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    • Dr. Lois Tarkanian, education pioneer and prominent politician, dies at age 89
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    Dr. Lois Tarkanian, education pioneer and prominent politician, dies at age 89

    Vaseline Posted on

    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – Dr. Lois Tarkanian, widow of legendary UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, died Monday. She was 89.

    Tarkanian, who served as a university regent, Las Vegas city councilman and school board trustee, had been a longtime figure in Southern Nevada since 1973.

    Tarkanian was once a classroom teacher and founded the first private day school for deaf children in California. She co-founded the Public Education Foundation.

    Family, community members and institutions that knew Tarkanian’s impact are mourning her loss.

    “If you say, ‘I’m a woman, hear me roar,’ that’s Lois. She was so smart. Who can actually say she loves her mother-in-law? I named my firstborn after her too,” the daughter said from Lois. in-laws Amy Tarkanian.

    “She was a powerhouse. There wouldn’t be a Jerry if there wasn’t a Lois to kickstart her. She was humble and always included him in her endeavors. She deserves her own street.”

    UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield sent this statement to Channel 13, remembering the Tarkanians’ longstanding legacy in the school’s history.

    “The UNLV family is incredibly saddened by the passing of Nevada Regent Lois Tarkanian, Ph.D. Her extraordinary legacy of service to the Las Vegas community – from government and nonprofits to education at all levels – will forever be remembered. our hearts and memories are engraved,” Whitfield said.

    “The impact on UNLV left by Dr. Tarkanian and her late husband, coach Jerry Tarkanian, will last for generations. The UNLV community extends our deepest condolences to the Tarkanian family and wishes them peace and strength in the weeks ahead. “

    Higher education in Nevada underwent significant changes during Tarkanian’s time. In a statement to Channel 13, the Nevada System of Higher Education said:

    “During her remarkable life, Dr. Lois Tarkanian was a passionate and tireless champion for education at every level. The Nevada System of Higher Education is honored to have benefited from her dedicated service as a member of the NSHE Board of Regents, where her leadership and dedication to higher education enriched the Silver State While her family name is widely celebrated for its connection to UNLV, Dr. Tarkanian’s legacy extends far beyond that and has a lasting impact on education and shaping the future of Nevada students for the generations to come System of Higher Education mourns the passing of Dr. Tarkanian and extends its sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.”

    Tarkanian also had a successful political career, winning three elections for the Clark County School Board and three more for the Las Vegas City Council. She lost just one race for the Clark County Commission in 2000.

    On the council, and later on the Board of Regents, she championed the development of the Las Vegas Medical District and the development of the UNLV Medical School.

    Tarkanian is survived by her four children, including Douglas County Commissioner Danny Tarkanian.

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