Following an international search, UNLV is pleased to announce David A. Cárdenas as the new dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. His start date is March 1, 2024.
Cárdenas comes to UNLV from the University of South Carolina (USC), where he currently serves as the interim associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs. Before joining the provost office, Cárdenas worked as interim dean and associate dean of academic programs for USC’s highly-rated College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management (HRSM).
“Dr. Cárdenas brings a wealth of knowledge in global tourism, education leadership, and industry research to his new role,” said UNLV Executive Vice President and Provost Chris L. Heavey. “The future of the Harrah College of Hospitality is certainly bright with him leading this exceptional college and team of educators.”
Cárdenas’ experience in both academic and administrative roles is wide-ranging. As the former associate dean of academic programs for HRSM, Cárdenas oversaw curriculum, international programs, student services, and alumni and corporate engagement. Prior to his role as associate dean, he served as a faculty member at both the USC and the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
“It is a great honor to join the world-renowned faculty and staff at the Harrah College of Hospitality in preparing the next generation of leaders for this great industry,” said Cárdenas. “I look forward to engaging with faculty, alums, and industry leaders to better understand the industry's evolving needs and ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to excel in their careers and elevate our industry to new heights.”
The Ecuador native has worked extensively in community-based tourism planning projects in the United States and abroad, engaging local residents in the sustainable tourism development process. His areas of research include sustainable development, resident attitudes and tourism education.
Cárdenas’ international experience includes visiting professor posts at Shandong University in China, the Inter-Continental University of the Caribbean in Curacao, the University of Aruba, and Universidad San Francisco de Quito. In addition, he has helped develop strategic international partnerships in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Qatar, Spain, Ecuador, Aruba, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Curaçao, Italy, England, Belize, Portugal, and Oman.
“Dr. Cárdenas is a proven leader with a strong record of research, teaching, and partnership-building throughout the hospitality and tourism industries,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. “I believe he’s well-suited to lead our top-ranked Harrah College of Hospitality to even greater heights in the years to come, and I look forward to welcoming him and his family to Las Vegas and UNLV.”
Cárdenas holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University. He also earned his master’s and bachelor's degrees at North Carolina State, with a focus on Tourism Management and Zoology, respectively.
About the Harrah College of Hospitality
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality has been ranked the number-one hospitality management program in the world by CEOWORLD Magazine (2023) and number two in the world by QS Top Universities by Subject (2023). Situated just blocks away from the Las Vegas Strip, the Harrah College of Hospitality College offers students unparalleled access to hands-on, industry-relevant experience and networking opportunities with world-class hospitality professionals. By leveraging these industry connections to bring real-world experiences into the classroom, the college produces graduates who are highly practiced and invested in their careers. The college offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in both in-person and online formats, as well as an on-campus Ph.D. Learn more at unlv.edu/hospitality.
