Highlights
From creating community partnerships and advancing student achievement, to promoting research, scholarship, and creative activity, we work hard to achieve our goal of becoming a top 100 American research university. Check out our highlights to learn our impact.
Cybersecurity Program Receives Top Ranking
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program has been ranked #2 in the nation by Fortune for 2025. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to providing a top-tier education that prepares students for the rapidly growing cybersecurity field. Developed in partnership between the Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, the program’s interdisciplinary, workforce-focused approach ensures that graduates are prepared for today’s challenges and also ready to lead the cybersecurity industry of tomorrow.
51ԹϺ Sports Innovation Institute Develops SPEED Lab
With the donation of a sprinter-type van from Kaptyn, a sustainable transportation technology company, the 51ԹϺ Sports Innovation Institute's SPEED (Sports Performance, Education, and Economic Development) Lab has taken a major step forward. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the SPEED Lab will deliver real-time sport science demonstrations, conduct field research, and engage the community in educational programs aimed at promoting pathways to sports-related careers. Faculty and staff will collaborate with the SPEED Lab to enhance their research and outreach efforts. The SPEED Lab’s mobility will also allow 51ԹϺ students to gain practical training while collaborating with community organizations and local sports entities like the Vegas Golden Knights, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
51ԹϺ Partners with Boxabl for Housing Solutions
In response to increasing housing costs, 51ԹϺ is collaborating with tech startup Boxabl to assess interest in the company’s prefabricated, mass-produced studio houses as a potential solution for students. Boxabl's flagship model, the Casita, is currently available for public viewing along the Alumni Walk near the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The university is also exploring the possibility of utilizing 2,000 acres of 51ԹϺ land in North Las Vegas to establish a community of Casita units and provide students with more residential options.
Nevada Forward Receives $3 Million Hawkins Center Grant
The U.S. Department of Education’s Augustus F. Hawkins Center for Excellence awarded $2,977,816 million to the Nevada Forward (NV|Forward) Apprenticeship Program within the College of Education. The apprenticeship program — the first registered apprenticeship for teachers in the western U.S — connects community members with innovative, fast-track pathways to higher education, workforce training, and continued professional development with the goal of expanding Nevada's teacher workforce and addressing the teacher shortage.
Rebels Remain in Mountain West Conference
51ԹϺ Athletics announced that it will extend its contract with the Mountain West Conference for six years – with additional financial incentives – through June 30, 2032. The university will also have the flexibility to explore future membership in an autonomous “Power Four” conference without penalty should a future opportunity become available. 51ԹϺ, as a charter member of the Mountain West, will continue to host the conference's men's and women's basketball tournaments at the Thomas & Mack Center throughout the duration of the existing and new contract.
Top 5 in the Nation for Diversity
According to U.S. News & World Report, 51ԹϺ continues to be one of the most diverse universities for undergraduates in the nation. In the latest rankings released in September, 51ԹϺ is tied for fifth place, reflecting our commitment to promoting an academically enriching and supportive culture that allows all members of our community to thrive and succeed in higher education.
Improving Campus Safety
Every spring and fall, 51ԹϺ's longstanding Lighting & Safety initiative brings together representatives from Risk Management & Safety, Facilities Management, Planning & Construction, Parking & Transportation Services, Faculty Senate, Police Services, and the student population to help 51ԹϺ maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone. The initiative aims to ensure that the campus is well-lit and accessible, especially during evening hours. During the 2023 Shadow Lane campus walk, 17 issues were identified, with 15 already addressed; meanwhile, the Maryland campus walk revealed 90 issues, of which 68 have been resolved so far.
Nuclear Security Science and Technology Consortium Receives $5 Million Grant
The Nuclear Security Science and Technology Consortium (NSSTC) was awarded a five-year, $5,000,000 renewal grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through the Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program to continue developing the next generation of world-class STEM professionals. This initiative aims to meet the national security demands of today and the future, while strengthening key science, technology, and engineering capabilities to support the NNSA’s vital mission of protecting the American people by maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile. The NSSTC provides students with practical experience and training through research projects and experiential learning.