The Office of the President is pleased to announce that Kyle K. Ethelbah, EdD, MPH, has been appointed associate vice president for institutional engagement and experience, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Reporting directly to the president, this new role will guide UNLV’s efforts to strengthen engagement, reinforce shared values, and support a positive and mission-aligned campus culture. As interim President Chris Heavey noted in recent communications, bringing this work into the President’s Office increases its visibility on campus and allows for more intentional coordination of efforts to cultivate a connected university community.
In this role, Ethelbah will help organize and support initiatives to build a positive workplace culture in which faculty and staff feel supported and included. He will work to foster collaboration and enhance the overall employee experience at UNLV.
“Kyle is respected across campus for his ability to unite people around shared goals," Heavey said. "His thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership will serve the university well, and I look forward to the positive impact he will have at UNLV."
Ethelbah brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including two decades of service at UNLV and leadership roles at the University of Utah and the University of Arizona. His career has included work on student success initiatives, oversight of federally funded academic support programs, and leadership of teams serving diverse student populations. Most recently, as director for college programs in UNLV’s Dr. William W. Sullivan Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach, he oversaw TRIO and AANAPISI initiatives, supported major federal grants, and guided programming and staff development that contributed to improvements in student retention and completion outcomes.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Ethelbah has contributed to university and external initiatives through participation on committees, advisory groups, and professional boards. His work has included developing program policies and conducting program assessments. He has also been active in national service through organizations such as the Council for Opportunity in Education and has delivered presentations at professional conferences on student support and program effectiveness.
A central component of Ethelbah’s new portfolio will be the launch of the Institutional Engagement and Experience Council (IEEC) in Spring 2026. This group will bring together representatives from academic and administrative units who support initiatives that influence the experience of faculty and staff. The IEEC will operate through a hub-and-spoke model that connects unit representatives, aligns efforts, and highlights effective practices across different areas of campus. Ethelbah will lead the council’s development and ongoing work, providing structure and resources, including dedicated funding from the Office of the President, to help units design and implement activities tailored to their priorities.
“I’m honored to take on this inaugural role,” said Ethelbah. “I look forward to partnering with colleagues throughout the university as we advance efforts that support faculty and staff engagement and foster a more positive and effective work environment.”
Vice President for Human Resources and Chief People Officer Ericka Smith noted, “Kyle’s deep understanding of UNLV and his long-standing commitment to our community will help us continue building a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace.”
Ethelbah’s appointment supports ongoing efforts by the President’s Office to enhance campus culture and strengthen collaboration across the university. Additional information about the IEEC and its membership will be shared in the spring.
