Dear UNLV Community, 

As the Fall 2024 semester officially comes to a close this week, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our university community for all you do every day to make UNLV a better place. 

When I think back on this past semester and year, I’m incredibly proud of the resilience that our faculty, staff, and students demonstrated during some very challenging times. Working together we are accomplishing so much, and I’m inspired by your commitment to our university, to one another, and to the success of our community. 

From research and scholarship to mentorship, service, and academic achievement – our Rebel community is doing amazing things. I was reminded of that this week as more than 2,500 new UNLV graduates crossed the Thomas & Mack Center stage at winter commencement. 

The journey for each of our graduates to commencement has been both unique and inspiring, and I commend them for their personal commitment and thank our dedicated staff and faculty for their mentorship and support. And for our students still on the path to commencement – keep it up. The drive toward your degree is well worth it, and we’re here to support you along the way. 

I’m pleased to share that more students than ever are earning degrees from UNLV – including a 15% increase in graduates this semester over last fall. For our undergraduates, nearly half are the first in their family to earn a four-year degree, and two-thirds of all graduates will go on to live and work right here in Southern Nevada. And all of our new Rebel alumni will take what they’ve learned to improve our community and our world. 

Today, the brand of UNLV is as strong as ever! And that’s a testament to the exceptional students who choose UNLV, to our alumni who are making a difference through leadership and service, and to our staff and faculty whose talents shine so brightly in all that you do. 

As we look to 2025, there will certainly be new opportunities and challenges ahead. As Rebels, we’ll continue to move forward together, supporting one another along the way as we celebrate the innovation, spirit, and diversity that makes our university such a special place. 

Over the next few weeks, I encourage each of you to seize this opportunity for relaxation; cherish moments with colleagues, friends, and family; and participate in traditions that bring joy. 

Warm regards for a safe and healthy new year,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President