Nevada State University President Dr. DeRionne Pollard will step down from her role on September 5, 2025, to become the President of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Her last day at NSU will be July 31, 2025. Dr. Pollard is set to be the first woman to lead AACC.
Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater will serve as Officer in Charge during Dr. Pollard’s absence. Dr. Pollard has been with NSU since 2021 and leaves a legacy of significant achievements, including increased enrollment and graduation rates, securing over $25 million in funding for student success initiatives, launching an athletics program, and renaming the institution from Nevada State College to Nevada State University.
NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair commended Dr. Pollard's leadership: “Dr. Pollard has led Nevada State through a period of remarkable growth and progress.” NSHE Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks also praised her contributions: “Nevada State has thrived under Dr. Pollard’s leadership.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Pollard stated: “Serving as President of Nevada State has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life... I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished.”