MGM Resorts International has announced that former governor and MGM Resorts President of Global Gaming Development Brian Sandoval will be leaving the company to pursue the position of President of the University of Nevada, Reno.
“We are grateful to Governor Sandoval for all that he has accomplished in his time at MGM Resorts. He helped to advance our efforts in Japan, in jurisdictions where we were seeking expanded access, and areas where we pursued sports betting opportunities,” said Acting CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle. “We wish him the very best in pursuit of this next opportunity and thank him for his commitment to MGM Resorts.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and privilege to have worked at MGM with Jim Murren and Bill Hornbuckle, two of the giants in the gaming industry, and the amazing MGM family,” said Governor Sandoval. “Having accomplished my goals at MGM, I have decided to put my time, energy and public and private experience to work as an applicant to become the next president of the University of Nevada, Reno. I am thankful for the experiences I had, and the people I got to know, while at MGM and wish everyone good health and safety during these challenging times.”
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has also announced that it is considering extending the contracts of NSHE Chancellor Thom Reilly and UNLV President Marta Meana to December 2020. The Board of Regents will also work to identify a candidate to serve as Acting President of UNR. President Marc Johnson is unavailable to continue serving through the summer.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the delay of the ongoing NSHE Chancellor and UNLV and UNR President searches, the Board of Regents leadership is seeking continuity in these key leadership positions, said Regents Chair Jason Geddes.
These contract extensions and appointing an acting president must be approved by the Board of Regents, who are planning an emergency meeting April 7, 2020 that will follow the new directive for public meetings from Gov. Sisolak. An agenda for the meeting has been posted.
“We have delayed the current searches to ensure an open and transparent process with full involvement of the campus and community constituencies and in consideration for the health and well-being of all those involved,” said Geddes. “It is also important to have stability in these key leadership positions during this distressing time. I want to thank Chancellor Reilly for his leadership during the pandemic and his willingness to continue on through December.”
Geddes added that once a permanent Chancellor is found, Chancellor Reilly will serve in an advisory role.
At the upcoming meeting, the Regents will consider performing the Chancellor search in June and the UNLV and UNR searches in September.
Chancellor Reilly said these decisions have been made in consultation with the search committee chairs, search consultants, and faculty, staff, and student leaders.
“I am thankful to President Meana and President Johnson and all of our institution presidents, who have shown remarkable leadership as we’ve navigated this tumultuous and unprecedented event,” Reilly said. “Nevada’s public higher education will return to a sense of normalcy and we must plan for that eventuality, which includes continuing these searches at a later time.”
NSHE System Administration will continue to work collaboratively with the Office of Governor Sisolak and all county, state, and federal health officials regarding COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of Nevada’s public higher education community continues to be NSHE’s utmost priority in this developing situation.
