View of the campus

Our University

Since our first classes were held on campus in 1957, UNLV has transformed itself from a small branch college into a thriving urban research institution. Along the way, our urban university has become an indispensable resource in one of the country's fastest-growing and most enterprising cities.

Students walking on a campus path with purple flowers in the foreground.

Vision and Mission

As a minority-serving institution rich with diversity and committed to equity, UNLV provides access to world-class educational experiences that are responsive to the needs of our students and stakeholders;
engages in groundbreaking research, scholarship, professional, and creative activities that have impact and cross boundaries; and
offers high-value, cutting-edge interdisciplinary physical and mental health care to support our community. We create value for the individuals and communities we serve by fostering a climate of innovation, stimulating economic diversification and workforce development, promoting social justice and inclusion of all voices, and enriching cultural vitality.

Our vision is improving the lives of our diverse students and transforming our communities through education and engagement.

University Leadership

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D., joined UNLV as its 11th president on Aug. 24. An experienced university administrator and prolific scholar, President Whitfield is a former university provost and psychologist with expertise on the social, psychological, and cultural factors related to cognition and healthy aging.

U-N-L-V President Keith Whitfield under We Are U-N-L-V sign
Students posing with large red U-N-L-V letters

Diversity

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV has ranked in the top ten spot in U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of the nation’s most diverse universities for undergraduates since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. UNLV has achieved designation from the U.S Department of Education as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Title III-Asian American and Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, as well as a Title V - Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada.

Free Speech

As a public university, UNLV is committed to upholding and protecting freedom of expression. This includes constitutionally protected rights of free speech and assembly, regardless of content.

Learn more

Man addresses a crowd

Highlights

From creating community partnerships and advancing student achievement, to promoting research, scholarship, and creative activity, we work hard to achieve our goal of becoming a top 100 American research university.

Student stands with hands in the air during commencement.
Outview of the Lied Library with the sky visible

Facts and Stats (2022)

25,373
undergraduate students
4,271
graduate students
1,045
professional students
86%
Nevadans
70%
Minority students
50%
of our students will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree
1 in 3
Students are first in their family to attend college
140,000+
alumni
250+
Undergraduate and graduate majors degree and certificate programs
85,130
Alumni who live and work in Nevada
1st
Four-year institution in Nevada to reach Hispanic enrollment of 25 percent
400+
Registered Student Organizations

University Policies and Statements

Cement with U-N-L-V carved in it and two yellow leaves
Campus landscaping with many cacti

Explore Our History

Thanks to its innovative frontier spirit, UNLV has kept pace with one of the country's fastest-growing and most enterprising cities. Our History »