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.

David, an Ecuador native, has worked extensively in community-based tourism planning projects in the United States and other countries, 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 between Ecuador and 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.