Crystal Abba

Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff
(775) 784-4901
(775) 784-1127

Biography

A native Nevadan, Crystal Abba was appointed as the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff in July 2022. Previously she held the position of vice chancellor for academic and student affairs since January 2012. Prior to her vice chancellor appointments, Abba was the associate vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. She began her career with the Nevada System of Higher Education in 2002 and has served in multiple positions including assistant vice chancellor and director of public policy. In her numerous NSHE roles, she worked closely with Nevada postsecondary leadership to identify and develop higher education policies and practices that meet the challenges of a changing state and the needs of its residents.

Prior to joining NSHE in 2002, Abba worked in the Research Division of the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau for several legislative sessions as a policy analyst and committee staffer for both the Senate and Assembly Committees on Commerce and Labor. She received her bachelor’s degree (with distinction) from the University of Nevada, Reno, and her MBA from the University of Delaware.