Nevada System of Higher Education's Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton has been appointed a commissioner for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Her appointment underscores Nevada's commitment to influencing higher education in the Western U.S. and beyond.
WICHE is a regional compact that addresses educational and workforce development needs across 15 Western states and U.S. Pacific Territories. Commissioners, appointed by each state's governor, are responsible for guiding WICHE's direction and achieving the goals set by the Western Regional Educational Compact.
Charlton joins fellow Nevada commissioners Catherine Dinauer, executive director of the Nevada State Board of Nursing, and Fred Lokken, a professor at Truckee Meadows Community College, in representing Nevada on the WICHE Commission.
"This appointment carries deep meaning for me, both personally and professionally," Charlton said. "As someone who has benefited from the Nevada System of Higher Education and dedicated my career to advancing higher education here, I look forward to working alongside my fellow commissioners to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West."
With nearly 30 years of experience in Nevada's higher education system, Charlton has held various leadership roles. She was NSHE's acting vice chancellor for academic and student affairs before becoming interim chancellor in 2023. Her career history includes significant contributions at the College of Southern Nevada, where she led several student success initiatives before retiring in 2022. Charlton graduated from the College of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
WICHE President Demarée Michelau welcomed Charlton's appointment, stating, "Commissioner Patty Charlton brings a wealth of insight from her more than 28 years in higher education. Her experience will be an asset to the Commission as we continue expanding educational access and promoting public policies that support the students, institutions, and workforce needs of our region."
WICHE's initiatives focus on reducing college costs, increasing student mobility, supporting state policy, and aligning workforce needs, enabling Western states to stay competitive in a changing educational landscape.
For media inquiries, contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.