UNLV has appointed Huajing Maske, Ph.D., as the inaugural director of the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture. Maske began Oct. 6 and brings decades of experience in global education, international partnerships, and community engagement.
Maske will lead the institute’s academic, cultural, and community initiatives to promote intercultural exchange, Mandarin language learning, and Chinese cultural understanding.
“It is an honor to lead the Sands Institute at UNLV at this pivotal moment of bold vision and innovation,” Maske said. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across campus, the Las Vegas community, and our university partners in China to increase understanding of Chinese language and culture and empower students with the knowledge and skills essential for global citizenship.”
A Distinguished Record
Maske brings more than two decades of higher education leadership. Most recently, she served as assistant vice president of international partnerships and executive director of the Office of China Initiatives at Wayne State University, and as an associate professor at the University of Kentucky. In these roles, she built a distinguished record for securing funding, establishing international partnerships, and advancing cross-cultural engagement.
UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey said, “We’re so grateful to our Sands partners for their broad and future-focused vision and support for The Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture. With the hire of Dr. Huajing Maske, I’m confident that we have the experienced, visionary, and skilled leader that we need to realize the full potential of the Sands Institute.”
Heavey was responsible for establishing the institute during his time as executive vice president and provost.
Sands Institute Momentum
The Sands Institute was approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents in December 2024 and launched in January 2025, made possible by a generous $15 million gift from the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.
The institute has already welcomed the inaugural class of Sands Chinese Language & Culture Scholars, a four-year program that provides students with scholarships and immersive learning experiences, including funded internships and study abroad in China.
In addition to the scholars program, the institute offers free, non-credit Mandarin language courses for the community, credit-bearing Mandarin classes, and a variety of cultural programming, such as film screenings, art exhibitions, and lectures. Last spring, the institute partnered with UNLV’s Barrick Lecture Series to host Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas L. Friedman for a talk on U.S.-China relations.
“I look forward to the high-impact work that Huajing and the institute team will do to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, which are fundamental to improved U.S.-China relations and a more peaceful 21st century,” said Kate Korgan, acting executive vice president and provost.
Leadership Transition
Lindsey Gruber, senior executive director of UNLV Global, and Robert Futrell, associate dean of academic programs in the College of Liberal Arts, served as co-directors while the search for a permanent director was underway.
“I’m grateful to Lindsey and Robert for their leadership in establishing a strong foundation for the Sands Institute and fostering a vibrant and inclusive community and culture since its launch,” Maske added. “I’m excited to carry the baton forward as we build on this momentum to expand the institute’s reach and deepen its impact.”
To learn more about the Sands Institute’s programs, events, and volunteer opportunities, visit the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture website.
