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The Board of Regents of the �鶹ԭ�� System of Higher Education (NSHE) voted to approve the contract renewal of �鶹ԭ�� (�鶹ԭ�� State) President Dr. DeRionne Pollard, following a positive periodic evaluation and continued progress across multiple areas of the university.

“President Pollard has positioned �鶹ԭ�� State as a forward-looking university with a strong sense of purpose,” said Board of Regents Chair Amy J. Carvalho. “Her work reflects a deep commitment to expanding access to higher education and delivering results for �鶹ԭ�� students. The Board is proud to support her continued leadership.”

Since stepping into the role in 2021, Dr. Pollard has guided �鶹ԭ�� State through a period of significant maturation and change. Under her leadership, the institution formally changed its name from ‘college’ to ‘university,’ expanded graduate offerings, increased enrollment in critical workforce roles like nursing and teaching, and launched its first-ever athletics program. She also helped secure new investments in student success, including a $5 million anonymous gift that created the First and Fierce Program to support first-generation students, and more than $13.7 million in federal earmarks to strengthen academic programs and campus infrastructure. This spring, �鶹ԭ�� State celebrated its second-largest graduating class in its history, awarding 869 degrees.

“As �鶹ԭ�� State continues to grow, I look forward to working alongside Dr. Pollard to strengthen NSHE’s impact across the state,” said Chancellor Matt McNair. “Her bold, student-centered vision and collaborative leadership are exactly what’s needed as we continue shaping a higher education system that reflects �鶹ԭ��’s future.”

The Board’s decision followed a thorough evaluation process that included feedback from students, faculty, staff, and community partners. The evaluation committee recommended renewal based on Dr. Pollard’s performance and the momentum she has helped create across the university.

“I’m incredibly honored to continue serving as president of �鶹ԭ��,” said Dr. Pollard. “This is a community that believes in the power of education to transform lives, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. There’s still more to do, and I’m excited to continue that work with our students, faculty, and staff.”