It is with great sadness, a very heavy heart and regret that longtime member of Western Nevada Colleges family Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Morin lost his battle with his illness and passed away on Aug. 29.

Dr.Morinbegan teaching at WNC in 2003 and quickly became an important and valuable resource to our college family. During his 18-year tenure at WNC he served in many ways beyond teaching.He served as coach, mentor and guide to many at this college. He was a tireless and fierce advocate for all things WNC.

His political science, criminal justice, law and sociology students have often considered him a mentor and inspirational professor. As one student put it in an online review of WNC:

I have never had someone besides my own grandfather do as much for me as this man has done: 9 classes, mentored through my entire undergraduate, 6-plus letters of recommendation, 2 internships, countless hours of guidance toward the future. My attendance in any law classroom will be thanks toDr.Morin.

Because of his commitment to students, he was twice voted Teacher/Instructor of the Year (2006 and 2018).ButDr.Morinmeant much more to WNC and the college community. He was quick-witted, laughed often and cared deeply about his colleagues.

Over the years,Dr.Morinbecame very active on campus, serving as faculty senate member, division and committee chairman.He was highly educated, earning political science, sociology, criminal justice and law degrees:BA in Political Science and Sociology from Hamline University; a MA in Criminal Justice from George Washington University; a JD from Gonzaga University; and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Like the students he instructed,Dr.Morinnever stopped learning, and generously shared his knowledge and research work. He served as a research assistant at the Great Basin Policy Research Institute at UNR and his research and writing interests included state and local government, state budgeting, Indian gaming and criminal justice policy.

Dr.Morinleaves behind a true educators legacy; he will be sorely missed throughout the halls of WNC.
Goodspeed,Dr.Morin. You will be missed, but never forgotten. You have blazed a path for others to follow in your footsteps, but your shoes will never be filled.