Nevada State Horizontal Gold and Black Logo

Nevada State Celebrates First Anniversary as a University

Jul 8, 2024 | Campus News, Featured

Nevada State University is celebrating the first anniversary of its historic transition from a college to a university. The change was made official last summer when SB273 passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo.

The anniversary of the renaming reinforces Nevada State’s commitment to providing a high-caliber education for students of all backgrounds – including first-generation learners, immigrants, non-traditional students, and transfer students. Nevada State continues to seek new ways to reduce the economic barriers to a college degree, create an environment in which all students can thrive, and build the next great public university in Nevada.

“It’s been a momentous year for Nevada State University, as we stand on the threshold of a bright and expansive future, providing a more affordable and flexible path to higher education,” said Nevada State University President Dr. DeRionne Pollard. “Becoming a university has empowered us to continue broadening our horizons and deepening our commitment to academic excellence while forging paths for the next generation of students.”

While this is Nevada State’s first year with “university” as part of its name, the four-year, public institution has provided higher education pathways to Nevadans for over 20 years with more than 8,500 alumni. Those alumni continue to give back to Nevada, with 80 percent remaining in the state to work as teachers, nurses, and in other critical workforce roles. This May, Nevada State’s graduating class earned over 840 degrees in more than 65 majors and minors.

“Being part of the first graduating class since Nevada State transitioned from a college to a university was such an honor,” said Trinity Stewart, a Nevada State University alumna. “My experience at Nevada State was nothing short of rewarding and I’m grateful for the education that I received.”