Dear 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Community,
Last week, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents held its quarterly meeting on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. I'm writing to share key outcomes from the meeting that directly impact 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s future and reflect the confidence and support of our Regents and System leaders in the work we are doing collectively.
It was a productive and wide-ranging meeting, and I want to thank all the administrators, faculty, staff, and students who contributed to the thoughtful development of proposals, reports, and presentations brought forward on behalf of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
Academic Programs
The Board approved two new undergraduate degree programs that will help meet workforce needs in our region: a B.A. in Audio Production, supporting careers in music, film, and entertainment; and a B.S.B.A. in Insurance and Risk Management, developed in collaboration with the Kerestesi Center to prepare students for a field with strong local and national demand. The Nevada Surplus Lines Foundation is funding substantial scholarships for students entering this new major as part of its ongoing support of the Kerestesi Center.
Additionally, the M.A. in Communication Studies will be deactivated due to declining enrollment. We’ll take time to reexamine its structure and consider how it might evolve to better serve students and the community.
Campus Footprint
The Regents authorized 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ to purchase the University United Methodist Church property at 4412 South Maryland Parkway, across the street from the heart of our main campus. The acquisition aligns with our Campus Master Plan and will support long-term growth opportunities along the Maryland Pkwy corridor.
We also received approval for a long-term lease at 1455 East Tropicana Avenue for our Dr. William W. Sullivan Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach, ensuring continuity of federally supported services for students and families throughout Southern Nevada.
In addition, we shared an update on the Paradise Campus and indicated our intention to return to the Board with a Request for Proposals later this year. We want to move forward so we can leverage our real estate assets to support urgent campus priorities.
Financial Stewardship
The Board received our Student Fee Balance Report, which included detailed breakdowns of current reserves and planned expenditures. Our goal is to bring balances into alignment with Board expectations by the end of the next fiscal year while using the funds appropriately and maintaining transparency and student involvement throughout the process.
The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Annual Athletics Report was also presented and approved. There was active discussion around budget planning, marketing initiatives, apparel contracts, and the status of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) related matters. Several Regents noted the increased clarity in our reporting and encouraged us to stay focused on financial sustainability and donor engagement moving forward. Everyone acknowledged how the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
Campus Climate
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Task Force on Jewish Identity and Inclusion provided a presentation to the Board’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee. The task force’s work to support Jewish students, faculty, and staff was recognized and applauded by multiple Regents. We remain committed to creating an environment where all members of our university community feel safe, supported, seen, and heard.
Research and Innovation Foundations
The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Research Foundation received approval for its amended and restated bylaws and articles of incorporation. These updates reflect the foundation’s current scope of work, including its role in managing the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, and bring its governance documents into alignment with System policy.
A new entity called The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Innovation Foundation was formally established. This foundation will manage equity assets stemming from 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s intellectual property and innovation activities, allowing for a clear separation of financial and governance responsibilities between commercialization and property development efforts.
Performance Pay
Lastly, as anticipated and previously discussed at our campus All Hands meeting in early May, the Board approved a systemwide proposal to suspend performance (merit) pay for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This decision was shaped by uncertainty in the state budget and the System’s inability to fully fund the ongoing costs of the historic cost-of-living increases granted to NSHE employees over the past two years after the one-time funding allocated by the legislature expires. While 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ may be in a stronger position than some NSHE institutions to fund merit, the Regents emphasized the need for consistency and fiscal responsibility across the System.
On every topic, we were well represented and our work was met with thoughtful engagement and support. The progress we are making is visible, our plans are resonating, and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s trajectory continues to be strong.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this meeting and to all of you for the work that moves our university forward each day.
Warm wishes,
Chris Heavey
Interim 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ President