Nevada System of Higher Education Regent and former Nevada State Democratic Party Chairman Sam Lieberman died yesterday. He was 58.
The news of Lieberman’s passing was announced late Friday April 3 via an NSHE Twitter post and public statements from NSHE Chancellor Dr. Thom Reilly and Board of Regents Chairman Jason Geddes. NSHE also released a statement.
“We were devastated to learn of Sam’s death,” said Reilly. “He was so passionate about Nevada’s public higher education system and he cared very deeply about bettering our system for our students.”
Geddes added, “I have never met a greater advocate for students and their concerns. He was a great leader and a great friend. I’m absolutely shocked and saddened by this news.”
Lieberman was elected in 2014 to serve a six-year term representing Regent District 5 which includes parts of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and unincorporated Clark County.
Lieberman also served as chair of the Nevada Democratic Party from 2008 to 2011. Referencing Lieberman’s service to the organization, former U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) said in a statement:
“Sam Lieberman was someone who had a public servant’s heart. He did the important, yet often quiet, behind the scenes work to help build our state party into what it is today. And he did the work for all the right reasons. He fought to make sure those with disabilities had a voice and a seat at the table. In fact, he fought to give everyone a voice. I will ever be grateful that I had the chance to get to know him and Nevada will always be a better place because of his commitment to the values that make our state great.”
Lieberman graduated from University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1996 with a degree in social work. Governor Steve Sisolak ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Nevada to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and all State public buildings and grounds until sunset on Monday, April 6, 2020, as a mark of respect and remembrance for Lieberman.
