UNLV's Harrah Hotel College awarded more degrees to minority students than any hospitality program in the nation from 2010 to 2011, according to the magazine Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

The publication's June issue featuring top bachelor's degree producers ranked UNLV first among 53 schools offering hospitality management programs.

The magazine used U.S. Department of Education data to identify students in each of four categories: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian-American, black or African-American, and Hispanic. The Hotel College also topped the list for degrees obtained by African-American and Native-American students.

"The ranking validates UNLV's commitment to create a welcoming environment, and is reflective of the university's ability to embrace our community's cultural make-up," said Luis Valera, interim vice president of diversity initiatives and government relations. "UNLV offers a campus experience that emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, be it academics, student life, or campus programs."

At UNLV, 51 percent of total undergraduate students in fall 2011 reported being part of a racial or ethnic minority. Last October, UNLV ranked among the nation's 10 most diverse universities for undergraduate students, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Harrah Hotel College student groups include the Hospitality Association of Koreans and National Society of Minorities in Hospitality.

The report also ranked UNLV 14th nationally for Native American graduates in all disciplines, and 41st for Asian-Americans. Complete rankings are available at diverseeducation.com/top100/.