INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The University of Nevada at Lake Tahoe is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Thomas Horvath as vice provost and dean and a five-year strategic plan to guide academic programs, research, community partnerships and campus investment.
Selected following a national search, Horvath began his appointment Nov. 1. He brings more than 18 years of higher education leadership experience advancing student success, faculty development, research and partnerships with government agencies and community organizations.
“Thomas brings a combination of academic leadership, scientific expertise and a commitment to student success that will serve our Lake Tahoe campus well,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Jeff Thompson. “His background in aquatic biology connects directly with the opportunities for learning and discovery in the Tahoe Basin. He understands how to bring faculty, students and community partners together, and we look forward to working with him to advance the campus’s academic mission.”
Horvath joins the University from California State University, Monterey Bay, where he served as dean of the College of Science. He previously served as interim dean of both the College of Science and the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. His work has focused on expanding educational access, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and connecting academic programs with workforce and community needs.
A biologist by training, Horvath earned his doctorate in aquatic biology from the University of Notre Dame and his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Indianapolis. His academic and leadership experience includes roles at the State University of New York at Oneonta and the University of Koblenz-Landau, now Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University, in Germany. His scientific background complements the Tahoe campus’s focus on freshwater ecosystems and environmental research.
The campus’s strategic plan, “Blue Skies, Bright Minds 2027-2031,” provides a framework for decisions about academic programs, partnerships, facilities and staffing, with an emphasis on opportunities shaped by Tahoe’s environment and communities.
Developed through listening sessions, surveys and conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and partners, the strategic plan establishes four goals.
The four goals are:
- Elevating Lake Tahoe Communities: Amplify the culture and wellness of the region by advancing partnerships, programming and accessibility.
- Convening Global Thinkers and Changemakers: Attract the world’s most important conversations to Tahoe by establishing a premier destination for summits, retreats and exchange.
- Innovating for Sustainability: Discovery through research, innovation and collaboration that advances a more sustainable world.
- Advancing Transformative Scholarship: Empower people through programs, experiences and infrastructure built for Lake Tahoe.
Community welcome reception
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and partners are invited to welcome Horvath and learn about the strategic plan Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Prim Library at the University of Nevada at Lake Tahoe. Guests are asked to RSVP through Eventbrite by Monday, Nov. 9.
