The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a great public research university at the heart of Las Vegas. The institution sits on a 332 acre land 2km east of the Las Vegas Strip. The Shadow lane campus east of the University Medical Centre of South Nevada houses the School of Dental Medicine, the only dental school in Nevada. The William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV’s law school, is the only law school in the state. The university has a long history that has defined its achievements and continues to shape it going forward.

For UNLV it all began in Las Vegas High School. The first college classes were offered at the school as the extension division of the University of Nevada, Reno. By this time the university had already acquired a site for the construction of the first campus. September 10, 1957 was the conception date for UNLV which was officially founded by the Nevada Board of Regents. Maude Frazier hall was the venue for the first classes within the campus. 1964 marked the first commencement ceremony where 29 students graduated.

Getting down to business

The Centre of Business and Economic research was established in 1975 with the aim of conducting applied research vital to business and government. The benefits of the UNLV’s research community have since been felt throughout the state of Nevada and the whole country. This research centre conducts research for different clients and is sponsored by the State of Nevada and other numerous organizations.

UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine was established in 2001 and has since grown exponentially to become one of the top dental schools in the country. The school offers a 4 year program for a Doctor in Dental Medicine degree. Students get more than 5000 pre-clinical and clinical contact hours to ensure they are well prepared to hold their own practice after graduating. The school also offers low cost dental care to the residents of Las Vegas.

2016 was a great year for the University of Nevada Las Vegas as they opened their first international campus in Singapore. UNLV Singapore offers American and international students Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management as a three year course. An accelerated 2 year program is also available. Back at home. UNLV raised their minimum GPA for admittance to 3.0.

Famous alumni

The history of UNLV would not be complete without looking at the big names that have passed through the university. Jimmy Kimmel is one of the most renowned graduates of UNLV and received an honorary degree from the university in 2013 for the 50^th commencement ceremony. He is a household name in the TV industry, most notably as the host and producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live. UNLV has also nurtured great sportsmen like Reggie Theus, Joel Anthony and Stacey Augmon.

As opposed to the first 29 graduates in 1964, UNLV now has thousands of graduates every year. The University has grown significantly since its inception. With a long history rooted in Nevada, the University of Nevada Las Vegas still has a bright future ahead.