Reno Reporter

Ben Hazard was the first Black president of the University of Nevada, Reno. His tenure was marked by strong opinions, and his personal optimism for social change. 

He became president of the university on May 5, 1970. 

“I want to make sure that by being the 1st black professor I also will not be the last," Hazard was quoted as saying by the University of Nevada, Reno on Twitter. 

Hazard held a wide variety of views on academic subjects and in particular history, where he believed that the life experience of the Buffalo Soldiers was a key to grasping the history of the American West. When Hazard first got the job as president of the university, he thought that would signal a change and that he would not be the only Black man to hold that position of authority. Hazard was the first person of color to be a Curator for Special Exhibits and Education in the Oakland Museum where he served from 1970 to 1981.

Hazard's experience with museums went beyond the West. He was also appointed to the Institute of Museum Service Board by Jimmy Carter. In addition to his accomplishment of being the university's first Black president, he was also its first Black professor. Hazard is currently 79 years old.