The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) announced the passing of former president Dr. Michael Dean Richards, who died on September 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness at the age of 78.
Dr. Richards served as CSN’s president from 2007 to 2018. During his tenure, the college experienced significant growth in enrollment, reaching 50,000 students. The institution also expanded its facilities, adding the Charleston campus library, student services buildings, and a joint health sciences center in partnership with Nevada State University in Henderson.
“Dr. Richards’ legacy at CSN is immeasurable,” said CSN President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein. “He not only oversaw the largest enrollment growth in this institution’s history, he did it through the Great Recession and all its impacts on our community. He was a great leader who shepherded this college, its faculty, staff and students, through thick and thin. He will be greatly missed.”
Born on August 6, 1947, in Ogden, Utah, Dr. Richards earned degrees from Weber State and Utah State universities. He served in the U.S. Air Force and taught at the Air Force Academy before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Denver. Prior to joining CSN, he held leadership roles at Utah State University and Southern Utah University.
After retiring in 2018, Dr. Richards thanked faculty, staff, students, and the community for their support and expressed optimism about CSN’s future.
He is survived by his wife Janice; five daughters; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and seven siblings.
A viewing is scheduled for September 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Palms Southwest Mortuary. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., September 20 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center located at 7885 W. Robindale Rd., preceded by a viewing at 10 a.m.
The family has requested that donations be made to LDS general educational or missionary funds instead of flowers.
Further details can be found on Dr. Richards’ obituary page: Dignity Memorial – Michael Richards.