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Meet Your Neighbor: Dr. Michael D. Richards
By: Callie Thomas
Why is it that when you want time to pass it moves slowly and yet, when you’re doing something that you’re passionate about and has significant meaning to you, it passes with the blink of an eye? For 30 years, area resident Dr. Michael Richards has been an educator and mentor and it seems that it was just yesterday he began a long and deeply satisfying career as President of the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). After completing his bachelor’s degree at Weber State University in Utah in the early 1970’s, Richards decided to enter the Air Force, where he served from 1972 – 1979. He joined the ROTC and completed his Masters in English at Utah State University, where he got his first taste of teaching. While stationed in Alabama, he was able to teach English at night and enjoyed working with the students. It was then that he first thought of higher education as a career.
After completing his Ph.D. at the University of Denver, Colorado he transitioned into his current career in colleges and universities. Since moving to Las Vegas eight years ago, he’s been the President and CEO of CSN. He is committed to improving pathways into higher education for people in the diverse community of Las Vegas and in strengthening the college’s role in serving our residents in addition to giving students the tools to accomplish their educational, career, and personal goals. As such, he is dedicated to supporting the work of the CSN Foundation, an organization made up of community supporters to raise millions of dollars in cash and equipment for student scholarships and academic programs. Dr. Richards talks about the program, why giving back to the community is so important and what is behind his most treasured accomplishments.
Tell us about the CSN Foundation.
“The Foundation is made up of 28 wonderful community supporters that continue to work tirelessly to make it possible for the organization to develop scholarships and academic programs. Over the last 10 years the Foundation has expanded in the area of scholarships and the impact of this aid on individual students is both moving and gratifying. The scholarship awards change lives on a personal level.”
What experiences through the Foundation can you share with us?
“A great example is the Engelstad Family Foundation gift totaling $8.2 million dollars. This generous donation helped CSN build a state-of-the-art cardiorespiratory education center and provided a $1 million scholarship endowment for health sciences students.
What does giving back to the community mean to you?
“I believe each of us, regardless of our circumstances can give back to our community to advance and improve the lives of people. Some of us can do it through money, others can commit time and talents. I am still in awe at the way the community comes out to support charitable events. People do it repeatedly and they care about what’s going on here.”
Are there any other organizations in which you’re involved?
“I am also involved with the Las Vegas South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is important as I also get involved with many volunteer events, sports and activities that serve the community.”
What do you think makes you successful?
“I am blessed to work with colleagues who work hard on behalf of education, workforce development, and community advancement. Also, my family—I have five daughters and seven grandchildren and they all give me a great perspective on life.”
How do you relax after a busy day?
“I’ll be honest, often I don’t. This is a great job with a lot of responsibility and it does not come with a set number of hours. But this is the best job, helping students achieve a college education.”
What life inspirations would you give to others?
“Our most important work, as working adults and parents, is in the walls of our homes with our families.”
