Following an international search, 性视界传媒 is pleased to announce David A. C谩rdenas as the new dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. His start date is March 1, 2024.
C谩rdenas comes to 性视界传媒 from the University of South Carolina (USC), where he currently serves as the interim associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs. Before joining the provost office, C谩rdenas worked as interim dean and associate dean of academic programs for USC鈥檚 highly-rated College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management (HRSM).
鈥淒r. C谩rdenas brings a wealth of knowledge in global tourism, education leadership, and industry research to his new role,鈥 said 性视界传媒 Executive Vice President and Provost Chris L. Heavey. 鈥淭he future of the Harrah College of Hospitality is certainly bright with him leading this exceptional college and team of educators.鈥
C谩rdenas鈥 experience in both academic and administrative roles is wide-ranging. As the former associate dean of academic programs for HRSM, C谩rdenas 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.
鈥淚t is a great honor to join the world-renowned faculty and staff at the Harrah College of Hospitality in preparing the next generation of leaders for this great industry,鈥 said C谩rdenas. 鈥淚 look forward to engaging with faculty, alums, and industry leaders to better understand the industry's evolving needs and ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to excel in their careers and elevate our industry to new heights.鈥
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.
C谩rdenas鈥 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, Cura莽ao, Italy, England, Belize, Portugal, and Oman.
鈥淒r. C谩rdenas is a proven leader with a strong record of research, teaching, and partnership-building throughout the hospitality and tourism industries,鈥 said 性视界传媒 President Keith E. Whitfield. 鈥淚 believe he鈥檚 well-suited to lead our top-ranked Harrah College of Hospitality to even greater heights in the years to come, and I look forward to welcoming him and his family to Las Vegas and 性视界传媒.鈥
C谩rdenas holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University. He also earned his master鈥檚 and bachelor's degrees at North Carolina State, with a focus on Tourism Management and Zoology, respectively.
性视界传媒 the Harrah College of Hospitality
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality has been ranked the number-one hospitality management program in the world by CEOWORLD Magazine (2023) and number two in the world by QS Top Universities by Subject (2023). Situated just blocks away from the Las Vegas Strip, the Harrah College of Hospitality College offers students unparalleled access to hands-on, industry-relevant experience and networking opportunities with world-class hospitality professionals. By leveraging these industry connections to bring real-world experiences into the classroom, the college produces graduates who are highly practiced and invested in their careers. The college offers bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees, in both in-person and online formats, as well as an on-campus Ph.D. Learn more at .
