Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to share that Gerry Sanders has decided to step down from his role as dean of Lee Business School and return to his academic faculty position as a full professor in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, effective June 30. This change will enable Gerry to more fully concentrate on his academic passions, both in research and teaching.
Since becoming dean of Lee Business School in January 2021, Gerry has led several key initiatives to enhance the school’s academic and community impact. This includes forming a strategic planning task force with faculty and staff during his first year as dean to consider the future direction of the school.
During Gerry’s tenure, the school achieved a 60% six-year graduation rate. Additionally, the part-time MBA program has continued to rank in U.S. News & World Report's top 100, and the school's undergraduate online programming has consistently placed in the top 50. Lee Business School also launched a fully online bachelor’s degree program in entrepreneurship, as well as a new Master of Science in Cybersecurity program in partnership with the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering that is already heralded as one of the nation's best by Fortune.
While Gerry has been dean, the school secured a $2.3 million matching gift from ºÚÁÏÍø’s first graduate, local businessman Jon Cobain, to support scholarships for first-generation business students and bolster student research and professional development within the school. Additionally, in 2023, the school established its fourth center, the Kerestesi Center for Insurance and Risk Management, made possible through $5.6 million in gifts from Nevada Surplus Lines and the partners of Cragin & Pike law firm. The center advances research in the areas of insurance and risk management and serves as an important resource to help students secure internships and employment.
Gerry also relaunched the Nevada Business Hall of Fame after a seven year pause. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to our state, and Elaine Wynn and Bob Arum were the honorees for 2025.
On behalf of the Cabinet and Academic Council, we would like to thank Gerry for his leadership and support for our mission and his work to move the Lee Business School forward over the last four and a half years, including two of the most traumatic years in school history. His efforts will benefit students and faculty for years to come, and we wish him all the best as he transitions to this new chapter.
We plan to name an interim dean for the Lee Business School soon and will provide updates as the process progresses.
Warm regards,
Chris Heavey
Interim President
Kate Hausbeck Korgan
Officer in Charge, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost