The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has appointed Chris Heavey to serve as Interim President of UNLV. The decision, approved by the board at its April 24 meeting, follows a recommendation by Chancellor Patricia Charlton, with input from Board Chair Amy J. Carvalho and Vice Chair Jeffrey S. Downs.
Heavey has been serving as officer in charge at UNLV since early March. A long-time campus leader, he has been part of the UNLV community for more than 30 years.
"I’m honored to step into the role of UNLV's interim president and grateful to Chancellor Charlton and the Board of Regents for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the university that means so much to me and to all of us,” said President Heavey. “I’ve had the privilege of working at UNLV for more than 30 years, and during that time I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary difference this university makes in the lives of our students and in the broader community we serve."
Over the course of his long and distinguished career at the university, Heavey has held several leadership roles, including executive vice president and provost, senior vice provost, dean, and vice provost for undergraduate education. He is also a tenured professor of psychology. Heavey earned his Ph.D. and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from UCLA and his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
“This decision was shaped by the voices of the UNLV community, and we listened,” said Board Chair Amy J. Carvalho. “Dr. Heavey has the experience, the institutional knowledge, and the respect of the campus community needed to lead UNLV during this important time.”
Before making the recommendation, Chancellor Charlton, Chair Carvalho, and Vice Chair Downs held a series of listening sessions in March to hear from the campus and local community. Hundreds of people participated, including student leaders, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of the university. There was strong support for appointing someone with experience and strong connections to the university to serve as interim president.
“Dr. Heavey has earned the respect of the campus through years of thoughtful leadership and a genuine commitment to UNLV,” said Chancellor Patricia Charlton. “He understands the complexity of this moment and is well prepared to guide the university with both confidence and vision.”
The Board of Regents also approved Heavey’s employment agreement as interim president, which takes effect April 25, 2025 and runs through April 24, 2028.
"We have a talented and dedicated team of faculty and staff who work tirelessly to advance our mission," said President Heavey. "I’m excited to collaborate with them -- and with our many partners -- as we continue to build on our strengths and move the university forward.”
