About the College
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality is ranked as the nation’s best because our program delivers unparalleled quality in both classroom instruction and real-world experience. On campus, Hospitality College students learn from some of the leading experts in the field. Off campus, students enjoy access to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities with some of the industry’s most notable brands. This well-rounded yet affordable education prepares students to step into careers in the dynamic hospitality and tourism industry.
Our Pledge, Mission, Vision and Values
As one of the top hospitality programs in the world, it is our pledge to remain vigilant about the future – not just surviving the inevitable changes of the industry but also thriving amid these changes. This means providing our students with a curriculum that is adaptive, relevant, and holistic in its approach to hospitality education. It also means leveraging our industry connections to bring real-world experiences into the classroom – graduating students who are highly practiced and invested in their careers.
Our Vision
To pioneer the advancement of global hospitality through innovative education, research, and service.
Our Mission
- Deliver resources and experiences that empower students, educators, and alumni success.
- Engage in cutting-edge research that advances knowledge and moves the industry forward.
- Maintain a curriculum that is responsive to the ever-changing needs of our constituents.
- Be the model of exceptional service to our college, university, and community.
Our Values
Inclusive, driven, empowering, and adaptive.
Experience Campus
Follow Us
Hospitality College students experience immersive, hands-on learning inside the jewel of the UNLV campus – Hospitality Hall, located just blocks away from the famed Las Vegas Strip. Our close connection to the industry and responsiveness to the needs of the evolving hospitality market help us maintain our top position among competing programs – producing graduates who are leading all major sectors of the industry across the globe.
Meet Our Faculty and Staff
The Harrah College of Hospitality faculty and staff team is wholly committed to student success. Our world-recognized faculty will help you develop your talents while our attentive career services group helps you build your resume. Worried about staying on track? Our award-winning academic advisors will guide you on a path to a degree and a future of opportunity.
Our History
The UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality has been a leader in hospitality education for more than 50 years. Since its humble beginnings, the college has garnered international acclaim for preparing students to be tomorrow’s hospitality leaders.
Dean Jerry Vallen circa 1967
| 1967 | The Department of Hotel Administration is created within UNLV’s Business School. |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Founding dean Jerry Vallen fights and wins the battle to create a stand-alone College of Hotel Administration while forging an unprecedented alliance with the restaurant and casino industries. |
| 1984 | The Hotel School moves into UNLV’s newly-constructed Beam Hall. |
| 1989 | The college brands itself the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration in honor of industry pioneer and college benefactor William F. Harrah. |
| 1990s | The college’s student population rises, industry partnerships expand worldwide, and the college gains national prominence. |
| 1993 | College faculty members conceive the International Gaming Institute as an educational and research conduit for the expanding gaming industry. |
| 2007 | Hotel/casino mogul Bob Boughner funds the Boughner Career Services Center, which widens internship and job opportunities for students. |
| 2018 | The college moves into the $60 million Hospitality Hall and adopts the name “Harrah College of Hospitality” to reflect the broadening scope of the industry. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions and inquiries we regularly receive.
According to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, UNLV has the top-ranked hospitality and leisure program in the U.S. – the fourth-best in the world! The combination of quality, location, and affordability makes UNLV a natural destination for any student interested in hospitality and tourism.
UNLV is located in the heart of Las Vegas, only minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Our proximity to these major hospitality brands translates into career opportunities for our students.
UNLV has created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. We pride ourselves on celebrating the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff. We embrace core values of equity and inclusion by listening to others with open minds and supporting each other in our differences.
Las Vegas is home to over 200,000 hospitality and tourism jobs. As such, our students have unique learning and professional opportunities within industry sectors, such as resorts, restaurants, entertainment venues, spas, country clubs, etc., both on the Strip and throughout the city.
The College of Hospitality’s Boughner Career Services Center is an excellent resource for students seeking professional experience. Students can take advantage of career fairs, recruiter information sessions, career mentorships, both real and mock job interviews, and regular job postings.
Request Information
If you have questions regarding our degree program, we want to hear from you. Please provide your name and email address below or email your question directly to hospitalityadmissions@unlv.edu.