Snyder appointed interim dean of UNLV’s hotel college

Former Boyd Gaming Corp. president Don Snyder has been appointed interim dean of UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

UNLV President Neal Smatresk made the announcement Thursday night. The appointment is effective July 1. Snyder fills the post occupied by Stuart Mann, who is retiring June 30 after 12 years as dean.

Snyder was the president of Boyd Gaming from 1996 to 2005. Immediately prior, he served as president and CEO of the Fremont Street Experience, continuing as president 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.

Snyder is currently a volunteer chairman of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors.

“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,” Smatresk said.

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.