Milton Glick, at 73

In a 2010 interview, University of Nevada, Reno President Milton Glick noted that the strength of his institution depended on reaching out to the entire state, even Las Vegas.

"We need more students from Southern Nevada because there is so much diversity there," he said. "I would like, for the good of the state, for the good of the university ... the future of this university to be in being a statewide university, not a Northern Nevada university."

At a time when Nevada often seems divided by north-south politics, Mr. Glick's approach was a refreshing change, highlighting his devotion to creating an academic environment of which the entire state could be proud.

Mr. Glick died suddenly Saturday night at age 73. He spent five years at the helm of UNR after arriving in 2006 from an administrative post at Arizona State University. During his tenure, UNR saw its enrollment climb more than 7 percent, while the number of National Merit Scholars on campus jumped from 10 in 2007 to 38 in the current academic year.

Flags will be flown at half-mast today, as directed by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

"President Glick was passionate about education," the governor said, "and brought a steady, experienced hand to the leadership of Nevada's oldest institution of higher learning."

UNR is fortunate to have had Milton Glick at the helm. He leaves a legacy that will difficult for his successor to match.