NSHE mourns passing of Madison B. Graves, II

Madison B. Graves, II, a regent who represented Southern Nevada from 1993-1998, died today after an extended illness.

“We are all feeling a profound sense of loss at the news of Madison Graves’ death,” said Board Chairman James Dean Leavitt. “Madison was a strong advocate for higher education in Nevada and as a person he was a complete class-act.”

Graves was elected to the Board of Regents in 1992 and served with distinction until 1998. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the board (1995-1997), vice chairman (1993-1995), and chairman of several committees, including the Investment Committee and the ad hoc Chancellor Search Committee. While he was an avid supporter of UNLV, Graves advocated for a master plan to unite all of the NSHE institutions and worked toward finding the best ways to manage the System during a time of rapid growth.

Regent Mark Alden served with Graves during that time and recalls fondly, “Maddy was one of my closest friends. We’re both UNR grads and he recruited me to run for the Board of Regents. We’ve lost one of the best regents and chairmen we’ve ever had. He did so much for the community and was always charitable and helping people out. Maddy did everything with dignity and respect, right up to the very end. We have truly lost a great one.”

In response to the time and energy he devoted in support of higher education, Graves was honored in 1996 with a U.S. Senate Commendation Award and an honorary Associate of Arts degree from the College of Southern Nevada in 2003. He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Nevadan Award (2004), the Board of Regents’ most prestigious award; and the UNLV President’s Medal (2010).

Graves earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1972. In addition to his work as a regent, Graves was a respected businessman and community leader. He held affiliation with various organizations including the Las Vegas Elks Lodge, the Las Vegas Board of Realtors, and the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association.

Information on a memorial service and funeral arrangements are pending.