The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Amber Donnelli as President of Great Basin College (GBC). Dr. Donnelli, who began serving as interim president in July 2024, will continue to lead the institution under a new contract approved by the Board.
“Dr. Donnelli has demonstrated the kind of steady, student-focused leadership that Great Basin College needs,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “She has earned the respect of students, faculty, staff, and community members, and the Board is confident she will continue to strengthen GBC’s role in serving Nevada’s rural communities.”
“Over the past year, Dr. Donnelli has proven herself as an outstanding leader for Great Basin College,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “Her deep ties to the institution, commitment to student success, and ability to build meaningful connections across campuses and communities make her the right choice to guide GBC forward.”
Dr. Donnelli has worked at Great Basin College for more than 18 years in various leadership roles such as Associate Vice President of Faculty Success and Dean of Health Science and Human Services. During her time as interim president, she oversaw a 20 percent increase in student enrollment and improved engagement with rural campuses through regular visits. She also expanded partnerships with community leaders and industry and led development of GBC’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan with input from faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Dr. Donnelli started her higher education journey at Great Basin College by earning an Associate of Science in Nursing before obtaining further degrees from University of Phoenix and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a licensed Registered Nurse in Nevada and a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), using her background to expand educational opportunities for students in rural areas.
With this appointment, the Board aims to provide stable leadership for Great Basin College as it continues its mission serving students across Elko, Ely, Pahrump, Winnemucca, and other rural communities.