Chancellor Jim Rogers to host TV show after retiring

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Nevada's higher education chief says he plans to host a television interview show after he retires at the end of the month.

University of Nevada Chancellor Jim Rogers says he also plans to spend his time and money working to make sure Gov. Jim Gibbons is not re-elected next year.

"I will do everything I can to make sure we end up with a new governor," Rogers told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

But he says he does not plan to run for run for office himself.

Rogers has clashed with the governor and others as Gibbons proposed deep cuts to higher education funding as a solution to the state's budget crisis.

Gibbons initially proposed 36 percent budget cuts for the university system, but lawmakers eventually cut 10 percent.

Rogers steps down June 30 after five years as chancellor for the state's higher education system.

Regents of the system are likely to name Dan Klaich to replace him. Klaich is currently executive vice chancellor.

Michael Wixom, chairman of the Board of Regents, has scheduled Klaich's appointment on the board's agenda for its meeting next week.

"I don't believe now is a good time to do a search," Wixom said.

Wixom said it is not clear yet whether Klaich would be an interim chancellor or be offered a multiyear contract.

Rogers said his apparent replacement was well-qualified.

"He's very involved in every specific item down to every 15 cents," Rogers said.

Rogers volunteered for chancellor in 2004, when Jane Nichols was stepping down from the post. He owns several television stations, including KVBC, the NBC affiliate in Las Vegas.

Rogers said he is willing to spend money on whoever is able to beat Gibbons in an election in 2010, whether it's a Republican or Democrat.

He also says he plans to encourage lawmakers to re-evaluate Nevada's tax structure.

___

Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com