Campaign 2002 -- Paul Aizley - 8 News NOW

Campaign 2002 -- Paul Aizley

Name: Paul Aizley

Office sought: Board of Regents, District 3

Birth date: Feb. 16, 1936

Education: Arizona State University, Ph.D in mathematics; University of Arizona, master of science in mathematics; Harvard University, bachelor of arts in mathematics. UNLV, paralegal certification, beginning language courses in Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Occupation: Director of Summer Session and Special Programs, professor of mathematics (formerly dean of the College of Extended Studies at University of Nevada, Las Vegas)

Relevant experience: Served on nearly all UNLV committees affecting undergraduate or graduate education; statewide higher education committees; statewide Task Force on Mathematics Education; University Continuing Education Association, National Association of Summer Session Administrators; president, Western Association of Summer Session Administrators; chair, UNLV Faculty Senate; president, Nevada Faculty Alliance.

Endorsements: Nevada State Education Association

E-mail address: classpub@skylink.net

Why should you be elected?: My career has been dedicated to higher education. I have the desire and qualifications to serve Nevada now as a regent, offering experience, sound reasoning, innovative planning, fairness and organizational skills. For nine years, I was a representative to the Board of Regents. I fully understand the operations, procedures and goals of the UCCSN, including academics, higher education budgeting, and working with the Legislature. My record of achievement and promotion at UNLV (from assistant professor to dean of a college) demonstrates that I have long been an asset to the university. Among my achievements: establishing the UNLV Downtown Center and a popular Lifelong Learning program. Leadership in national and international organizations gives me a broader perspective of higher education. I would address this fundamental question: Is our system of higher education adequately serving the needs of Nevada's citizens and taxpayers?

What is the most pressing issue facing the area you would represent, and what will you do about it?: Inadequate funding for Nevada's universities and colleges has resulted in failing infrastructures, both environmental and staffing. Examples: funding for one library when three are needed; delayed document processing because many of the support units are understaffed; insufficient space to offer needed classes; even shabby facilities. While regents have limited influence on the size of the higher education budget, they do govern the administration of those funds. I would urge and expect the regents to re-evaluate how existing resources are spent. We must ask: Is funding allocated fairly among the eight campuses? How does Nevada benefit by hiring so many low-paid, part-time people to teach in the colleges and universities? Why has the number of administrators increased so rapidly in recent years? Why have administrative salaries outpaced faculty salaries? Why do we spend more on benefits and receive less? Asking the questions is the first step in solving the problems.

Additional comments: I create bridges between UNLV and the community. Examples:

• Serving the retirement population, I brought EXCELL, the Center for Lifelong Learning, to UNLV (now 300 members).
• Serving teenagers, I co-founded CLASS! Publications, a nonprofit organization publishing a magazine by, for and about Clark County high school students (now 34,000+ readers).