The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has approved a grant of $1.5 million to the Reynolds School of Journalism and Advanced Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The grant establishes a permanently endowed position named the "Fred W. Smith Chair in Journalism." The Chair, named in honor of the current chairman of the Las Vegas-based Reynolds Foundation, is to be occupied by the dean of the Reynolds School of Journalism.

"The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is pleased to provide funding for an endowed chair that will help the Reynolds School of Journalism attract the best possible candidates to fill the vacant dean's position," said Foundation chairman, Fred W. Smith. "The earnings from the endowment will give the new dean additional resources to build upon the momentum created by the late Cole Campbell. Our ultimate goal is for the Reynolds School to be recognized for excellence in the areas of education, research and preparation of students for professional practice."

University President Milton Glick expressed his appreciation for the grant. "We are very grateful for the continued generosity of the Reynolds Foundation. Their support has been a critical element in the extraordinary progress of the school," said Glick. "We are delighted with their decision to honor Fred W. Smith as the namesake for this endowed chair. The Reynolds School of Journalism is at the cutting edge in a rapidly changing profession. This endowed chair further strengthens the school and positions us to attract the leading candidates in the nation to be the next dean."

"This endowment enriches the school and the dean's position in a marvelous, expansive way," said Rosemary McCarthy, Reynolds School of Journalism interim dean. "We are deeply grateful to the Reynolds Foundation for its continued support of the school and its endeavors. The gift will support the dean and thus support the school in its interests in innovative media and scholarship."

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named.  Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, it is one of the largest private foundations in the United States.