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elect

ERIK
SWENDSEID

GET INVOLVED

Accountability           Integrity            Results

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WHY
I'M RUNNING

I'm a native Nevadan and design professional who has spent nearly two decades improving how people experience the world around them. I have built a career grounded in thoughtful, functional design—balancing creativity, usability, and real-world practicality to deliver meaningful results. Born and raised in Reno, and a graduate of the UNLV, I remain deeply connected to the state’s unique character and the people I share it with. That perspective has shaped not only my professional work, but also my belief that systems—whether physical or institutional—should be intentionally designed to serve those who rely on them. As a husband, father, and engaged member of the community, I understand that higher education is more than a pathway—it’s a promise. I'd bring an optimistic, curious, and solutions-oriented mindset to this role, focused on building a system that works better for students, families, and the future of Nevada. As a candidate for Regent District 3, I am is committed to advancing that vision through three core principles: Accountability, Integrity, and Results.

Accountability

Accountability starts with clarity—clear goals, clear expectations, and clear outcomes. As an architect, I’ve learned that every successful project begins with a plan that people can understand and trust. Our higher education system should be no different. Students and families deserve to know what they’re getting, how decisions are made, and whether the system is delivering on its promises. As a Regent, I will advocate for transparent reporting, measurable outcomes, and leadership that is responsible for results—not just intentions. When we measure what matters, we build a system that works.

Integrity

Integrity is about trust—earned through honesty, consistency, and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. As a husband and father, I think about the kind of system I would want for my own children: one that is fair, responsible, and built with care. In my professional life, integrity means standing behind your work and being accountable to the people it serves. In higher education, it means making decisions that are transparent, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the long-term good of students and our state. I will approach this role with a commitment to thoughtful decision-making and respect for the people who depend on these institutions every day.

Results

Results are where intention meets impact. It’s not enough to create opportunities—we need to ensure those opportunities lead to real outcomes. That means more students finishing what they start, entering meaningful careers, and building better lives for themselves and their families. I bring a mindset of problem-solving and continuous improvement—always asking how we can do better, and never settling for the status quo. Nevada’s students are hardworking and full of potential. Our system should match that effort with a structure designed for their success.

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