Max Milam, 1974 - 1978
Milam came to Nevada with an impressive professional portfolio: Former chairman of the political science department at the University of Arkansas, director of the Department of Finance and Administration for the State of Arkansas. Milam used his talents as a business and political manager while in office, and changed many of the university’s methods of operation. In taking the job, Milam felt the University needed to rebuild some of its linkages with the community; he also felt it needed to do a better job of relating its mission to the overall concerns of the community. Milam battled a difficult budget situation as the country slowly slid into recession starting in late 1975, and often felt state funding was lacking. During Milam’s tenure, the University appointed its first female dean outside of Home Economics or Nursing with the choice of Rebecca Stafford to head the College of Arts & Sciences.