Nationwide schools stand to gain from the innovative guidance of the NSU president's leadership

Nationwide schools stand to gain from the innovative guidance of the NSU president's leadership

DeRionne Pollard, a proud graduate of Chicago public schools and a first-generation college student, is stepping down from her role as president of Nevada State University (NSU) after leading the institution through a transformative era.

Pollard's tenure at NSU, which began on August 16, 2021, has been marked by significant accomplishments. She successfully secured more than $25 million in new philanthropic and public funding for the university, which was instrumental in supporting student success and workforce initiatives. Under her leadership, NSU officially became Nevada State University in 2023.

One of Pollard's most notable achievements was the increase in enrollment, retention, and graduation rates during her presidency. She also launched Nevada State's first athletics program, including trailblazing teams in women's flag football and men's track.

Pollard's leadership helped position NSU as a civic anchor and economic driver in Southern Nevada. She elevated the university's role both statewide and nationally, transforming it into a recognized driver of educational and economic opportunity for the region. NSU is now recognized as a Minority Serving Institute (MSI), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI), reflecting its commitment to diversity and social justice.

Before her appointment at NSU, Pollard had a history of leading institutions in Illinois, California, and Maryland. She served on the boards of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, the Vegas and Henderson Chambers of Commerce, and Nevada Public Radio, among others. Pollard holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University Chicago, with advanced degrees in English from Iowa State University.

Now, Pollard is making a historic appointment as the new leader of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), a prominent national organization in higher education[1][2][4]. Her innovative leadership at NSU will now impact community colleges across the country.

As Pollard steps down from her role at NSU, her legacy will be felt in Southern Nevada for years to come. Her work in higher education is rooted in lived experience, and she describes it as a calling. Pollard's departure from NSU marks the end of an era, but her impact on the university and the community will continue to be felt for years to come.

[1] Nevada State University. (2021, August 16). DeRionne Pollard named eighth president of Nevada State University. Nevada State University. https://www.nshe.nevada.edu/news/derionne-pollard-named-eighth-president-nevada-state-university

[2] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2021, August 16). DeRionne Pollard named president of Nevada State University. Las Vegas Review-Journal. https://www.reviewjournal.com/education/nevada-state-college-names-new-president-derionne-pollard-2522388/

[3] Inside Higher Ed. (2021, August 16). DeRionne Pollard named president of Nevada State University. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/08/16/derionne-pollard-named-president-nevada-state-university

[4] Nevada State University. (n.d.). DeRionne Pollard. Nevada State University. https://www.nshe.nevada.edu/about/leadership/derionne-pollard/

In her new role as the leader of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), DeRionne Pollard's innovative leadership at Nevada State University (NSU) is poised to influence community colleges nationwide. Her time at NSU, marked by numerous achievements such as securing significant funding, boosting enrollment rates, and launching athletics programs, will now shape the landscape of education-and-self-development across America. Despite stepping down from NSU, Pollard's impact on Southern Nevada's business, finance, and leadership sectors as a civic anchor and economic driver will persist for years to come.

Read also: