The celebration of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) 50th Anniversary began in April 2007, with the formal inauguration of Dr. David B. Ashley as the university's eighth president.  This significant milestone represents the dramatic transformation of a small local institution, during the past 50 years, into a comprehensive research university in a dynamic urban region. 

During UNLV's first 50 years of development, a variety of planning exercises have provided the vision for its growth and expansion.  Now, as the university approaches its next half century, the current environment of a more stable enrollment requires focused and deliberate investments of limited resources.  President Ashley articulated this point in his inaugural address by challenging the university to a bold change agenda.

It is appropriate and timely, therefore, that UNLV engage in another planning initiative to consider the university's identity and unique nature at age 50, with an ultimate goal of organizational improvement and change.  At the University Days Academic Convocation on September 12, 2007, President Ashley officially launched UNLV's comprehensive planning process during his "State of the University" address.

Scope of Planning Process

The year-long planning process, entitled, "Focus: 50 to 100" will provide several opportunities for UNLV students, faculty, staff, administration, and community stakeholders to participate in shaping the near-term evolution of the university.  The major goal of this planning process will be to:

• Define UNLV's unique identity as derived from its programs, values and the region within which it resides.
• To use that identity to inform, build and improve UNLV's educational and research programs.
• To determine how the current support and physical infrastructure will need to change for UNLV to reach its educational and research goals; and, how that in turn is connected to the institutional budget.

View the planning process timeline.

Planning Process Kick-Off

A day-long event on September 25, 2007 was the kick-off for "Focus: 50 to 100".  The Institutional Overview PowerPoint presentations and videos are available for download.