Statement on the passing of former regent, Dr. Jack Lund Schofield

Dr. Jack Lund Schofield, a lifelong educator and beloved community and state leader, died Saturday at the age of 91.

Schofield served two terms as a regent for the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) from 2003 through 2014.

Regent Jack Lund Schofield
“Jack’s contributions to Nevada’s education system have positively affected the lives of several generations of students,” said Kevin J. Page, chairman of the Board of Regents. “He was a mentor to his fellow regents and his insights and wisdom will be missed. Jack’s family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

Schofield also served in the Clark County School District for more than four decades as a teacher, coach and school administrator. In 2001, Schofield was recognized by the school district for his lifetime of service to education, with the naming of the Jack Lund Schofield Middle School.

“Jack dedicated his life to education, Nevada and our nation. We all have a sense of pride in his accomplishments and commitment to public service that will never be forgotten” said Rick Trachok, vice chairman of the Board of Regents.”

Schofield also served in the Nevada State Legislature as an Assemblyman from 1970 to 1974, and as a Senator from 1974 to 1978.

During World War II, Schofield served as a fighter-bomber pilot in the 14th Air Force Flying Tigers.

After the war, he graduated from the University of Utah in 1949 and returned to Las Vegas where he began his distinguished career with the Clark County School District in 1953.

While teaching, Schofield earned a master’s in education from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1967, and a doctorate in education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1995, at the age of 72.

Throughout his 12-year tenure on the Board of Regents, Schofield served on numerous regent committees, and led as chairman of the ad hoc Appeals Committee for Millennium Scholarship and as vice chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2009.

Schofield was a forceful advocate for math and science education and worked tirelessly to ensure Nevada has a more educated citizenry. He earned multiple honors and awards for his service, including being named a Distinguished Alumni in 2013 by the University of Utah College of Science.

Summing up the feelings of many Nevadans, Chancellor Dan Klaich said, “Regent Schofield contributed to our great state in so many ways, he will be missed but never forgotten.”