Lois Tarkanian, wife of former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian, passes away

Lois Tarkanian, the wife of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, has died, the school announced Monday evening. She was 90.

Lois Tarkanian was much more to the Las Vegas community than simply the wife of the greatest coach in Runnin’ Rebels history. She also had a long career in education and politics, most recently being elected to the Nevada Board of Regents in 2020.

“UNLV Athletics and the Runnin’ Rebel basketball program is deeply saddened by the passing of Lois Tarkanian, beloved wife of Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Tarkanian,” the school wrote in a statement. “Her kindness, strength and unwavering support touched everyone who knew her. Our hearts are with the Tarkanian family, Lois’ friends and all of Coach Tark’s former players.”

Lois Tarkanian began her career as a first grade teacher and would go on to become a speech pathologist and administrator. She also taught at Community College of Southern Nevada (later renamed the College of Southern Nevada) and various California universities.

She held a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s in speech and hearing, and a doctorate in leadership and human behavior. Tarkanian Middle School opened in 2006 in honor of both her and her husband.

In addition to her achievements in education, Lois Tarkanian was on the Las Vegas City Council for 14 years and the Clark County School District Board of Trustees for 12 years. She also co-founded and served on the board of the Public Education Foundation and was a board member for several other organizations.

Among her many honors, Tarkanian was named Humanitarian of the Year by Catholic Community Services and Citizen of the Year by the Westcare Foundation. She also received the March of Dimes’ Silver Lily Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Lois Tarkanian was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away in 2015. Jerry Tarkanian is the winningest coach in UNLV basketball history with 509-105 record. He led the program to four Final Fours and a national championship in 19 seasons as head coach.

But as successful as her husband was, Lois Tarkanian refused to live in his shadow and carved out her own path. Her impact was certainly felt during her time on earth and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.