CSN considering administrative overhaul

The College of Southern Nevada wants to explore an administrative overhaul at its three campuses, an effort that could transform leadership roles at the state’s biggest college.

President Michael Richards is seeking a study that would consider creating three provost seats to oversee each of the school’s three campuses and bring CSN’s ranks closer to students, faculty and staff. Richards today manages all campuses with an administrative team’s help.

A proposal to launch the report was approved Wednesday by an advisory panel of local community leaders, clearing its first hurdle before heading to state education officials for their consideration. Richards said he plans to introduce the plan during a meeting of Nevada’s higher education board on April 22.

“We have a real obligation to better serve the communities and municipalities in this valley,” Richards told the group, noting that the school often gets complaints from students about poor communication between campuses. “We’re trying to communicate better, but sometimes we’re just spread too thin.”

He estimated that the deconsolidation might cost between $2 million and $4 million, based on similar endeavors carried out by other colleges. The study’s potential cost was unknown Wednesday.

Panelist Jose Solorio, who heads an advocacy group dubbed the Political Advancement of Latinos Organization, applauded the effort and called it “a long time coming.”

“This is one of the ways to bring equity … to Southern Nevada,” he said. “We need to proceed with this.”

Other panelists said they hope to see a more specific cost analysis and data that can help decision makers gauge how decentralization would help students.

“We need to present that to the (higher education board) to have a compelling case,” Institutional Advisory Council Chairwoman Nancy Brune said. “Otherwise, it seems like a political solution in search of a problem.”

Contact Ana Ley at aley@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512. Find her on Twitter @la__ley