In the last century, the relationship between the United States and China has become one of the most consequential partnerships on the world stage. Today, these two nations stand as international superpowers, shaping commerce and trade, foreign relations and diplomacy, science and technology, and more.
The new Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV symbolizes the connected history and shared future of these two countries. Dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and respect, the institute will offer Mandarin language education, cultural programming, and other opportunities for cooperative engagement.
"The Sands Institute reflects UNLV's commitment to prepare students for citizenship and leadership within a complex, interconnected world," said Chris L. Heavey, UNLV’s executive vice president and provost. "This initiative is about more than teaching a language — it’s about opening minds, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and equipping our students with the tools to bridge divides and solve challenges on an international scale."
Heavey recently discussed the Sands Institute's mission and vision during a guest appearance on KNPR’s State of Nevada podcast, emphasizing its importance to UNLV, the Las Vegas community, and beyond.
Funded by a generous $15M philanthropic gift from Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the Sands Institute is the first of its kind to be launched at a U.S. institution of higher education. Situated in Las Vegas, which draws people from around the world and brings diverse cultures together, the institute is uniquely positioned to leverage the city’s international connections and thriving hospitality and tourism industries. This made partnering with UNLV, renowned for its leadership in global education, a natural fit, said Chase Whittemore, vice president of government relations at Sands Corporation.
"Sands has a long history of supporting UNLV for over 25 years, both academically and through various other avenues. As a company headquartered in Las Vegas, the local community holds great significance for us," Whittemore said. "UNLV is a unique institution with remarkable ties to global tourism, making it a natural partner for us. Given our history with UNLV and the importance of Las Vegas as a hub for global tourism, collaborating to create this institute was a perfect fit. It allows us to advance educational opportunities for students and the community while enhancing UNLV's global reach — something we are deeply committed to supporting."
Through partnerships with top Chinese research universities, major corporations, and organizations focused on U.S.-China relations, the Sands Institute will build connections and strengthen cooperation, creating an impact that extends far beyond Las Vegas.
Building a Strong Workforce
Workforce development is a key goal of the Sands Institute. Its academic programs will equip students with skills, micro-credentials, and certifications to prepare them for work in roles that interface with Chinese people, organizations, and businesses.
With a curriculum centered on Mandarin language and Chinese cultural proficiency, the Sands Institute generates pathways for developing and strengthening business partnerships, tourism, and other exchanges with China. It also creates a more inclusive workforce that meets the demands of a globalized economy.
The importance of investing in Chinese language and cultural literacy is resonating with students. Dozens applied for the Sands Institute for Chinese Language & Culture Scholar Program, which provides selected students with $16,000 in scholarships over four years to take language and culture courses. Scholars will gain access to internships, employer networks, and international travel opportunities.
"Programs like this set students up for success long after graduation," Heavey said. "By gaining Chinese language and cultural fluency, students will gain a significant competitive advantage as they enter the workforce."
As the Sands Institute takes shape in Las Vegas, Congresswoman Dina Titus, who serves Nevada's first congressional district, says the initiative promotes economic growth and diversification and benefits the city in multiple ways.
"The Sands Institute benefits us in three ways. One is the university. It adds to our credibility. It adds to our outreach and offerings for our students, faculty, and staff. Second, it contributes to the Las Vegas economy," Titus said. "More and more, we are looking to the Pacific Rim for international business, tourism, and gaming, with some of our companies already there in parts of China, such as Macau. It helps from a business standpoint because it brings visitors to Las Vegas and trains people in Las Vegas to operate those international businesses. And third, it benefits the world. Having people who know the culture, know the language, and can communicate and interact with people across international lines is part of soft diplomacy."
Recognizing the importance of extending its impact beyond campus, the Sands Institute will also provide opportunities for community members of all ages to participate in educational and cultural activities, including Mandarin language instruction from beginner to advanced levels, cultural literacy training, seminars and lectures, and events celebrating Chinese heritage.
As a city celebrated for its diversity and inclusion, Las Vegas has long been home to a vibrant community of residents of Chinese origin, many of whom live, work, and own businesses in what is known as Chinatown Vegas in the Spring Valley area. Titus added that the Sands Institute will be a welcome presence and potential partner for this part of the city whose residents also stand to benefit from the programming offered.
"Certainly, the institute will play a large role in the diversification of the economy, which we have always said we need to do," Titus added. "We have a large Asian and Chinese population in Las Vegas. It is a big part of the community. Look at Chinatown and how it has grown. I think it'll be a good partner with those economic generators in the district. So, I'm very proud of the university. I think having it on campus will just be great."
The Sands Institute will also act as a link between Las Vegas and China, connecting the local community with one of the region’s most significant international markets. With an increase in the number of visitors from China, the institute will provide language and cultural programming that helps local businesses and residents better engage with Chinese patrons and partners, enriching both the economy and cultural landscape of Southern Nevada.
The Value of Cultural Connection
At a time when the number of American students studying abroad in China has dramatically declined post-pandemic, the Sands Institute is betting on meaningful cultural exchanges between students and faculty to reinvigorate the flow of academic collaboration and dialogue between the two countries.
In partnership with leading universities in China, such as Sun Yat-sen University, Beijing Normal University, and Wuhan University, the Sands Institute and UNLV are committed to creating opportunities for cross-cultural engagement to attract more American students to pursue study abroad opportunities in China, and also for more Chinese students to study in the U.S.
UNLV business professor Honghui Deng, who serves as UNLV’s special advisor for China initiatives, believes that partnerships with Chinese universities are key to strengthening global academic collaboration and preparing students to navigate the complexities of international relations.
“International cooperation is more crucial than ever. The Sands Institute is instrumental in creating connections between UNLV and Chinese universities to prepare students to be successful in a globalized society,” Deng said. “UNLV faculty will also benefit from the Institute’s programs through faculty exchanges that will enrich their teaching methods and broaden their research perspectives.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the value of people-to-people exchange during a visit to San Francisco in late 2023. During the visit, he announced a new initiative to invite 50,000 American students to study in China, emphasizing the importance of educational exchange in strengthening long-term collaboration between the two nations.
UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield is committed to advancing such opportunities, viewing them as a cornerstone of global engagement.
"Educational exchange is a meaningful way to build and sustain connections between nations," said President Whitfield. "UNLV's partnership with Sands Corporation reinforces our ongoing commitment to provide students with global experiences that both broaden perspectives and promote lifelong learning."
Transforming the Future of International Education
The Sands Institute demonstrates how higher education institutions can address the opportunities and challenges of a globalized world. By integrating cultural exchange with academic programming, the institute will provide students and the community with the tools to navigate and succeed in international contexts.
The institute will work alongside UNLV’s Chinese Studies Program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and collaborate with campus organizations such as the Chinese Students and Scholars Association to expand educational and cultural opportunities.
The university leveraged its longstanding relationship with Sands Corporation to envision an innovative approach to advance the understanding and appreciation of Chinese heritage and traditions and to pave the way for international engagement and cooperation.
Working with the UNLV Provost’s office, Whittemore said, was a rewarding experience that quickly produced notable results.
"The vision laid out by Provost Heavey for this institute is something we are proud to support," said Whittemore, who serves on the Sands Institute’s Advisory Board. "We can’t wait to see its impact on Las Vegas and beyond."
The Sands Institute represents a key step in internationalization at UNLV. Additional programs and initiatives are planned through the newly established UNLV Global unit, which consolidates the Office of International Students and Scholars, Study Abroad, and the English Language Center.
For more information, visit the Sands Institute website.
