Bo Bernhard

Dr. Bo Bernhard serves as Interim VP of the UNLV Foundation and holds a dual professorship in Hotel Management and Sociology. A fifth-generation Nevadan, he earned his undergraduate degrees in sociology and psychology magna cum laude from Harvard University. His career spans research and leadership roles across six continents, focusing on the socio-economic impacts of gaming, hospitality, and tourism industries worldwide.

After completing his doctoral degree in 2002, Dr. Bernhard became the inaugural Research Director at UNLV's International Gaming Institute (IGI), growing the organization from two employees to 51 with four research centers. His interdisciplinary research examines globalization, economic development, and the social dimensions of hospitality industries.

Dr. Bernhard has delivered over 300 keynote addresses internationally and consulted for Fortune 500 companies in the hospitality sector. His research on Oakland Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas helped counter longstanding doubts about the city's viability as a professional sports destination.

He is bilingual in English and Spanish and holds the University of Nevada, Reno Philip G. Satre Chair - the most prestigious appointment in gaming studies - granting him faculty status at both of Nevada's research universities.