A sky view of UNLV during a sunset

Office of Government & Community Engagement News

The Office of Government & Community Engagement seeks to support, facilitate, and promote collaboration, partnership, and engagement between the university and its many communities.

Current Government & Community Engagement News

Two female students in shorts and red tops make the LV sign with their hands while standing behind a red "U" at the on campus UNLV sculpture
Campus News |

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in Rebels Give on March 12. UNLV’s annual daylong fundraiser will feature activities across campus and online.

two women and one man working in UNLV Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Lab
Research |

Faculty and students from the Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Lab help solve missing persons cases.

two adults organizing and distributing food at event
Campus News |

UNLV community outreach programs offer practical learning opportunities for students while leveraging our resources to address societal needs.

A man wearing a red UNLV polo places food into a plastic bag bearing a Three Square logo
Campus News |

2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification renewal lauds UNLV’s continuing work to strengthen partnerships and critical needs outreach.

child inside colorful bouncy house
Campus News |

Annual event leverages the university's community partnerships to keep spirits merry and bright for thousands.

Mariella Bueno in black pants and jacket and red Rebels tshirt sits on a campus bench
People |

From City Hall to campus: UNLV's new director of advocacy champions policies to empower students and communities.

Government & Community Engagement In The News

KNPR News

Meanwhile, UNLV has earned its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, the highest national recognition for collaboration between universities and their surrounding communities.

Las Vegas Sun

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.

Las Vegas Sun

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.

KVVU-TV: Fox 5

]The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has earned its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, retaining its status as one of the nation’s top community-serving higher education institutions. The distinction was awarded by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education. Only 5% of U.S. postsecondary institutions receive a Carnegie classification for community engagement. One example of UNLV’s community engagement is the state’s first cleft palate and craniofacial clinic.

KVVU-TV: Fox 5

As the government shutdown eclipsed the one-month mark, the financial strain on our country only intensified. Nov. 1 signified the end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans, making tasks like paying for groceries nearly impossible. That’s why Three Square, the largest food bank serving Southern Nevada, executed a food distribution event at Thomas & Mack Center to assist Las Vegans who are struggling. The care packages were put together by hundreds of volunteers, mostly comprised of UNLV students and staff.

KSNV-TV: News 3

Three Square Food Bank, in collaboration with UNLV, is stepping up its efforts to provide emergency food assistance to the community on Saturday. The initiative aims to serve up to 1,000 local households on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Community members received a 60-pound box of shelf-stable items and fresh produce through convenient drive-thru lines. UNLV President Chris Heavey and Vice President of Government and Community Engagement Constance Brooks joined forces with hundreds of volunteers to assist the community during a critical time.

Recent Government & Community Engagement Accomplishments

The Nevada Taxpayers Association (NTA) voted to welcome Constance Brooks Johnson (Government and Community Engagement) to its Board of Directors. Her appointment is for a three-year term, ending Dec. 31, 2028. As a member of the NTA Board of Directors, Brooks Johnson will play a vital role in shaping the organization’s work and establishing…
Leonardo Benavides (Government and Community Engagement) has been appointed to the Clark County School District's School Name Committee by Superintendent Jhone Ebert for the next two years.
Micah Char, with coauthors Brady Williams, Bella Chung, Baylor Akhavan-Mora, and Jennifer Panczyszyn (all Medicine students) helped advance state public health advocacy at the 2025 Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) Annual House of Delegates with the adoption of Resolution 4, Oppose the Reintroduction of Nuclear Weapons Testing at the Nevada…
Micah Char (Medicine student) helped advance state public health advocacy at the 2025 Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) Annual House of Delegates with the adoption of Resolution 10, Prohibit Speed Enhancements on E-Bikes and E-Scooters. He authored the resolution, which highlights the sharp rise in micromobility-related injuries and…
UNLV School of Medicine students helped advance state policy at the 2025 Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) Annual House of Delegates with the adoption of Resolution E23, Address Public Health Risks of Online Sports Betting. The resolution was led by Ryan Jannoud, with coauthors Eileen Enriquez and Gwen Metcalf (all Medicine). The resolution…
Constance Brooks (Government and Community Engagement) and Rian Satterwhite (Service Learning and Leadership) have accepted an invitation to represent UNLV and join the The Research University Civic Engagement Network (TRUCEN). Hosted by Campus Compact, TRUCEN members are "R1 institutions that share a fundamental commitment to leveraging…