Chris Heavey portrait

Office of the President News

The President's Office leads the university in fulfilling its mission as a public Carnegie R1 research institution, fostering collaboration across campus and building partnerships that serve Southern Nevada, the state, and beyond.

Current President News

woman viewing rendering on a stand at outdoor event
Campus News |

At memorial ceremony, faculty remembered for their words of encouragement and kindness.

panoramic shot of arena filled with spectators watching rodeo
Business and Community |

UNLV and the Thomas & Mack Center take a bow as the National Finals Rodeo celebrates four decades in Las Vegas. 

image of a globe with China visible
Business and Community |

Scholars, business leaders, and diplomats convened to emphasize the critical role of people-to-people exchange in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

black and white photo of male student and Lied Library in the background
Campus News |

From artful storytelling to belly dance, a study abroad fair to global Thanksgiving feast, this year’s International Education Week will infuse campus with extra flair and flavor.

aerial view of Lied Library and Las Vegas Strip
Campus News |

The Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture expands global learning opportunities.

A crowd of students walking and biking on campus
Campus News |

Fall 2025 marks another historic milestone as UNLV surpasses 33,000 students and reaches new high for both graduation rate and total graduates.

President In The News

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

The Nevada System of Higher Education board of regents pushed a vote to raise tuition across the state’s colleges and universities back to January, using a quarterly meeting to discuss their concerns with the plan.

KTNV-TV: ABC 13

Two years ago, UNLV faced the loss of three professors in a tragic shooting on campus. Today, their lives were honored with a remembrance event — and plans for a permanent memorial.

KVVU-TV: Fox 5

UNLV announced the GGRM law school scholarship for first responders to earn a law degree.

KVVU-TV: Fox 5

Saturday marks two years since a gunman opened fire at UNLV, killing three professors and injuring a fourth. The shooting happened December 6, 2023. Police say the gunman came to campus heavily armed and opened fire at Beam Hall, hitting four professors. Three of them died. Two Metro Police officers gave medical assistance to the fourth victim in the middle of the active scene. Those officers were later honored for saving his life.

KSNV-TV: News 3

Saturday marks two years since the tragic shooting at UNLV's campus. A gunman killed three professors and injured a fourth inside Frank and Estella Beam Hall. The Southern Nevada community was invited to join UNLV in remembering and honoring the victims: Jerry Cha-Jan Chang, Patricia Navarro Velez, and Naoko Takemaru.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

More than 200 people within the UNLV community gathered Saturday to honor the victims of the 2023 deadly shooting.

President Experts

An expert in cannabis law, policy, and regulation.  
An expert in psychology, particularly the relationship between inner experience and mental health. 

Recent President Accomplishments

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine hosted national experts in the field of sports medicine during the NFL Health and Safety Super Bowl Medical Summit, on Feb. 9. Physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and medical students learned about advancements in a number of different areas, including protective equipment, concussion…
UNLV President Keith Whitfield and Dr. Marc J. Kahn, dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, co-authored an editorial that recently appeared in the Las Vegas Sun. “Teamwork Essential for Better Health Care in Las Vegas,” highlighted the school’s plan for an academic health center where all of UNLV’s health science schools, as well as…
UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield was named to the national board of directors for Junior Achievement USA in May. Junior Achievement, which has more than 100 offices in all 50 states, including Southern Nevada, is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success,…
David G. Schwartz (Ombuds) recently published a post on From the Ombuds, the official blog of UNLV's ombuds office. The post, "Changing Our Culture, One Step at a Time," explores what it might look like to practice Mary Rowe's concept of "micro affirmations" for UNLV.  For more information about the ombuds office, please visit its…
David G. Schwartz (Ombuds) recently published a post on From the Ombuds, the official blog of UNLV's ombuds office. The post, "Why Not Visit the Ombuds?," explores a few reasons that potential visitors hesitate when considering a visit to the office, addressing each of them. For more information about the ombuds office, please visit its website.
David G. Schwartz (Ombuds) recently published a post on From the Ombuds, the official blog of UNLV's Ombuds office.  The post announces the release of the office's most recent quarterly summary, covering April to June of 2022.  For more information about the Ombuds office, please visit its website.