The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has appointed Matt McNair as the new Chancellor after conducting a national search.
McNair will serve as the chief executive officer of NSHE, working with the Board and institutional presidents to support students and guide the future of higher education in Nevada. NSHE includes two research universities, a state university, four community colleges, and an environmental research institute, serving over 100,000 students annually.
Amy J. Carvalho, Chair of the Board of Regents, stated, “McNair brings the kind of experience and perspective we need to lead a system as diverse and far-reaching as NSHE.” She added, “The Board was looking for someone who not only understands what’s at stake for Nevada students and families but who can also build strong partnerships and deliver real results. We believe he is the right person to help shape the future of higher education in our state.”
Regent Susan Brager, Chair of the ad hoc Chancellor Search Committee, commented on the decision, saying, “The search process gave us the chance to listen to a wide range of voices, from campus leaders to community members.” She noted that “McNair stood out not just for his leadership background, but for the way he engaged with the issues that matter most to Nevadans, like access, accountability, and student success.”
The appointment followed a wide-ranging national search led by the ad hoc Chancellor Search Committee, with assistance from an executive search firm. Finalists participated in public forums in both northern and southern Nevada, and the process included feedback opportunities from students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties. The Board of Regents approved the appointment at a special meeting.
McNair will take over as Chancellor from Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton, who has led NSHE since September 2023. The Board of Regents expressed appreciation for Charlton’s leadership during this transitional period.
Matt McNair brings a wealth of experience in higher education, law, public policy, and economic development. He has held significant leadership positions at major research universities and played a crucial role in economic and corporate engagement at Ohio State University, among other positions. Most recently, he was interim CEO of the South Carolina Technical College System Foundation. McNair holds a J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Kansas.