It has been a record-setting year for UNLV. According to interim president Chris Heavey, over the last year, UNLV has seen record enrollment with about 34,000 students, record research expenditures at $134 million, and a record 52% graduation rate. With that growth comes expansion. On Wednesday, Heavey gave the 2026 State of the University address and laid out plans for several big projects that are on the horizon. That includes updated plans for a memorial garden, a new parking garage, expanding preschool programs, and a new business building.

When UNLV opened its doors in 1957, the campus was little more than a handful of buildings just off Maryland Parkway — two of which still stand today. Nearly seven decades later, the university is continuing to evolve, this time with a new facility set to house the rapidly expanding Lee Business School. Interim President Chris Heavey highlighted the university’s growth trajectory at the annual State of the University address Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center’s Strip Pavilion.

Heavey highlights record enrollment, research growth and plans for memorial garden

Las Vegas-area leaders applauded several announcements during the UNLV State of the University address. The interim president, Chris Heavey, appearing to give the coming year a good grade.

During his address, he spoke about major projects happening at UNLV right now.

UNLV unveils new research facility built around a functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) machine. The FMRI scan can help doctors plan for brain surgery and other procedures by showing what areas of the brain are most active.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is moving closer to opening a new business school with a massive state investment to support the project.

Through numerous outreach initiatives across Southern Nevada, UNLV’s deep commitment to the community, the university has demonstrated dedication to meaningful civic engagement. That commitment has earned recognition at the highest level: UNLV today received its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, maintaining its place among the nation’s most community-focused higher education institutions.