RENO — University of Nevada, Reno President Milton Glick has died of a stroke at the age of 73.

Chancellor Dan Klaich says Glick was eating at a restaurant with his wife, Peggy, when he suffered the stroke Saturday night. Klaich said he was uncertain whether Glick died before or after being taken to a Reno hospital.

Glick was appointed the 15th president of the University of Nevada, Reno and began in that role on Aug. 1, 2006, according to a statement from the university.

Glick oversaw the construction of major buildings on campus, the recruitment of a record number of top students and a higher graduation rate, as well as major budget cuts due to the state’s financial crisis.

“Milt was a strong, extraordinarily respected leader and that, combined with his enduring belief in the power of higher education, set the stage for a remarkable legacy,” wrote University Provost Marc Johnson in an announcement to campus on Sunday morning.

A one-time chemistry professor and former provost at Arizona State Univesity, Glick was born in Memphis, Tenn., in 1937 and grew up in Rock Island, Ill. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Augustana College in Rock Island in 1959, he earned his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisc., in 1965.

In the initial phase of his academic career, Glick was a noted researcher in the field of X-ray crystallography.

Over the past several years, Glick has been at the helm as the university and state faced massive budget cuts. Less than two weeks ago, UNR staff announced $13 million in cuts on top of $26 million in cuts announced in March. Those losses also meant the elimination of 318 jobs.

The Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) sent an email Sunday afternoon saying there will be a candlelight vigil for Glick today from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lawlor Events Center.

“It is with great sorrow and sadness that students mourn the passing of university President Dr. Milton Glick,” the statement from ASUN said. “More than anything, we knew him as a dedicated colleague, advocate for students and a friend. Dr. Glick was a great leader who never faltered to support student involvement in decision making at this university. Students will remember Dr. Glick as being a dedicated educator, leader and friend. His commitment to students was matched only by his kindness. His kindhearted nature brought students into his home to celebrate every December for a student holiday party. He was always willing to meet with students to hear our thoughts on issues facing the university and the community. We will always remember seeing him on campus shaking hands with students and genuinely caring about their education. He was a great leader and friend and will be missed by many for years to come.”

“I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Milt Glick’s sudden passing,” U.S. Sen. Harry Reid said in an email. “He was one of the most dynamic presidents the University of Nevada, Reno has had, recruiting a record number National Merit Scholars and Presidential Scholars to study there. He was a breath of fresh air on campus with his trademark hat and great sense of humor, and loved by faculty and students alike.

“Milt fostered a culture of excellence at UNR by increasing graduation rates, growing the school’s capacity as a research university and building a more diverse student body by opening the doors to a college education for more Nevada students. As Milt did throughout his career, we must continue to advocate for a strong system of higher education and make sure that all Nevadans who want to pursue a college education are able to. Dr. Glick was a renowned scientist, teacher and leader, and Nevada will miss him dearly.”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Dr. Milt Glick,” Dr. Stephen Wells, president of the Desert Research Institute, wrote in an email. “We have worked closely together on common issues since Milt’s arrival, nearly five years ago. Milt was a partner in promoting research in higher education and I admired his effort to promote a “sticky campus” environment for his university. Milt’s legacy will be persevering during the most difficult times for education in our state. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Peggy and his family.”

Sparks Mayor Geno Martini sent an email saying, “On behalf of the city of Sparks and the Sparks City Council, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of UNR President Milt Glick. The partnership between the city of Sparks and the University of Nevada, Reno was strengthened under President Glick’s tenure. He was always very interested in what was going on at the city. We were truly fortunate to have a champion of higher education lead our university for nearly five years. During the most challenging times in the history of UNR, President Glick had the wisdom and courage to make tough decisions, and he made a difference. Today, and in the days to come our thoughts will be with Milt’s family, as well as with the faculty, staff, and students of UNR.”

Heath Morrison, superintendent of the Washoe County School District, sent an email saying, “I am both saddened and shocked to hear the news. President Glick was a great friend and a colleague whom I admired and respected. He was a champion for education and worked tirelessly for all students. He was one of the first leaders I met when I arrived in Reno, and we worked together with Maria Sheehan at TMCC with the goal of creating the greatest K-12/higher education partnership in the entire country. I will miss him on every comprehensible level, and I know I will not be the only one. He was a special person with boundless amounts of courage, wisdom and passion.”

Glick is survived by his wife Peggy; his son David and wife Jennifer and their sons, Toby and Elijah; and his son Sander and wife Laura and their daughter, Nina.