The University’s Commitment to Community
On August 6, I was entrusted by the Board of Regents and Chancellor Dan Klaich to build upon UNLV’s rich past and lead this university into its next phase of development. Fifty-one years ago the university was established when community leaders in Southern Nevada seized an opportunity to create a place of learning for our citizens. Since that time, UNLV has provided opportunities for our students to get an excellent education and good jobs and for our faculty to teach and do research in an entrepreneurial environment. We have also created opportunities to collaborate with our local community on projects that make a real difference.
In meeting the challenge set by our founders, we have become more than simply a university in Las Vegas; we are a university that is now truly part of this city. At the same time, we remain strongly committed to improving our entire region through the students we prepare for the workforce, the research and creative activities we conduct, and the partnerships we foster.
In this edition of our research magazine, you will find these ideals illustrated in articles about innovations in nursing research, faculty projects addressing water issues that are so vital to our region, and scholarship on the history of the West. You will also learn about research with potential to enhance our state’s economic development, a report on the health of Nevada kindergartners, and recent successes of our faculty in the arts and humanities.
I hope you will join us as partners in building UNLV and investing in the future of Nevada.
Dr. Neal J. Smatresk, UNLV President
Research That Makes A Difference
UNLV Innovation, the university’s annual research magazine, was established to inform Nevadans and other stakeholders about the outstanding research and service being performed by UNLV faculty and students.
Even in these challenging times, something special is happening in Las Vegas. In the weeks and months to come, we will see UNLV become a central hub for activities that diversify our economy, develop our human capital and social systems, and create the critical infrastructure that Nevada needs for a sustainable future.
As we become poised to take a giant leap forward under a new president, we are ever mindful that our ability to do so is built upon years of efforts by our faculty and students. This issue of UNLV Innovation celebrates both our past and our future.
Dr. Ron Smith, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College
