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University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Encyclopedia : U : UN : UNI : University of Nevada, Las Vegas

 

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public, coeducational university located in Las Vegas, Nevada, known for its programs in engineering, english, hotel administration, and management information system. It is the major university of southern Nevada. The hotel administration program is one of the top ranked programs in the nation, usually ranking just behind Cornell. The university is ranked in the category of Doctoral/Research Universities-Intensive by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Contents

History and status

A flag on the UNLV campus
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A flag on the UNLV campus

The first college classes which would eventually become the classes of UNLV were offered as the southern regional extension division of the University of Nevada in 1951 in a classroom at Las Vegas High School. UNLV was officially founded by the Nevada Board of Regents as the southern division of the University of Nevada in 1957, and twenty-nine students graduated in the first commencement ceremonies in 1964"[History of UNLV]," (accessed April 26, 2006). In 1965, the Nevada Legislature named the school Nevada Southern University, and the Board of Regents hired the campus's first president, William CarlsonHarter, Carol C, "[State of the University 2005]," (accessed April 26, 2006). In 1968, Nevada Southern was given equal status with the University of Nevada, Reno, and the present name was approved by the Regents in January 1969.

In 2005, the university received over $95 million in extramural research funding, about a thirty percent increase over the previous year. In addition, a fundraising campaign, "Invent the Future," passed $300 million in money collected in 2005, with the ultimate goal of raising $500 million. A new 135,000-square-foot student union and a new 188,000-square-foot recreation center are both slated for completion in 2007.

Academics

The Lied Library
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The Lied Library

The university offers over 200 programs of study in varying fields leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Which are taught by approximately 850 faculty members.

Colleges and Schools

The Campus

The 337-acre (1.4-km²) UNLV campus is located on Maryland Parkway in southeastern Las Vegas about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) east of the Las Vegas Strip. Ground breaking on the original 60 acre site was in April, 1956. UNLV has purchased a 640 acre site in North Las Vegas for future expansion.

Athletics

The UNLV Rebels logo.
UNLV's 17 intercollegiate athletic teams are nicknamed the Rebels or Lady Rebels (the men's basketball team is typically referred to as the Runnin' Rebels) (The baseball team it typically referred to as the Hustlin' Rebels) The name Rebels is derived from the school's original name; Nevada Southern University. The school's colors are scarlet and grey. UNLV is a member of the Mountain West Conference in the NCAA's Division I. UNLV's men's football team plays the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) for the Fremont Cannon each year in the Battle for Nevada. UNLV's men's soccer team competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

In 1990, UNLV won the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship by beating Duke University by a record setting margin (30 points) of 103-73, becoming the first team to score over 100 in the championship game. Before becoming a basketball powerhouse in the late 70s, 80s and early 90s, UNLV was often referred to as "Tumbleweed Tech" due to its relative obscurity. Led by famed coach Jerry Tarkanian, the Runnin' Rebels were among the most exciting teams in the nation. They consistently were tops in the nation in categories such as points scored, turnovers forced, and most importantly - wins. Shortly after the national championship Tarkanian was forced out by then-president Robert Maxson. On November 26, 2005, for his achievements as coach of the Runnin' Rebels (he was 509-105 in 19 years as head coach), the basketball court at the Thomas & Mack Center was renamed Jerry Tarkanian Court. The turmoil was highly controversial and remains a hot button issue in Las Vegas to this day.

UNLV is also well-known for its excellent golf program. Led by coach Dwaine Knight, the UNLV Golf Program has turned out PGA pros such as Adam Scott, Chris Riley, and Chad Campbell. At times they have been ranked #1 by one of the three college polls. They won the NCAA National golf team championship in 1998. Ryan Moore is a noted amateur golfer currently enrolled in the program (as of 2005). He posted the best score for an amateur at the 2005 Masters Tournament by tying for 13th with a one under par. He stood beside Tiger Woods at the awards ceremony. 

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Athletic facilities

Notable alumni

Athletics

Other notables

The Las Vegas Strip can be seen in the distance from various points on the UNLV campus.
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The Las Vegas Strip can be seen in the distance from various points on the UNLV campus.

Notable faculty

Notes and references

External links

 

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