Lois Tarkanian, the wife of former Fresno State and UNLV men’s basketball head coach Jerry Tarkanian, has passed away at the age of 90.
The Nevada System of Higher Education announced Tarkanian’s death on Monday.
Tarkanian joined her husband in Fresno when he coached the Bulldogs from 1995 to 2002 and was also involved in education and politics throughout her life.
While in California, Tarkanian at a number of universities and founded the state’s first private day school for deaf children.
Tarkanian was elected to the Clark County school board in 1988, where she would serve for 12 years.
She campaigned for a seat on the Clark County Commission in 2000 but lost that race by just hundreds of votes.
Five years later, Tarkanian was elected to the Las Vegas City Council, holding her seat until she was termed out in 2019.
After serving on the city council, Tarkanian was elected to the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents in 2020.
“Lois has given so much to our community over the decades from being a pillar for education, to her time on the City Council, and of course she was a big part of UNLV basketball with her husband Jerry,” said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman in a statement. “A beloved person, Lois is an integral part of what has made Las Vegas so special.”
Goodman added, “We will miss her dearly for her wise counsel, caring nature, and for always being a neighborhood champion. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.”
The Nevada System of Higher Education said it is honored to have benefitted from Tarkanian’s dedicated service.
“While her family name is widely celebrated for its connection to UNLV, Dr. Tarkanian’s legacy extends far beyond, leaving a lasting impact on education and shaping the futures of Nevada students for generations to come,” the system said in a statement.
“The UNLV family is incredibly saddened by the passing of Nevada Regent Lois Tarkanian, Ph.D,” UNLV President Keith Whitfield said on X. “Her extraordinary legacy of service to the Las Vegas community – from government and nonprofits to education at all levels – will forever be cemented in our hearts and memories.”
