Fred J. Maryanski, president of Nevada State College, dies

Nevada State College President Fred J. Maryanski died Friday at the Nathan Adelson Hospice, college officials said. He was 63.

Maryanski was hired Feb. 1, 2005, and was the college's longest-serving president.

"He was one of the most caring and compassionate individuals who has been involved in Nevada's education sector," said Spencer Stewart, spokesman for Nevada State College.

Nevada educators and politicians issued statements praising Maryanski's contributions.

Nevada State College Provost Lesley DiMare called him a dear friend who was compassionate and generous. "Fred is a priceless treasure at Nevada State and in this community," she said. "We are so fortunate to have had his leadership."

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said, "He has meant so much to students in Nevada and made Nevada State College the great institution it is today."

Chancellor Dan Klaich said, "His contributions to Nevada State College are remarkable, and for this reason, his memory will be a permanent fixture in the hearts and minds of the Nevada System of Higher Education."

College officials praised the many accomplishments of Maryasnski's tenure, including navigating the institution through its accreditation process; finalizing a master plan for the 509-acre campus in Henderson; and opening the college's first permanent building, the Liberal Arts & Sciences Building.

Before accepting the Nevada State College job, Maryanski had served as interim provost at the University of Connecticut. He began with the university in 1983 as a full professor in the computer science program.

He also served on the computer science faculty at Kansas State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Providence College, a master's in computer science from Stevens Institute of Technology and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Connecticut.

Maryanski is survived by his wife, Karen Maryanski; sons David Maryanski of Fayetteville, N.C., and Peter Maryanski of Enfield, Conn.; daughter Krista Maryanski of Los Angeles, Calif.; and three grandchildren.

No date has been set for a funeral. School officials said a celebration of Maryanski's life is planned, but no details were available.