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With the passing today of longtime public servant and former Regent Bob McLendon, �����Թ� Chair Lyndel Manson shared, “From serving in the legislature for nine terms to guiding �����Թ�’s public universities as a member of the board, Regent McLendon was a tireless servant leader, committed to our state and our students. He was a true champion of education and opportunity for all. The board extends its sincere condolences to his family and is grateful for his impact on �����Թ�.”

Appointed in 2008, Regent McLendon, a former classroom teacher, brought a unique perspective during his service to the issues and challenges addressed by the board. His appointment marked the first time regents were chosen specifically to represent rural �����Թ� on the board.

McLendon, a resident of Yuma, affectionately rephrased “rural” �����Թ� to “greater” �����Թ� and championed the need for accessibility to higher education for all �����Թ�ns and strengthening relationships with K-12 to ensure students understand the higher education options available to them and are academically prepared to enter the universities.

“Bob was an outstanding leader and the board is stronger for his service,” said former Regent Rick Myers who served as chair during part of Regent McLendon’s tenure on the board. “On his watch the board and the universities made unprecedented progress in increasing access for students across the state through expansion of online degree programs, new pathway programs and more regional facilities that offer bachelor’s degrees. I am proud to have worked with him and grateful to have called him my friend.”