criteria, with that, there needs to be very good communication between all parties. There was a big Chancellor search, and it was narrowed down to 3 favorites with Dr. Drake being the favorite but not everyone wanted him to be it. It makes me wonder how did the search get so far when so many people had concerns about experience? Communication leads to a lot more transparency. There should have been more people involved in narrowing down the list of candidates, and perhaps surveys could have been sent out to advisory members of the various colleges and universities to get opinions on specific candidates for the board to consider. This would've saved time, money, and there'd be a Chancellor. |
In commitment to ensuring that the process of hiring a highly qualified candidate Chancellor is conducted with the utmost transparency and integrity, my recommendations and advocacy for a successful hiring process would include establishing a diverse, representative search committee; defining clear qualifications and criteria that align with our educational goals and shared values; enlisting community engagement (hold public forums and surveys); committing to and fostering open communication (updating the community on the process); and conducting thorough vetting to assess the qualifications of each candidate. Additionally, we must prioritize educational excellence - focusing on proven track records of enhancing educational quality and student success. And we must commit to equity to ensure that the process actively seeks and gives fair consideration to candidates from underrepresented groups. |
| A proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution is on the ballot this November. What is your position on the proposed amendment? | My position on the amendment to remove the Board of Regents is that I am against it. Removing the Board of Regents takes away accountability from the colleges and universities. The Board of Regents along with chancellor, president, legislature all almost work like check and balances for each other and removing the Board of Regents would mean there isn't a body to regulate what colleges do. However, one thing the Board of Regents should not do or regulate is academic freedom. I know there are concerns with Board of Regents limiting what can and can't be taught, as we've seen in other states, but I believe in academic freedom and what is being taught in current curriculums, and if we limit academic freedoms, then I don't believe teachers can be as effective. | Passionately committed to higher education in Nevada, I stand firmly against the proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution. The Board of Regents plays a critical role in overseeing our public institutions of higher education, ensuring they serve the educational needs of our students and the broader community effectively. Removing the Board of Regents' constitutional status risks introducing instability and uncertainty at a time when consistent leadership is needed to navigate the challenges facing higher |
| If elected to the Board of Regents, do you pledge to uphold the principles of academic freedom and tenure as expressed in the AAUP/AACU Statement of Principles of Academic Freedom and Tenure? | Yes absolutely | Yes |
Board of Regents District 12
| Board of Regents Race | Candidates | |
|---|---|---|
| Regent District 12 | Amy Carvalho (i) NFA Endorsed Candidate | Jonathan Maxham |
| amy4regent.com | ||
| Any notable endorsements | I have not actively sought any endorsements at this point. | No Response |
| Educational background | I am a graduate of Rancho HS, here in the Clark County School District. I also graduated with an AA in General Studies from CCSN, a BA in Anthropology from UNLV, and an MBA from WGU. | No Response |
| Current profession/employment | Currently, I am a real estate investor/business owner/property manager. | No Response |
| Professional/employment background | I have been an entrepreneur for over 20 years, owning several types of businesses, including convenience stores, a coffee shop, and investing and managing real estate. I believe my unique combination of liberal arts and business education has provided me with the foundation to be very successful. I owned multiple 7-Eleven locations for over 18 years and was thought of as a local leader and subject-matter expert in the organization. I recently sold them to the next generation of business owners. I served 6 years on the 7-Eleven National Business Leadership Council, representing and advocating for franchisees and improving the relationship with the 7-Eleven C-Suite. I have also owned and managed residential and commercial real estate. | No Response |
| Past elected offices or other public service | The Board of Regents is my only elected office. I was appointed by the Clark County Commission to serve 8 years on the Boulder City Library District. I was also appointed by the Governor to serve 8 years on the NV Dept of Ed’s Council to Establish Academic Standards. I have been actively involved in my community and have volunteered in many ways. | No Response |
| Briefly, why are you running for the Board of Regents at this time? | As the current Chair of the Board, I feel it is important for me to continue the work that I am currently doing to bring more professionalism and collegiality to the board. To do that, I chose to run again. | No Response |
| What are your three highest priorities for the Board of Regents and the Nevada System of Higher Education? |
1. To remain as one system with a focus on educating a strong workforce in NV. 2. To establish a system-wide strategic plan. 3. To advocate for equitable funding for all our institutions. |
No Response |
| From your perspective, what is the role of higher education in Nevada? | From my perspective, the role of higher education in Nevada is aligned with the 1940 Statement on Principles of Academic Freedom and Tenure, which is that higher education serves as a common good. NSHE is the source for public higher education in this state and, as such, must always be considered the ultimate expert and arbiter of higher education and workforce development in the State of Nevada. | No Response |
| The Board of Regents oversees two comprehensive universities, a four-year state university, four community colleges, and a research institute. Given limited resources, how would you balance the needs and allocate resources for the various institutions of NSHE | This is one of the most important aspects of being an engaged regent – understanding the unique needs of the institutions in our system and always working to balance those needs. Obviously, equitable and adequate funding is paramount and should be understood. Also, understanding and applying mission differentiation when necessary, will guide decisions on balancing needs and resources. | No Response |
| The Board of Regents and Nevada System of Higher Education have been in the news lately and over many years for conflicts among and between Regents, the Chancellor, campus Presidents, and the Legislature. How would you address those issues? | This has been an issue for many years. I have worked diligently to repair relationships during my time on the Board of Regents and within the system. I am thought of as a fair and balanced regent. I believe that continuing open and transparent communication is a key to resolving conflicts and building a healthier working relationship among Regents, the Chancellor, Presidents, and external stakeholders. | No Response |
| What are your thoughts about collective bargaining for NSHE professional employees? Specifically, do you support or oppose legislation for collective bargaining rights for NSHE professional employees in statute? | This is a question that I have been dealing with over the last 18 months or so. I support collective bargaining to the extent that all professional employees support it. It appears to me as one regent (not speaking for the board) that there is work to be done between the NFA and Faculty Senate to come to agreement on what collective bargaining should look like. I look forward to those discussions and working as a board toward consensus in this area so we can all speak with one voice. | No Response |
| In the wake of the December 6th tragedy at UNLV, how would you propose to improve campus safety? | I believe our campuses are safe. UPD’s response was excellent. However, I think we can improve campus safety by better communication about campus apps, consistency in building security measures, and keeping safety top of mind for everyone by regular reporting to the Chancellor and the Board. | No Response |
| Would you support or oppose a policy to regulate discussion of or teaching about topics such as Critical Race Theory and gender identity on NSHE campuses? | I would 100% oppose any policy that limits or regulates discussion or teaching of Critical Race Theory and gender identity on NSHE campuses. Our campuses must be open and welcoming to all and I support academic freedom in all forms. | No Response |
| What is your view of NSHE governance? Should the Board of Regents concern itself with the internal operations of the eight NSHE institutions, or else should the Board simply hire the Presidents and let them run the institutions? | I believe the Board of Regents should set the direction and goals of the system and supervise the work of the Chancellor and Presidents who are the experts that the Board hires to run the system and institutions. The Board should not be involved in administrative work on any campus. Shared governance is the cornerstone of all governance in higher education. | No Response |
| Recently, a search for Chancellor ended with no hire and an appointment of an Interim Chancellor. What steps would you recommend to create a transparent and successful process for hiring a highly qualified candidate for Chancellor? | A national search for a Chancellor is my top recommendation. This means hiring a search consultant that is highly competent and can assist in attracting the most qualified applicants, who, in my opinion, must have a Ph.D. and dynamic experience in higher education. Forums on each campus for stakeholders to share input on qualifications must be held. Regular public communication about the process is crucial. | No Response |
| A proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution is on the ballot this November. What is your position on the proposed amendment? | I feel strongly that voters in Nevada must retain the ability to choose regents. The Board of Regents should not be an arena for politics or political favors, which would be probable with appointing regents. Perhaps stronger qualifications for who can file to run might be an improvement, but I am not in favor of changing the Constitution. | No Response |
| If elected to the Board of Regents, do you pledge to uphold the principles of academic freedom and tenure as expressed in the AAUP/AACU Statement of Principles of Academic Freedom and Tenure? | Yes | No Response |