The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has announced the appointment of Matt McNair as its new chancellor, following a comprehensive national search for candidates. McNair will take the reins from Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton, who has filled the role since September 2023.

Background on Matt McNair

McNair is well-recognized for his work as the founder and CEO of TrustLab, a nonprofit organization focused on rebuilding trust between communities and police. Additionally, he serves as the president of Cardinal Advisors, where his consulting work involves collaboration with major institutions like the University of Michigan to bolster research alliances and philanthropic efforts.

His previous roles in higher education include leading fundraising initiatives at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Ohio State University’s College of Engineering. Furthermore, McNair has held positions such as vice president of economic and corporate engagement at Ohio State and president of the Ohio State Innovation Foundation and the Oregon Health and Science University Foundation.

Legal and Business Experience

Before entering higher education, McNair practiced law with the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps. He has experience as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in California, worked with a venture capital firm in Santiago, Chile, and has also served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for Nebraska.

Vision for NSHE

Amy Carvalho, chairwoman of the Board of Regents, emphasized McNair’s suitability for the position, stating that he possesses the experience necessary to lead an extensive and diverse system like NSHE. She noted the Board’s intention to find a leader who understands the stakes for Nevada’s students and families while being capable of building productive partnerships and achieving significant outcomes.

In his application, McNair highlighted his extensive background in higher education leadership, public policy, and strategy. He expressed commitment to long-term success through strategic planning, collaboration, and financial management.

McNair outlined key focus areas for his tenure, including:

• Enhancing workforce readiness and economic mobility.
• Fostering faculty and research excellence through targeted investment and policy support.
• Strengthening corporate partnerships and public-private collaborations.
• Advocating for NSHE at both state and national levels to build essential relationships with lawmakers and funding bodies.

He has articulated the need for unity among stakeholders and has expressed eagerness to contribute positively to the educational landscape of Nevada. “The next NSHE Chancellor must be a unifying leader who brings together faculty, students, business leaders, policymakers, and communities,” McNair stated.

Selection Process

The selection of McNair followed a rigorous process that considered various candidates, including TJ Bliss, the chief academic officer for the Idaho State Board of Education, and Richard Ludwick, who previously served as president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Regents Carvalho and other committee members emphasized the importance of community input during the search, with committee chair Susan Brager noting that McNair distinguished himself by engaging with issues crucial to Nevadans, such as access and student success.