Nichols gets unanimous support for chancellor job

LAS VEGAS - The University and Community College System of Nevada's interim chancellor has taken on the position permanently.

Jane Nichols received unanimous backing on Friday from the 11 members of the Board of Regents, who voted her in with a three-year contract. Nichols, who served as academic vice chancellor for three years, has been acting chancellor for two months.

''We are so fortunate to have the right fit with a person who will move us forward,'' Regent Mark Alden said.

Nichols will get an annual salary of $195,000, along with a $6,000 car allowance and $12,000 housing allowance. If she leaves the chancellor's job, Nichols is guaranteed tenure at a Nevada university or college with the salary rank of senior professor.

Nichols was one of three chancellor finalists under consideration before Richard Rush of Minnesota State University, Mankato, abruptly withdrew from the process. After touring Nevada's university and college campuses, Rush decided he was no longer interested in the job.

Robert Perry, who runs South Dakota's higher education system, was the third candidate but did not muster enough support among the regents to rival Nichols.