David Cardenas

On March 1, 2024, David Cárdenas began his role as the dean of the William F. Harrah College of

Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Prior to this tenure at UNLV, Cárdenas worked at the University of South Carolina (USC) as the

interim associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs. Before joining the Provost

Office, Cárdenas served as both the interim dean and associate dean of academic programs for

USC’s highly-rated College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management (HRSM).

Cárdenas’ experience in both academic and administrative roles is wide-ranging. As the former

associate dean of academic programs for HRSM, Cárdenas oversaw curriculum, international

programs, student services, and alumni and corporate engagement. Prior to his role as associate

dean, he served as a faculty member at both the USC and the University of North Carolina

Greensboro.

The Ecuador native has worked extensively in community-based tourism planning projects in

the United States and abroad, engaging local residents in the sustainable tourism development

process. His areas of research include sustainable development, resident attitudes and tourism

education.

Cárdenas’ international experience includes visiting professor posts at Shandong University in

China, the Inter-Continental University of the Caribbean in Curacao, the University of Aruba, and

Universidad San Francisco de Quito. In addition, he has helped develop strategic international

partnerships in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Qatar, Spain, Ecuador, Aruba, Peru, Colombia,

Chile, Curaçao, Italy, England, Belize, Portugal, and Oman.

Cárdenas holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from North Carolina

State University. He also earned his master’s and bachelor's degrees at North Carolina State,

with a focus on Tourism Management and Zoology, respectively.