Nevada State University president is resigning from his position
DeRionne Pollard, the current president of Nevada State University (NSU), announced her resignation from the post, effective September 5, 2025. Her last day on campus will be July 31, 2025. During her tenure at NSU, Pollard has led transformative initiatives, achieving significant progress for the university.
Notable accomplishments under Pollard's leadership include increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, securing institutional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and specialized accreditation for key programs. She also obtained over $25 million in private philanthropy, local, state, and federal grants to support student success and workforce development.
Pollard's leadership saw the launch of an Athletics Program, including Nevada's first collegiate Women’s Flag Football and Men’s Track and Field teams. Concurrent enrollment partnerships with high schools in Southern Nevada were expanded to make higher education more accessible and affordable. The institution's name was changed from Nevada State College to Nevada State University in 2023.
Pollard has also been praised for her leadership by NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair in a statement, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead NSU. She is immensely proud of the growth and accomplishments of the university during her tenure.
Pollard will be leaving NSU to become the president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), a national organization representing over 1,000 community colleges. She will be the first woman to lead this 105-year-old organization, starting her new role in September 2025.
In the coming months, campus visits will be conducted by officials to gather feedback from students, faculty, and staff at NSU. Amber Lopez Lasater will serve as officer in charge in Pollard's absence. The NSU board is working to ensure continuity and strong leadership at the university following Pollard's departure.
Pollard's contract at NSU, which paid $470,175.75 annually, was through August 2029. She has served as president of NSU since 2021, making her the first Black woman to serve as president at any institution in the Nevada Higher System of Education.
Sources: [1] Nevada State University, Press Release, "DeRionne Pollard to Become President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges," (2025). [2] Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Nevada State University President DeRionne Pollard to Leave for National Role," (2025). [3] Reno Gazette Journal, "DeRionne Pollard to Leave Nevada State University for American Association of Community Colleges," (2025). [4] American Association of Community Colleges, Press Release, "DeRionne Pollard to Become President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges," (2025).
In the realm of education-and-self-development, DeRionne Pollard's leadership at Nevada State University saw substantial growth and progress, including increased enrollment rates, secured accreditations, and millions in grants for student success. Yet, she will be resigning to take on a new role as president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, a transition that will coincide with the ongoing politics of higher education, particularly in the context of general-news.
