Chris Heavey, executive vice president and provost at UNLV, has temporarily assumed leadership of the university after Keith Whitfield abruptly stepped down as president Monday, Nevada higher education officials announced.

After the sudden departure of UNLV’s president on Monday night, a veteran UNLV educator will temporarily take the helm. UNLV Executive Vice President and Provost Christopher Heavey, who has been at UNLV for three decades,

Provost Heavey has been at UNLV for more than 30 years— serving in various leadership roles, including senior vice provost, vice provost for undergraduate education and dean.