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.
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.
Tourist Safety Institute Partners with Nevada Highway State Patrol
A new program designed by the 51ԹϺ Tourist Safety Institute is helping Nevada Highway State Patrol employees focus on their social and emotional wellness. Law enforcement officers are learning skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships. The goal is to help them improve their health, operational performance, and abilities to manage challenging situations as first responders. In addition to serving nearly 3 million residents, agencies address the safety needs of the 40.8 million visitors who come to Las Vegas annually.
51ԹϺ to Study Effects of Low Dose Radiation Exposure on Breast Cancer Risk
51ԹϺ has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to study the effects of radiation exposure on breast cancer risk in occupational and medical settings. Breast cancer, which accounts for 30% of new cancer diagnoses each year, is the second-most common cancer among women. The study, a collaboration between the Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences and Computer Science, will continue to advance health care solutions and cancer research.
51ԹϺ and Desert Radiology Collaborate to Produce More Health Care Professionals
As the Las Vegas Valley continues to grow, 51ԹϺ and Desert Radiology are working together to keep up with the demand radiologic technologists. Thanks to the renewed partnership, every student in 51ԹϺ’s radiography program is able to complete clinical rotations at Desert Radiology's multiple locations. The program graduates about 24 students each year.
51ԹϺ Startup Innovating Water Sustainability Solutions
Engineering professor H. Jeremy Cho co-founded and leads the research team behind WAVR Technologies, Inc., a 51ԹϺ startup that makes devices capable of capturing water vapor from the air around us for commercial and individual uses. For years, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Las Vegas Valley Water District have been working hard to slow the depletion of Nevada's natural water reservoirs, but the new 51ԹϺ startup may be a key in the search for water sustainability solutions to the Southwest climate crisis.