Announcement regarding Vice Provost and Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe

July 31, 2026

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

I hope you’re all enjoying these last few weeks of summer! 

Following a national search, we are proud to announce that Dr. Thomas Horvath has been named Vice Provost and Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. 

Dr. Horvath brings more than 18 years of higher education leadership experience, with a strong record of advancing academic excellence, student success, faculty development and strategic partnerships. He will begin his appointment on November 1, 2026. 

Dr. Horvath currently serves as Dean of the College of Science at California State University, Monterey Bay, where he has led initiatives focused on student achievement, research growth, and external partnerships. He has served as interim dean of both the College of Science and the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. Throughout his leadership career, Dr. Horvath has worked to expand educational access, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and align academic programs with workforce and community needs.

Dr. Horvath has successfully leveraged external partnerships to expand research opportunities and academic programs. As a senior academic leader, he has helped secure millions of dollars in grant funding while building collaborations among universities, government agencies and community organizations. His experience developing strategic partnerships will be particularly valuable as the University continues to grow its presence and engagement in the Lake Tahoe region.

As Vice Provost and Dean of the Lake Tahoe campus, Dr. Horvath will advance its academic mission, while strengthening partnerships and supporting innovative teaching methods. His experience developing partnerships and supporting student success will be invaluable as we continue to build the future of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

Before joining California State University, Monterey Bay, Dr. Horvath served in academic and leadership roles at institutions in the U.S. and abroad, including State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta and the University of Koblenz-Landau (now Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University) in Germany. A biologist by training, Dr. Horvath earned his doctoral degree in aquatic biology from the University of Notre Dame and his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Indianapolis. He has maintained an active research portfolio throughout his career and has served on numerous national higher education organizations, including the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences Board of Directors.

We are confident that Dr. Horvath will be an exceptional leader and collaborative partner for our faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders. His commitment to mission-driven leadership, evidence-based decision-making and fostering inclusive, high-performing academic environments aligns strongly with the vision and values of our University.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Dean and Interim Vice Provost Doug Boyle for his leadership and service to the University. Since joining the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe, Dr. Boyle has played a crucial role in leading the campus community during a period of tremendous growth and transition. His steady leadership helped guide the successful teach-out of Sierra Nevada University students while ensuring they received the support and opportunities needed to complete their academic journeys. Dr. Boyle’s commitment to students, faculty, staff and the broader community has helped establish a strong foundation for the future of the Lake Tahoe campus.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Horvath to the Wolf Pack Family.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President