Dear University Community,

These are uncertain times for higher education. Never in my lifetime has our mission or the value of a college degree been questioned as it is now. The skepticism has been growing for a while. A series of executive orders and other directives from the new administration have only amplified the debate. I know it has generated anxiety amongst many in higher education, and at times even confusion. And while we do not have all the answers, we are not alone. 

To be clear, we are aware of all the policy changes and continue to work with the Nevada System of Higher Education to determine the related impacts this may have on our campus community. A few examples include research funding from the National Institutes of Health, DEI activities and programming, the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and even the future of the U.S. Department of Education. As many of you know, some of the related executive orders have been put on hold by federal courts, but the final outcomes are unknown.  

Recently, a distinguished colleague and friend – former University of Maryland, Baltimore County President Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski – shared this thought among his peers. While acknowledging higher education is in a turbulent period, Dr. Hrabowski said, “Don’t you dare give up on your dreams.” It was a pointed reminder that the journey is not always smooth, nor always easy. We are tested at various times. 

Amid uncertainty, we must not forget who we are and what we represent. UNLV’s path to become one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the country was driven by the rich, cultural diversity of Southern Nevada. It happened organically. It is who we are as a community. 

At UNLV, we embrace the individual contributions of each student, faculty, and staff member while recognizing our collective strength as one family. We are motivated by our pursuit to prepare students from all backgrounds and circumstances to live and work in a global economy. 

During these times of uncertainty and anxiety, we must stay true to our enduring values, which include promoting a culture where all of our faculty, staff, and students are able to pursue their academic and creative passions in an environment that is both welcoming and supportive.

We celebrate and support every member of the UNLV community and we remain committed to excellence for all. Our differences make us stronger, and our collective understanding of the power of higher education draws us together.

Warm Regards,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President