One year ago, Nevada State College became Nevada State University, forever changing the trajectory and history of our institution. 

As I stood on stage before the class of 2024 in May, it dawned on me how far Nevada State has come. The first commencement in 2004 had a graduating class of just 13. Twenty years later, that number has increased to more than 820, growing our family of Scorpion alumni to more than 8,500. And, for the first time, the graduating class received degrees bearing the name University, marking a critical inflection point in the future direction of Nevada State. 

In my speech to these new graduates, I stressed the underlying principle behind this change: Names matter. A name reflects who you are and what you do. Indeed, the change to Nevada State University more accurately reflects and reinforces our mission to continue building the next great public university that not only educates our community, but serves it as well. 

At Nevada State, we strive to deliver on the promise of excellence in teaching and providing ample opportunities to join the workforce. Maybe most important of all, Nevada State is providing pathways to four-year degrees for students who previously thought it not possible. At Nevada State we serve the “new majority” of degree seekers — students of color, adult learners, first-generation students, Dreamers, immigrants and anyone who is looking to improve their economic mobility. 

Nearly 80 percent of our students come from a culturally diverse background, and more than half are first-generation college students. Many of our students work part time or full time to support themselves and their families. Additionally, more than 80 percent of our students receive financial aid, with about 70 percent of those receiving Pell Grants. And when the supports are put in place to ensure student success, more than 80 percent stay in Nevada to serve as teachers, nurses and in other critical workforce roles. This is the legacy of Nevada State University.

Investing in higher education and expanding its accessibility begets further growth and success. Highly educated communities attract businesses and companies that offer high-paying, high-quality jobs because they already have the readily available workforce to fill those positions. 

Despite the immense success of our gaming- and hospitality-driven economy, there is widespread recognition that Nevada must diversify to drive further growth and security. Our students are integral to this ongoing mission. 

Nevada State collaborates with the community to address workforce shortages and identify future needs. Be it working with private companies, nonprofits or local government agencies, Nevada State has demonstrated success forming meaningful partnerships to support Nevadans and the economy. This nimbleness is one of the key strengths we have as a young institution.

Nevada State has a reputation for producing teachers and nurses — and at a lower cost than any other four-year institution in the state. We have also recently added a bachelor's degree in data science and a master’s degree in speech-language pathology to more than 65 majors and minors in our offerings. These are just two examples of the way we are creating a pipeline for our students to more opportunities. 

While the incredible work was already being done for many years, the formal name change will continue to amplify our good work and elevate our unique program. It is a point of pride that SB273 was passed unanimously in the Nevada Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Joe Lombardo. It showed a belief in the future of higher education at Nevada State and a validation of what we have accomplished. 

What’s on the horizon for Nevada State? 

One of our big goals in the next few years is to establish an athletics program, which has been a popular request from current and prospective students. Sports can bring a campus together, increase school spirit and strengthen the alumni bond. Offering athletics will also assist in enrollment efforts by providing students the opportunity to extend their athletic careers at Nevada State. This planning is well underway as our team members continue to do their due diligence and establish a plan that will complement existing athletics programs at our sister institutions and ensure we enter this space ready to succeed. 

We also recognize the need to expand our physical footprint to meet the future needs of our students, faculty, staff and community. While our Henderson campus has grown significantly in recent years —  with the addition of a new School of Education building and on-campus dorms —we have yet to fulfill the Nevada State founders’ vision of fully developing the 512 acres on which we sit.

We recognize the importance of smart growth that is done cohesively with the surrounding community, which is why ongoing partnerships with the City of Henderson and Regional Transportation Commission are so vital. We look forward to continuing to explore thoughtful partnerships to expand our university’s presence in Southern Nevada as well as other parts of the state. 

The future of Nevada State University is bright and the possibilities are endless. 

DeRionne Pollard is president of Nevada State University.

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