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

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.

portrait of man
Campus News |

One priority for this new role within the President's Office is launching the Institutional Engagement and Experience Council.

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. 

President In The News

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.

Las Vegas Weekly

The Vegas Loop has lost one potential stop on its route, with UNLV deciding to put the brakes on adding a station to its campus, citing parking enforcement difficulties and concerns with people abusing parking availability.

Las Vegas Sun

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and businesses across the United States in 2020, Miguel Angelo Castano felt lost. Five years later, Castano graduates today from UNLV with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a minor in philosophy and the honor of being one of the university’s outstanding graduates.

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.

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.