Smartgrowth | Nevada State University

SMART Growth

INITIATIVE

Welcome to Nevada State University’s SMART Growth Initiative

Below you will find information about Nevada State University’s strategic vision to build a more vibrant, sustainable campus through innovative partnerships and thoughtful development.

Sign up for future updates on Nevada State’s SMART Growth Initiative:

The Vision for Nevada State University

More than two decades ago, government, business, and community leaders in Nevada created a bold vision for an affordable, mid-tier institution focused on filling critical workforce needs, particularly in the areas of teaching and nursing, and providing a wide range of higher education pathways for traditional and non-traditional students.

To carry out this vision, the federal government granted 512 acres of land to the City of Henderson to build out Nevada State University (then-“Nevada State College”). Since that time, Nevada State, despite seeing record enrollment growth to more than 7,500 students, has only developed 60 acres of land, leaving significant opportunities for expansion as the university aims to serve a projected 20,000 students by 2047.

With more than 450 acres of vacant land in southeast Henderson, Nevada State is poised for transformative development that will enrich our academic program, the university community, and the entire state. Our ambitious plan aims to leverage innovative collaborations with the private sector to construct state-of-the-art facilities that will support the next generation of Nevada educators, health care professionals, scientists, and other critical workforce roles. Updated in 2023, Nevada State University’s master plan establishes the foundational vision for our growth and development, offering a clear and adaptable road map through 2047 and beyond.

About Nevada State’s SMART Growth Initiative

Nevada State’s SMART Growth Initiative is designed to thoughtfully grow our campus in collaboration with the private sector, regional stakeholders, and the surrounding community.

To facilitate this effort, President DeRionne Pollard formed the Nevada State Campus Lands Corporation (NSCLC) and convened a board of trustees with broad representation from finance, law, development, government, and non-profit administration to provide guidance on developing Nevada State’s campus in alignment with the university’s academic mission and the State’s workforce development goals. NSCLC bridges the gap between higher education and the private sector, helping our campus leverage mutually beneficial public-private collaborations and innovative advancements in procurement, design, and financing to fully realize our vision.

Nevada State’s Smart Growth Launch Event will highlight the university’s recent planning efforts and invites partners to join us in imagining the future of our university.

Creating a Vibrant University Community

Nevada State’s SMART Growth Initiative aligns seamlessly with recent efforts by the City of Henderson and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada to develop a dynamic university community, offering multimodal transportation options, enhanced connectivity, housing, amenities, and essential services consistent with Nevada State’s long-term vision. In September 2024, the Henderson City Council approved the University Area Livable Centers Study (UALCS), a comprehensive review of a 1400-acre area that includes Nevada State’s 512-acre campus, 85 acres of vacant, City-owned land adjacent to the university, and the surrounding community.

The UALCS recognizes the current and future needs of the broader university community, ensuring that students, faculty, and our neighbors will have dedicated spaces to live, learn, work, and thrive.