JOSEPH "JOE" ARRASCADA

NAME: Joe Arrascada

AGE:  57

PARTY AFFILIATION:  Democrat

DAY JOB:  

Retired

EDUCATION: 

BA Criminal Justice and MSW both from University of Nevada

HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN NEVADA:  

57 years

WRITE A BRIEF (TWO TO THREE SENTENCES) SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENABLE YOU TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE:

In 2020 I was elected to represent District 10 as Regent for the Nevada System of Higher Education. Since then, I have served in leadership roles overseeing system governance, accountability, academic affairs and the search for NSHE’s next Chancellor. I also bring nearly two decades of experience serving veterans through the VA and experience founding a community service organization, giving me a strong background in public service and responsible stewardship of public resources.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED?

My top priority is strengthening Nevada’s colleges and universities so we can attract and retain talented students, educators and researchers. This means investing in the facilities and infrastructure necessary to expand educational opportunities, grow high-demand programs, and ensure Nevada’s higher education system can compete nationally while preparing students for the jobs of the future.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AND HOW WOULD YOU FIX IT?

The biggest challenge facing NSHE is keeping higher education affordable while ensuring our colleges and universities have the resources to provide a high-quality education. I will continue pushing for responsible budgeting, greater state investment, expanded financial aid and dual enrollment opportunities and innovative ways to reduce costs for students (including open educational resources and expanding student housing options). We cannot allow the rising cost of a degree to put higher education out of reach for Nevada students.

IN ONE SENTENCE: WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a lifelong Nevadan who has dedicated my career to public service.

YES OR NO: WILL YOU ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION, WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE?  

Yes