Typically presented in March, the Board made a special presentation during its December meeting to honor the woman who has been the driving force behind the preservation of Nevada women's history.

"Jean Ford's decades of leadership in public service, government and education has brought about many important advances to Nevada, and profoundly touched the lives of so many along the way," said Board Chair Dr. Jill Derby. "Even in this time of personal struggle, Jean continues to work to ensure the continuation of projects she has advanced, and to help others in need."

The "Distinguished Nevadan" award was first presented in 1959 and is the most prestigious award conferred by the Board of Regents. It is bestowed upon "prominent Nevadans for their significant achievements contributing to the cultural, scientific or social advancement of Nevada and its people, or for exceptional service to the state or nation that has influenced constructively the well-being of mankind."

Ford, who was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness, is currently on the lecture circuit and is taking a play she has written about the history of the women's suffrage movement on tour throughout the state.

First elected to the Nevada Legislature in 1972, Ford served two terms as a Republican Assemblywoman and then captured a Senate seat in 1978 as a Democrat. She opened her own tourism company in 1981 and was appointed in 1985 by then Gov. Richard Bryan to director of the state Office of Community Services.

For the past six years, she has been a instructor in the Women's Studies Department at the University of Nevada, Reno and recently became the state coordinator of the Nevada Women's History Project.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students.