NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nevada State University, in collaboration with the City of North Las Vegas and Agora Realty and Management, Inc., today celebrated the groundbreaking of its future North Las Vegas campus, marking a major step forward in expanding access to higher education and strengthening workforce and economic development in Southern Nevada.
Located at 800 E. Lake Mead Blvd., at the corner of Lake Mead Boulevard and Las Vegas Boulevard North in downtown North Las Vegas, the campus will include a three-story, 30,000-square-foot academic building and serve as the anchor for the “NLV Gateway,” a 19-acre mixed-use development. The campus will offer academic programming, workforce development opportunities and student support services, with an anticipated opening in fall 2027.
“This is a transformational moment for North Las Vegas,” said Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown. “When we break ground, we’re not just starting construction — we’re delivering on a promise to expand educational access. This campus brings higher education into the heart of our community and opens doors to better careers and brighter futures for our residents.”
The project builds on Nevada State’s mission to expand access to high-quality, student-centered education, particularly for first-generation and working students, while aligning academic pathways with workforce needs.
“This campus brings opportunity closer to students and families, reducing barriers and opening doors,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “This project prepares a skilled workforce, reflects strong collaboration across sectors and will deliver measurable impact for this region and our state.”
Nevada State has established a strong foundation at its Henderson campus, where it serves more than 8,400 students in a highly personalized learning environment, with an average class size under 25. The university offers more than 65 majors and minors and has built a reputation for preparing graduates in high-demand fields such as nursing, education and business. With nearly 10,000 alumni, Nevada State continues to play a key role in strengthening Nevada’s workforce and expanding economic mobility.
“We are not just expanding access to higher education — we are building a pathway into the middle class,” said Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, acting president of Nevada State University. “What we are creating here is a system intentionally designed to connect education, industry and opportunity so individuals and families can move forward and thrive.”
Lopez Lasater said the North Las Vegas campus represents the next phase of the university’s growth and impact.
“This moment reflects what’s possible when higher education, industry, government and community align around a shared purpose,” she said. “Nevada State is proud to serve as the anchor institution in this reimagined downtown, helping connect systems, unlock potential and create clear pathways to economic mobility.”
The project is supported through a public-private partnership that includes funding from the City of North Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency, the Nevada Legislature, NV Energy and a generous anonymous donor.
“Investments like this are critical to building a strong, sustainable workforce and expanding opportunity for future generations,” said Tony F. Sanchez III, executive vice president of business development and external relations at NV Energy. “The NV Energy Foundation is proud to support Nevada State University and the North Las Vegas campus as part of our commitment to the communities we serve and to the long-term economic vitality of our state.”
“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than a new building — it’s an investment in the future of this community,” said Cary J. Lefton, chief executive officer of Agora Realty and Management, Inc. “Through the NLV Gateway development, we are creating a dynamic, mixed-use environment where education, business and community come together. Nevada State’s presence will serve as a catalyst for continued growth, new opportunities and long-term vitality in downtown North Las Vegas.”
The North Las Vegas campus is expected to serve thousands of students over time while contributing to the continued revitalization of the city’s downtown core, supporting workforce pipelines, new business development and expanded access to higher education.
“This is how we build a stronger Nevada,” McNair added. “By investing in people, strengthening partnerships and delivering proof that our work matters.”
Media contacts:
Liz Abebefe, City of North Las Vegas
Abebefee@cityofnorthlasvegas.com, (702) 816-7986
Dr. Maria Marinch-Gibbons, Nevada State University
Maria.Marinch-Gibbons@nevadastate.edu, press@nevadastate.edu, (702) 313-0805