UNLV has tapped Lakshmi N. Reddi as its next executive vice president and provost, putting a veteran engineering dean and research powerhouse in charge of the university’s academic engine starting June 1, 2026. He arrives from New Mexico State University, where he has been serving as interim provost and previously led that school’s College of Engineering. As chief academic officer, Reddi will oversee academic priorities, policies and the university's academic budget while UNLV continues its push as a public R1 research institution.
In a message to campus, UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey pointed to Reddi's deep administrative experience and his reputation for shared governance, saying his background positions him to help drive the university’s academic and research goals. According to UNLV, the appointment is effective June 1, 2026, and brings more than 25 years of leadership at large urban and land-grant R1 universities.
Background and career
Reddi’s move to Las Vegas follows an extended run at New Mexico State University, where he spent two years as interim provost and eight years as dean of the College of Engineering. His university biography also lists prior posts at Florida International University, the University of Central Florida and Kansas State University, reflecting a career that has stretched across several major public research campuses. He is credited with extensive experience in academic program development and administration, according to New Mexico State University.
Research and funding record
UNLV is also leaning into Reddi’s research track record. The university notes that he has secured more than $25 million in extramural funding and authored more than 120 technical articles. He is a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, distinctions that UNLV says will bolster its push to expand interdisciplinary research and workforce-aligned degree programs.
What this means for UNLV
University leaders are casting the hire as a strategic move in a larger effort to better align degrees with workforce needs and elevate UNLV’s research profile at a time when both federal and industry dollars are increasingly competitive. As The American Bazaar reported, Heavey said Reddi's experience and perspective on public universities will help support continued growth of UNLV’s academic and research missions.
Reddi's own words and next steps
Reddi said he is "excited about this opportunity to serve UNLV as its next executive vice president and provost" and added that he looks forward to working with faculty, staff and community partners as he transitions into the role. He is expected to formally begin on June 1, 2026, and UNLV officials have publicly thanked Kate Hausbeck Korgan and Barb Roberts for steady leadership during the search. Both will remain in key campus roles as Reddi arrives, according to The American Bazaar.
