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
Plus: Watch the Spring 2026 Commencement recap video.
How a stubborn bird dropping on a campus building helped spark the winning students’ idea for a high-rise window-cleaning drone.
Joyce Woodhouse leaves Nevada better for children and families.
Interim President Chris Heavey spoke of UNLV’s important role in the community and the power of research universities to drive progress worldwide.
UNLV plans a new Lee Business School building to strengthen the region’s workforce, expand industry partnerships, and support Southern Nevada’s growing economy.
Before heading to the State of the University address on April 8, take a peek inside Chris Heavey’s office.
President In The News
Regeneration has long been the stuff of science fiction. At UNLV, researchers are now studying frogs that can regrow their eyes in days — work that could bring that idea closer to reality for human patients.
Regeneration has long been the stuff of science fiction. At UNLV, researchers are now studying frogs that can regrow their eyes in days — work that could bring that idea closer to reality for human patients.
When Fallon resident Kelli Kelly walks across the stage at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center tonight to receive her master’s degree in urban leadership, she’ll do so knowing her work created real change. She’s being recognized as one of six outstanding graduates from this year’s class, finishing with a near-perfect grade-point average and an impressive roster of professional achievements. Her crowning moment came last year when the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 352 — landmark legislation expanding cottage food sales regulations and establishing one of the first statewide frameworks for cottage cosmetics businesses in the country. The bill was Kelly’s passion project, and she’s quick to credit UNLV’s support as a driving force behind its passage.
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
