Foundations and Early Growth

Lee Business School has been integral to UNLV’s mission to cultivate business leaders for Southern Nevada and beyond. Founded as the College of Business & Economics in 1968, the school quickly established itself as a leader in business education. In the following years, programs were introduced to support the growing business needs of the region, including the creation of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in 1967, and in 1991, Lee Business School attained the prestigious AACSB accreditation, ranking it among the top business schools globally.

A Transformative Gift and New Identity

The new millennium marked a period of rapid expansion for the business school. In 2001, the creation of the Nevada Business Hall of Fame honored key figures who shaped the business landscape of Nevada. This era also saw the launch of the Executive MBA program, which served as a pivotal step in UNLV's aim to produce high-level business leaders.

A defining moment for the school came in 2011, when the College of Business was renamed the Lee Business School after a transformative $15 million gift from the Ted and Doris Lee Family. This gift supported faculty endowments, scholarships, a visiting professor program, and the establishment of the Lee Thought Leader Series. The renaming symbolized a new chapter, underscoring the school's commitment to excellence in business education and leadership development.

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Strategic Development 

Entrepreneurship emerged as a key focus for the school during this period. In 2012, a significant gift led to the establishment of the Rebel Venture Fund, a student-run venture capital fund that provides real-world experience in investment. That same year, the Troesh Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was named, following a $4 million donation, positioning the center as a hub for fostering entrepreneurial talent on campus and beyond.

The Lee Business School also implemented its first long-term strategic plan in 2015, outlining its mission to cultivate leaders who transform business. This period of strategic growth was reflected in initiatives like the Sustainability Speaker Series and the expansion of the Career & Professional Development Office, which enhanced the student experience by preparing graduates for a dynamic business landscape.

A Vision for Global Engagement and Diversity

As UNLV was ranked the #1 most diverse undergraduate campus in 2017 by U.S. News & World Report, Lee Business School aligned its mission to reflect this diversity. The Global Entrepreneur Experience (GEE), launched in 2009, became the first UNLV student organization to visit Cuba, exemplifying the school’s commitment to providing global opportunities for its students.

In 2018, the school announced its first fully endowed chair, the Mel Larson Endowed Chair in Marketing, marking a significant investment in faculty excellence and positioning Lee Business School as a leader in marketing education. This period also saw significant contributions to research and entrepreneurship through collaborations like the National Science Foundation I-Corp grant, which provided grants for student-led startups in partnership with the College of Engineering.

Leadership and Forward Momentum

Leadership has played a critical role in shaping the direction of Lee Business School. Starting with Dr. William White in 1967 as the founding dean, each successive leader contributed to the school's vision and growth. Recent deans, including Brent Hathaway (2013-19) and Gerry Sanders (2021-Present), have focused on expanding the school’s impact both locally and globally.

Today, Lee Business School stands as a pillar of business education in the region, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, diversity, and global engagement. The school continues to evolve, guided by its mission to develop future business leaders who can meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.