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

Las Vegas-area leaders applauded several announcements during the UNLV State of the University address. The interim president, Chris Heavey, appearing to give the coming year a good grade.

During his address, he spoke about major projects happening at UNLV right now.

In a city renowned for its continuous innovation, growth, and international influence, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) continues to solidify its position as one of the most important institutions of higher learning in Southern Nevada. In a recent interview, Dr. Chris Heavey shared his journey from professor to president, discussing the school's enhanced reputation, its focus on academic and community development, its international strategy, and the future direction of UNLV's increasingly close exchanges with China.

UNLV unveils new research facility built around a functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) machine. The FMRI scan can help doctors plan for brain surgery and other procedures by showing what areas of the brain are most active.

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.

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.

]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.

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.

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.