UNLV developed the nation’s first AI president to provide students with access to information and resources 24/7. President Whitfield’s digital twin answers thousands of questions on more than 500 topics and provides mentoring and mental health tools for student wellness. The digital president continues to receive upgrades as it becomes integrated into campus life — and provides students with information and encouragement along the way.

As members of the Desert and Pacific Hub, UNLV and seven other major Western universities are providing campus-driven economic development in the federally funded Innovation Corps initiative. The Hub is one of 10 formed by the National Science Foundation and will empower UNLV researchers and entrepreneurs in the region to deliver innovative research to the marketplace.

The UNLV Honors College offers a unique summer field trip throughout the state to immerse students in issues that are both wide-ranging and interconnected. The goal is to build knowledge of the Silver State beyond Las Vegas so these future leaders better understand the industries and environments — from urban to rural, from industry to ranching — that make Nevada exceptional.

UNLV radiochemists earned nearly $3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to support efforts to assess the role of higher education in meeting future nuclear workforce needs. UNLV stands out as one of the few universities in the U.S. with a radiochemistry program, further solidifying its position as a leading research institution in the field that is actively developing a skilled workforce for the future.

UNLV is officially tobacco-free and prohibits all forms of smoking, tobacco use, and unregulated nicotine products. This step demonstrates UNLV’s commitment to a healthier and more sustainable environment while reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. 

In collaboration with 19 of the nation’s top research institutions, UNLV has established the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities. The Alliance plans to boost Hispanic doctoral student enrollment and faculty numbers at member institutions by 2030. By prioritizing equity and inclusivity, this pioneering initiative will create a lasting impact within graduate-level academia.

The Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach earned $7.6 million in grants to assist low-income and/or first-generation students in 18 CCSD schools. This funding helps UNLV provide a comprehensive range of services to Las Vegas families, including academic advising, college planning, career exploration, and tutoring, as well as special programs targeting veterans and adult learners.

Thanks to a generous contribution from the Engelstad Foundation, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is establishing a dedicated Division of Rheumatology. This significant donation will be utilized to recruit and train rheumatologists, addressing the critical shortage of specialists in Southern Nevada. This transformative division will further the medical school's mission and improve access and quality of healthcare in the region.