Eds. Updated May 1, 2010 to correct details in the third 'graph pertaining to Snyder's roles at the Fremont Street Experience.
LAS VEGAS - UNLV President Neal Smatresk announced today the appointment of Donald D. Snyder, former president of Boyd Gaming, as interim dean of the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Smatresk announced his selection at the Harrah Hotel College Vallen Dinner of Distinction Thursday night. The appointment is effective July 1, 2010. Snyder fills the post occupied by Stuart Mann, who will step down and return to the faculty ranks on June 30, 2010, after 12 years as dean.
"As we were looking for an interim dean, it became clear that fundraising, proven administrative ability, hospitality and gaming industry expertise and university experience were of paramount importance," said UNLV President Neal Smatresk. "Thus, we are deeply gratified that a person of Don Snyder's caliber is both willing and able to serve as interim dean of the Harrah Hotel College."
Snyder is currently chairman of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors. In this role, he was instrumental in securing a large private donation from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to fund the cultural center. Additionally, Snyder was the president of Boyd Gaming from 1997 to 2005. Immediately prior, he served as president and CEO of the Fremont Street Experience, continuing as chairman of the board from 1996 through 2006, while also leading Boyd Gaming. From 1987 to 1991, Snyder was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of First Interstate Bank of Nevada.
A long-time supporter of higher education, Snyder is a current member of the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees. As a former chairman of the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees and the Invent the Future campaign - a fundraising effort that spanned eight years and culminated last fall - Snyder helped the Foundation achieve more than $500 million from private groups. The private donations help fund scholarships, fellowships, endowments, academic programs, facilities and other initiatives that contribute to enhancing the university's academic reputation.
Snyder has been affiliated with several corporate and non-profit groups locally. He is past chairman of the Nathan Adelson Hospice, Council for a Better Nevada and United Way of Southern Nevada. He is the recipient of several awards praising his community service and corporate work.
Snyder is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and completed the Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management at Stanford University. Snyder was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law degree in 2001 from UNLV.
