NSHE Board of Regents Appoints Dr. Chris Heavey as Interim President of UNLV

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has appointed Christopher L. Heavey, Ph.D., to serve as Interim President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The decision follows a recommendation by Chancellor Patricia Charlton, with input from Board Chair Amy J. Carvalho and Vice Chair Jeffrey S. Downs.

Dr. 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. Over the course of his long and distinguished career at the university, he 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. Dr. 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 also approved Dr. Heavey’s employment agreement, which takes effect April 25, 2025 and runs through April 24, 2028.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.