Heavey has served as interim president since April 2025, after former president Keith Whitfield resigned. Before taking the interim post, Heavey spent more than five years as UNLV’s executive vice president and provost. He has worked at the university for more than three decades and held roles including senior vice provost, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and vice provost for undergraduate education.

Board Chair Stephanie Goodman said Heavey’s experience and familiarity with UNLV would support the university as it serves students, faculty and staff and continues its work. Under NSHE policy, an interim president may be considered for a permanent appointment after at least one year in the position.

During Heavey’s interim leadership, UNLV reached enrollment of nearly 34,000 students and graduated about 7,000 students annually, according to the university. It also recorded its highest graduation rate and maintained a near-record retention rate. The university reported approximately $134 million in research expenditures and completed a seven-year accreditation review without recommendations for improvement. Its Carnegie R1 research and Community Engagement classifications were reaffirmed.

NSHE also credited Heavey with advancing workforce-oriented programs in fields including cybersecurity, health, mental health, sports management, and insurance and risk management, as well as strengthening research and community partnerships.

Heavey is a tenured psychology professor and holds master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from UCLA. His permanent appointment places a longtime university administrator at the helm of one of Nevada’s largest public universities after more than a year in an interim role.