In the context of global economic changes, one of Nevada's top priorities has become economic diversification. And yet, the pathway to success has significant challenges.

Nevada ranks lowest among the mountain states in scientists and engineers with doctorates. The state is near the bottom in retaining recent graduates with bachelor's and master's degrees in science and engineering. Furthermore, according to a February 2002 study conducted by the Nevada Development Authority, 80 percent of Nevada's top high school students seek post-secondary education outside the state and, unlike students in other states, do not return upon completion of their degrees. With the best and brightest looking elsewhere, new companies in the area are struggling to fill key positions. The lack of a qualified work force, along with the allure of competing states, discourages new businesses from locating in Nevada. Government, business and the university exist in a symbiotic relationship. In order for this relationship to thrive, each must commit to fulfilling its role.

Building Momentum
The Science, Engineering and Technology Building is a major step in increasing momentum for Nevada's economic diversification effort. The building will showcase a breadth of compelling programs and will attract students into high-demand fields, such as computer science, environmental science and electrical engineering. Empowered with the resources needed to compete with other states, UNLV will be able to recruit and retain students from Nevada while attracting additional top-notch students from other states. The increase of qualified employees will facilitate the arrival of new high-tech businesses. These new businesses will require the type of research facilities that will be found primarily at the Science, Engineering and Technology Building.

More important, UNLV faculty and student researchers will be able to increase their levels of collaboration with local industry and create the academic environment sought by technology-based companies. Ultimately, with funding from both the private and public sectors, the university will be able to conduct a wide array of high-profile research projects. This positive cycle of commerce and invention will be accelerated with the construction of the proposed building.

Improving Nevada's Competitive Edge
When completed, the Science, Engineering and Technology Building will help in attaining some of the goals identified by the Nevada Development Authority. Through their studies, the Nevada Development Authority has suggested the state move toward an "industry cluster system." This system would ensure Nevada's growth through the adoption and development of specialized fields such as information technology, entertainment technology and electronics. The Science, Engineering and Technology Building will help serve all three aforementioned industries. More specifically, research will include studies in energy and material sciences, entertainment and convention technology, arid land sciences, and information, data, and communication technology. These fields of study will lead to discoveries ranging from advancements in robotics to new chemical and biological sensors for environmental pollutants. All in all, the building will improve Nevada's competitive edge with surrounding mountain states by offering one of the most advanced research facilities in the Southwest.

Investing in the Future of our State
The Science, Engineering and Technology Building is more than a necessity for the present; it is an investment in the future of our state. Upon completion, this new facility will allow UNLV to attract faculty from the nation's top institutions and recruit the top students in Nevada and around the globe. This, in turn, will produce a qualified work force and will aid in attracting high-tech industries. In time, this will lead to advancements that will address a variety of needs in our state.

The Science, Engineering and Technology Building will create an environment where breakthroughs occur, where discoveries are made, where history-making inventions are developed. The time has come. The plan is in motion. And amazing things are about to happen at UNLV.