ABOUT GBC
Welcome to Great Basin College!
Great Basin College values you! Valuing what we have in common and our differences means we will foster a college climate of mutual trust, tolerance, informed discourse and always seek to promote GBC as a "safe space" to explore new ideas and perspectives with opportunities for you to grow, learn and be successful in a friendly, supportive campus environment. GBC enriches people's lives by providing student-centered, post-secondary education to rural Nevada. GBC students enjoy outstanding academic programs, smaller class sizes, and excellent faculty who really care about our students. We are GBC!
ADMISSIONS
ACADEMICS
For High School Students
STUDENT SERVICES
GBC ONLINE
Great Basin College is "The Gold Standard in the Silver State" when it comes to long-distance education and online education delivery. GBC offers hundreds of classes and a diverse array of certificate and degree programs fully online and fully affordable!
COMMUNITY
Great Basin College wants to be your choice for higher education. GBC offers associate and baccalaureate level instruction in career and technical education and academic areas. About 4,000 students are enrolled annually online from across the country and on campuses and centers across 86,500 square miles, two time zones, and ten of Nevada's largest counties. We border Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and California. We are GBC!
INFORMATION
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RESOURCES
NSHE Board of Regents Appoints Dr. Amber Donnelli as President of Great Basin College
(Las Vegas, NV) The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) named Dr. Amber Donnelli President of Great Basin College (GBC). Dr. Donnelli began serving as interim president in July 2024 and will now continue leading the institution under a new contract approved by the Board.
"Dr. Donnelli has demonstrated the kind of steady, student-focused leadership that Great Basin College needs," said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. "She has earned the respect of students, faculty, staff, and community members, and the Board is confident she will continue to strengthen GBC's role in serving Nevada's rural communities."
"Over the past year, Dr. Donnelli has proven herself as an outstanding leader for Great Basin College," said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. "Her deep ties to the institution, commitment to student success, and ability to build meaningful connections across campuses and communities make her the right choice to guide GBC forward."
Dr. Donnelli has served Great Basin College for more than 18 years in a variety of leadership roles, including Associate Vice President of Faculty Success and Dean of Health Science and Human Services. Since becoming interim president, she has overseen a 20 percent increase in student enrollment, strengthened engagement with rural campuses through regular visits, expanded partnerships and outreach to community leaders and industry, and led the creation of GBC's 2025–2030 Strategic Plan with input from faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Dr. Donnelli began her higher education journey at Great Basin College, where she earned an Associate of Science in Nursing. From student to president, her path reflects the strength of Nevada's higher education pipeline and her deep understanding of GBC's role in rural communities. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A licensed Registered Nurse in Nevada and a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), she has brought together her nursing and education background to expand opportunities for students in rural Nevada.
The Board's approval of Dr. Donnelli's new employment agreement provides stable leadership for Great Basin College, which serves students in Elko, Ely, Pahrump, Winnemucca, and other rural communities.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.
About the Nevada System of Higher Education
The Nevada System of Higher Education, comprised of two doctoral-granting research universities, a state university, four comprehensive community colleges, and one environmental research institute, serves the educational and job training needs of Nevada. NSHE provides educational opportunities to more than 100,000 students and is governed by the Nevada Board of Regents. The System includes the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada State University, Desert Research Institute, the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada College. Learn more at https://nshe.nevada.edu/.
About Great Basin College
Great Basin College (GBC) offers associate and baccalaureate degrees in academic, career, and technical fields. Serving 4,000 students annually, GBC provides flexible education both online and at campuses and centers in Elko, Ely, Winnemucca, and Pahrump. Covering more than 86,000 square miles across ten of Nevada's largest counties, GBC is a leader in distance and rural higher education. The college is dedicated to expanding access to learning, preparing Nevada's workforce, and empowering students to succeed in their careers and communities.
For More Information Contact
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, Nevada 89801
Why Great Basin College
Great Basin College offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming students from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.
