NSHE’s Klaich deserves praise for efforts
We are writing this as business leaders in Southern Nevada who have worked with Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Dan Klaich and experienced first-hand his thoughtful, balanced, honest and forthright approach to myriad issues he deals with daily. We believe the recent articles by Review-Journal reporter Bethany Barnes and editorials in the Review-Journal are not fair representations of the chancellor or the work he has done for higher education in this state, and the role of the chancellor in working with the Board of Regents, Gov. Brian Sandoval and the Legislature in setting the agenda for the university system in Nevada.
Over the years, there has been criticism of Chancellor Klaich in Southern Nevada; much of that seems to stem simply from the fact that he is a resident of Northern Nevada. Interestingly, this has been over the same period of time when he has led large-scale initiatives resulting in increased benefits to Southern Nevada institutions, while improving Nevada’s higher education system as a whole. For example, the chancellor led a complete overhaul of the funding formula for higher education, resulting in a redistribution of state funds from institutions in the north and in rural Nevada to institutions in Southern Nevada, to address growing inequalities in funding under an outdated formula. He also led the efforts to bring together stakeholders and obtain funding and support for a medical school in Southern Nevada, set to open in the fall of 2017.
We have supported Chancellor Klaich in these and other initiatives because he takes the time to understand the impact of his decisions, not only on the NSHE, but also its students, the communities it serves and the state as a whole. Anyone who gets to know him will discover that he is a person of honesty, integrity and loyalty who has dedicated most of his career to public service. We have witnessed his approach to resolving issues that, by their nature, can’t please everyone involved, yet he always assures that affected parties are heard.
Every good CEO will seek diverse positions on matters, especially controversial ones, before making decisions. At times, the help of outside experts will be sought. Diverse viewpoints always lead to better decisions, and the CEO should provide opportunities for all perspectives to be aired and discussed. Staff members know that once a decision is made, speaking in unity about it is a must. Doing anything different would undermine the process and call into question the work of the team as a whole and the CEO’s leadership. This is also true for decisions approved by a board of directors. If the board, after deliberation, approved an action, discussion outside of the boardroom of dissention would lead to immediate dismissal, and rightly so. Every organization, including NSHE, must have a process and hierarchy by which actions are taken; otherwise, hierarchy would turn into anarchy.
It is not possible for Chancellor Klaich to please everyone. His critics ignore the positive outcome of his decisions if they can find something in the process to critique, because they would prefer a chancellor who turns a preferential ear to their needs or positions. These recent articles second-guess his motives, without explaining the full context of the situations or acknowledging his excellent accomplishments.
The articles and editorials imply that Chancellor Klaich should bring to the Board of Regents every differing position or thought. If that is the suggested process, what’s the role of the chancellor? The chancellor should do what every CEO does — analyze the varying viewpoints, deliberate and make a decision, even if controversial. It should be obvious that positions that are different from the final decision are part of a healthy deliberative process, not ’squelched,’ as said in the articles.
Our experience with Chancellor Klaich demonstrates that he works hard to include all relevant stakeholders, considers all relevant information and makes informed recommendations to move in a positive direction. We should be applauding and focusing on the things he has done for higher education in Nevada and the successes Southern Nevada institutions can claim, thanks to his tireless leadership and advocacy to improve and change our state.
It’s a thankless job, and we are thankful Dan Klaich is willing to do it.
Michael Yackira is former CEO of NV Energy, and Elaine Wynn is president of the Nevada State Board of Education. Also contributing to this op-ed: Pat Mulroy, former general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority; Otto Merida, president of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce; and Tony F. Sanchez III, senior vice president of NV Energy. Mr. Yackira's wife, Renee Yackira, is a special adviser to NSHE Chancellor Dan Klaich.
