Charismatic Smatresk leaves legacy of bold ideas for UNLV

[Harry]

When Neal Smatresk took the helm of UNLV four years ago, Nevadas largest university was embroiled in turmoil.

Its former president had been ousted by the Nevada Board of Regents amid conflicting management styles and controversy. Moreover, UNLV was suffering from one of the worst recessions in American history, slashing programs and faculty while raising tuition and fees on students.

Smatresk could have weathered the economic storm with his head down, hatches battened down.

But he didnt.

Instead, Smatresk dreamed large and created a transformative vision that many say gave the university and Las Vegas a reason to hope in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

Neal carried us through a tough time, said Regent Cedric Creer, a Las Vegas advertising executive who chaired Smatresks evaluation committee earlier this year. Neal has done a good job, despite the budget constraints. He was the right guy at the right time for UNLV.

Smatresks sudden announcement Wednesday that he intends to leave UNLV to become the president of the University of North Texas near Dallas came as a great shock to Southern Nevadans.

Most understood the reason Smatresk gave for his decision, enumerated in a short letter to faculty sent mid-afternoon Wednesday. Smatresk, a Texas native who was educated and worked for two decades at Texas universities, wanted to live and work closer family in the Lone Star State, particularly his two children and a newborn granddaughter.

Yet amid increasing turnover in Nevadas education leadership, some speculated that perhaps inadequate education funding, the states unique geopolitical strife or the slow pace of change had contributed in part to Smatresks decision to leave. Smatresk, who was in Texas on Wednesday, didnt return calls for comment.

Whatever the reason, Smatresk will be leaving UNLV and Nevada with a legacy of big, half-finished dreams that a new leader will be entrusted to shepherd to completion. UNLV and state leaders say Smatresk will transfer his vision to capable hands: a strong team of university administrators handpicked by the president.

However, most officials admit their charismatic and well-liked leaders departure represents a major loss for the aspirational university.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/nov/21/charismatic-smatresk-leaves-legacy-bold-ideas-unlv/

[NM Green]

I lived in Las Vegas from 07-12 spanning the great depression. Few cities were gutted like Las Vegas during that time and come to think of it Smastrek truly was a breath of fresh air in a nasty haze. Basketball came back strong during his tenure and he was always positive, something the city and its residents really needed during that time.

I hope he brings big vision and a huge community outreach to the entire Metroplex with him. We ARE North Texas - all of North Texas and I support this hire in a big way!

GMG