Higher education officials and local leaders on Thursday dedicated Jim Rogers Way, the gateway to the UNLV Harry Reid Research & Technology Park.

Jim Rogers was a prominent businessman, philanthropist and education advocate who served as NSHE chancellor from 2005 through 2009. He passed away in 2014.

The road, which leads through the heart of the 122-acre research park, was named to recognize Rogers' service to higher education and his advocacy for the power of education. Event participants included U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, Clark County Commission chair Steve Sisolak, NSHE Board of Regents chair Kevin Page, Rogers Foundation president Rory Reid, and UNLV President Len Jessup.

Rogers was instrumental in the creation and instant success of UNLV's Boyd School of Law in the late 1990s. His family's philanthropic support continues to strengthen academic and cultural programs at UNLV and across Nevada and the West through the James E. and Beverly Rogers Educational Foundation.

In January, The Rogers Foundation awarded full college scholarships to a third grade class at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School in North Las Vegas. The Foundation also announced it would award the first annual Rogers' Gift of Imagination to an arts or music program in Southern Nevada, its Gift of Innovation to a K-12 institution in the math, science and technology fields, and its Gift of Knowledge to a K-12 institution in Southern Nevada.

The UNLV Harry Reid Research & Technology Park connects the university with the business community, bringing high-tech industry and related jobs to Southern Nevada. The park allows businesses and universities to create partnerships, translate new technology and encourage new business growth. Strong partnerships with the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, and support from elected officials have been instrumental in creating positive momentum for the park.

Healthcare company Catamaran, LLC and American Preparatory Academy are the park's first two tenants and have begun construction.