LAS VEGAS The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) mourned the Dec. 28 passing of former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who was a tireless advocate for Nevadas public higher education mission of growing student access and success.

I was saddened to learn of Sen. Reids passing today and on behalf of the Nevadas public higher education system I want to express my sincere condolences to his wife and family, Chancellor Melody Rose said. Sen. Reid was a strong advocate for Nevadas higher education system and fought tirelessly to help our institutions grow to meet the needs of our state.

Sen. Reid, 82, who was Nevadas longest serving U.S. senator, was a leader on higher education issues on the national level as he valued education from an early age. In Nevada, his fingerprints are all over NSHEs institutions, including UNLVs Harry Reid Research and Technology Park and the Harry Reid Center, a multidisciplinary research facility, and University of Nevada, Renos Harry Reid Engineering Laboratory.

And following his retirement he co-chaired the MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute at UNLV, with former Republican House Speaker John Boehner.

The Board of Regents also expresses our sincere condolences to Sen. Reids family and friends, Chair Pro Tempore Carol Del Carlo said. He was a strong advocate for Nevadas public higher education system and promoted student access and success.