The Presidential Search Committee, in concurrence with the TMCC Institutional Advisory Committee, brought its recommendation to the Board this morning after deciding that Dr. Richardson, who has served as the college's acting president since March, was the best candidate for the job.

"Dr. Richardson represents the finest qualities our committee was looking for to lead TMCC to the next century," said Regent Shelley Berkley, committee chair. "He has the integrity, leadership and experience that will make him an incredible asset to the college and its students.

Previously, Dr. Richardson served as the vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the University and Community College System of Nevada (1992-1993, 1994-1997) and as the interim chancellor from 1993-1994. He previously served as chancellor of the North Dakota University System from 1981-1990 and as commissioner of higher education and chief executive officer for the Board of Regents of the Montana University System from 1979-1981. Dr. Richardson also held the positions of assistant chancellor and associate professor from 1975-1979 and assistant to the chancellor from 1970-1975 for the Oregon State System of Higher Education.

Dr. Richardson has a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Sociology from Stanford University and a M.S. in Student Personnel and Counseling and a B.S. in History from the University of Oregon.

Since 1971, Truckee Meadows Community College has helped area residents adapt to Washoe County's changing economy through academic transfer, occupational, certification and community service programs. About 50 degree programs are offered by this two-year college, ranging from casino operations and fire science to early childhood education and electronics technology. TMCC's more than 10,000 students attend classes at about 40 venues county-wide.

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.