By Mandi Enger
The Nevada State College Foundation (NSCF) has announced the appointment of Mike Benjamin, president and CEO of Benjamin Enterprises as Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees along with three new trustees including: Al F. Barry, president and CEO of Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association and vice chairman, Asia Pacific Capital, Irvine, CA; Dane Carter, vice president of Sletten Construction of Nevada, Inc.; and Vicky VanMeetren, president and CEO of Dignity Health, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, San Martin Campus.
Established in 2001, the NSCF is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization developed to encourage and promote the growth and improvement of Nevada State College (NSC). Additionally, the 19-member foundation receives and administers private gifts in support of the educational, technological, operational, facility and research needs of students, faculty and staff.
The NSCF plays a vital role in fostering much needed support for NSC the fastest growing institution of higher education in the state, said NSC President Bart Patterson. Our efforts include both private fundraising as well as the development of partnerships that can improve and expand our current educational programs. We’re so pleased to have the support, wealth of knowledge and experience that our new chair-elect and trustees bring to the board.
Comprised of various business and community leaders, NSCF board members go through an in-depth nomination, interview, and election process. All members support the foundation’s mission on a volunteer basis.
A NSCF trustee member since 2008, Chair-Elect Mike Benjamin will officially assume his role as chair on Jan. 1, 2013. In this position he will oversee the daily operations of the foundation and guide the board in ongoing strategic initiatives.
Benjamin will be assuming the position previously held by Glen C. Christensen, who will remain an active member of the board. Under Christensen’s leadership over the past four years, the foundation experienced vast growth in all fundraising efforts.
A longtime Nevada resident, Benjamin currently owns gaming, development, and investment companies in Nevada, Utah and Montana. Benjamin is a graduate of California State University at Chico with a Bachelors of Science in Communications and is a Rapport Leadership Institute Masters Graduate.
Trustees Barry, Carter, and VanMeetren will officially join the board on Dec. 1, 2012, serving as ambassadors within the community for both the foundation and the college.
As the president and CEO of Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association and vice chairman, Asia Pacific Capital, Barry holds a Bachelors of Science in Finance, a Masters of Business Administration, Corporate Law Degree, and an active license from the State of California to practice as a certified public accountant.
Vice President of Sletten Construction of Nevada, Inc., Carter currently oversees the day to day operations of the firm. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida, School of Building Construction.
VanMeetren presently manages the 750 employee not-for-profit community hospital, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals San Martin Campus, in southwest Las Vegas. She is a licensed registered nurse. VanMeetren received a Bachelor Degree in Healthcare Administration in 1996 and a Masters in Business Administration in 2005.
Nevada State College Foundation selects new board chair-elect and trustees
