The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has appointed Chris Heavey as UNLV president. Heavey has served as the university's interim president since April 2025 and will continue leading the university under a new employment agreement approved by the Board.
President Heavey brings more than three decades of experience at UNLV, including the past 18 months as interim president and more than five years as executive vice president and provost.
“Dr. Heavey brings extensive experience and a strong understanding of UNLV,” said Board of Regents Chair Stephanie Goodman. “As he takes on this role permanently, the Board remains focused on supporting the university’s students, faculty, staff, and continued progress.”
During Heavey’s tenure as interim president, UNLV reached record enrollment of nearly 34,000 students and approximately 7,000 graduates annually, achieved the highest graduation rate in its history, and maintained a near-record retention rate.
The university also completed its second consecutive seven-year accreditation review with no recommendations for improvement, reported record research expenditures of approximately $134 million, and was reaffirmed with both Carnegie R1 and Community Engagement classifications.
“UNLV is central to Nevada’s future, from preparing students for high-demand careers to advancing research and strengthening partnerships across Southern Nevada,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “Chris Heavey has shown he understands that responsibility. He brings the experience, focus, and collaborative approach needed to keep UNLV moving forward and to help connect the university’s work to the needs of our state.”
He has also helped advance workforce-focused programs in fields such as cybersecurity, health, mental health, sports management, and insurance and risk management, while strengthening research and community partnerships.
Before becoming interim president, Heavey served in several academic and administrative leadership roles at UNLV, including executive vice president and provost, senior vice provost, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and vice provost for undergraduate education. He is a tenured professor of psychology and earned his Ph.D. and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from UCLA.
“It’s been an honor to serve as UNLV’s interim president over the past 18 months," said President Chris Heavey. "I want to thank the Board of Regents for their support and for the opportunity to continue leading the university as its 12th permanent president. UNLV’s momentum is strong, but our work is just beginning. I’ve dedicated much of my career to this institution, and I believe deeply in the power of public higher education, the vital mission of UNLV, the people who make this university extraordinary, and in what we can continue to accomplish together.”
The Board’s action follows NSHE policy, which allows an interim president to be considered for permanent appointment after serving at least one year in the role.
