Frazier, Maude (1881–1963)

views updated

Frazier, Maude (1881–1963)

American educator and legislator. Name variations: M. Frazier. Born Maude Frazier, April 4, 1881, near Baraboo, Wisconsin; died June 20, 1963, in Las Vegas, Nevada; dau. of William Henry Frazier and Mary Emma (Presnall) Frazier.

Taught school in various small Nevada towns (1906–21); was deputy state superintendent of public instruction in southern NV (1921–27); was superintendent of Las Vegas Union School District, building schools and laying foundation for largest school district in NV (1927–46); ran unsuccessfully for NV state legislature (1948), but won on 2nd attempt, serving as chair of education committee for 6 terms in legislature, and on ways and means committee (1950–62); as legislator, was instrumental in reorganizing NV state school system (1955), establishing Nevada Southern University (later University of Nevada, Las Vegas), and revising elections laws; was 1st woman to be appointed lieutenant governor in Nevada (1962).