LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Former University of Nevada, Las Vegas president Carol Harter has passed away at the age of 82.
The university made the announcement on Friday.
Harter was the longest-serving president and the first female president in the university's history. She led the school from 1995 to 2006.
In that time, the university launched more than 100 new degree programs, including those conferred by the School of Dental Medicine and the William S. Boyd School of Law. The school also constructed 17 new buildings in that time, including the Lied Library.
In 2006, Harter stepped down to assume executive responsibilities at the Black Mountain Institute at UNLV.
To honor her achievements, the school previously named the Carol C. Harter Classroom Building Complex after her. They also awarded her an honorary doctorate during winter commencement in 2014.
Current UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield said he was sad to hear of Harter's passing.
"She worked tirelessly so it could reach its potential and her legacy is forever woven into the fabric of this university," Whitfield said. "The UNLV community extends our condolences to her family and friends."
I was incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of UNLV’s seventh president, Dr. Carol C. Harter. She loved UNLV and cared so much about the university.https://t.co/WjwAIRyMn3
— UNLV President (@unlv_president) September 16, 2023
NSHE officials released a statement Monday saying Harter was a "trailblazer in the field of academics."
“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of former University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) President Carol Harter. A trailblazer in the field of academia, Carol Harter's legacy is marked by her historic tenure as the first woman to serve as president of UNLV and her unwavering dedication to advancing higher education.
Carol Harter was an amazing force for student success and a wonderful advocate for UNLV, leading the university in the development of the William S. Boyd School of Law, the UNLV Dental School and countless programs including the Beverly Rogers and Carol Harter Black Mountain Institute bringing life to literary imagination.
In recent months, Carol Harter was actively engaged in conversations surrounding presidential evaluations with the Chair of the Board of Regents, further demonstrating her commitment to transparency and accountability within the academic community. Her dedication to the betterment of UNLV and her tireless efforts to enhance the quality of education for all students will be remembered with deep appreciation.
As we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of Carole Harter. Her leadership of UNLV during her tenure sparked many who serve in public leadership today, and her contributions to UNLV and the broader field of higher education will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.”
