In the bright lights of Las Vegas, known more for its casinos and concerts than for academia, one man quietly laid the foundation for a legacy that would outlast the neon glow. Professor Sadanand Verma, Ph.D., who passed away last week at the age of 95, was more than just a scholar of mathematics—he was a visionary, a pioneer, and a cornerstone in the intellectual architecture of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
His life, marked by profound purpose and perseverance, inspires generations of scholars and immigrants alike. For those who knew him, his passing feels like the closing of a grand chapter in the academic story of Las Vegas.
Sadanand Verma: A Journey from Bihar to the Bright Desert
Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, Professor Sadanand Verma’s early life could not have foretold the monumental impact he would have across continents. He came to the United States in 1955, a time when immigration from India was rare. Driven by academic ambition, he earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Wayne State University in Detroit by 1958—an era when few Indian immigrants had the opportunity or access to such prestigious accomplishments.
In 1967, he made a decision that would change not only his life but also the academic future of an entire region: he accepted a position at UNLV and made Las Vegas his permanent home.
Back then, Las Vegas had barely seen any Indian presence, and UNLV was a fledgling university founded just a decade earlier. Yet, Verma saw opportunity where others saw obscurity. What started as a new job became a lifelong mission.
Building UNLV, One Equation at a Time
Joining UNLV just ten years after its inception, Professor Sadanand Verma was among the earliest Ph.D. holders in the Mathematics Department. At that time, the department was still finding its footing, with most faculty lacking doctoral credentials. Verma not only brought prestige but also direction.
He chaired the Department of Mathematics—later renamed Mathematical Sciences—for an incredible 22 years (1968–1990). During his tenure, he planted the seeds of growth that would flourish for decades. In 1969, he initiated the Master’s program in Mathematics, and later encouraged the development of a Statistics concentration with the appointment of Professor Aaron Goldman. His foresight extended to Computer Science, where he hired specialists long before the subject had its department.
These were not random decisions; they were deliberate moves by a leader with both vision and administrative prowess. Today, the thriving departments of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at UNLV trace their roots to Verma’s academic foresight.
Sadanand Verma: More Than a Professor – A Walking Historian of UNLV
Verma was more than an academician. He was UNLV’s memory keeper, watching the institution evolve from “Tumbleweed Tech,” mocked by outsiders, to a R1 research university respected nationwide. He noticed even the subtle shifts in campus culture, architecture, and strategy. In the 1980s, he led the renaming of his department from “Mathematics” to “Mathematical Sciences” to reflect a broader, more inclusive academic identity.
Sadanand Verma often recalled UNLV’s transformation with the calm pride of a man who helped draft the blueprint. His 55-year tenure is not just a record in loyalty; it is a story of shaping identity, building from scratch, and leaving behind a legacy carved in chalk and character.
A Personal Reflection: Visiting a Living Legend
Two months ago, I visited Professor Sadanand Verma at his home in Las Vegas. Though I had known of his stature, seeing him in person—frail but still dignified—was deeply moving. He was glad to receive a folder containing my recent reflections. Though age had visibly wearied his body, his eyes still sparkled with curiosity.
That visit was a poignant reminder: the human body may age, but the mind and soul committed to purpose don’t fade easily. It was a quiet farewell from a mentor who taught not only mathematics but also the calculus of life, where perseverance, patience, and principle are the true variables of success.
An Enduring Legacy
When Professor Sadanand Verma retired in 2022 at the age of 92, he left behind not just memories but infrastructure, programs, departments, policies, and an entire generation of scholars molded by his influence. In 2021, when he was recognized as UNLV’s longest-serving faculty member, he said, “Seeing students from my classes perform outstandingly to move on to other universities or make a positive impact in our Las Vegas community” was his greatest reward.
To honor his memory, the Verma family has announced the Sadanand Verma Mathematics Fellowship—a fund to support exceptional graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UNLV. It is a fitting tribute: investing in minds, just as he did for over half a century.
Friends and well-wishers are encouraged to donate to the fund and help carry forward his mission of academic excellence.
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