I often consider the Langston Hughes poem “Harlem” when thinking of higher education, our students here at UNLV, and our role in helping grow the economy of Southern Nevada and the Silver State.

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”

At UNLV, we have embraced working with colleagues in business and industry to ensure that we offer high-demand degrees and certificate programs for the 21st-century economy, programs that integrate workforce readiness and promote active student participation in career planning.

This was evident in August, when more than 200 industry, business, academic, and government leaders joined us for our inaugural Southern Nevada Leadership Summit.  

Business leaders have big dreams for economic growth and diversity in Southern Nevada and are asking for programs that blend traditional, technical elements with transferable skills like leadership, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. 

We are listening. The future of higher education will depend on our ability to meet the needs of a continuously shifting job market. All the while, UNLV will continue to focus on groundbreaking research that improves the quality of life, stimulates discovery, generates efficiencies or advances society. 

I believe in UNLV, in this dynamic and innovative community, and in our collective potential to graduate students who will make a difference in Southern Nevada, the region, and beyond. Please stay connected and engaged with UNLV as we continue our progress to support Nevada’s growing economy. 

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D. 
UNLV President