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Building on the momentum of historic spring 2024 enrollment, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has surpassed its own record-breaking achievements again this fall, reaching a new enrollment milestone even as universities nationwide face declining enrollments. The university welcomed 32,911 students this fall – up nearly 6% over last year – which marks the highest enrollment total in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s 67-year history.

The College of Engineering has invested heavily in several initiatives over the years, taking a holistic approach to addressing the needs — from academic to financial to emotional — of a diverse, and growing, student body. The result: This fall, the college welcomed its largest-ever freshman cohort of nearly 700 students, with a record-breaking 88.7% first-year retention rate.

Twenty years ago this fall, the School of Public Health was established at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with the goal of improving the health and well-being of people worldwide. In the last two decades, Public Health departments, programs, and research units have grown and prepared students to become leaders and professionals in the field of public health. In addition to advancing research in critical areas such as health equity, epidemiology, and environmental health, the college also led the effort to make 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus.

In a world that grows more interconnected every day, the need for skilled professionals who understand technology, security, and diplomacy has never been greater. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is now a partner institution for two prestigious U.S. Department of State fellowships, opening doors for students to enter the competitive arenas of international diplomacy and security. These State Department fellowships open doors not only to career-defining work but also the chance to serve on the front lines of global affairs.

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.

With the donation of a sprinter-type van from Kaptyn, a sustainable transportation technology company, the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ 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 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ 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.

In response to increasing housing costs, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ 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 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ land in North Las Vegas to establish a community of Casita units and provide students with more residential options.

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.