Nevada State College (Nevada State) will officially become Nevada State University on July 1, 2023 after Governor Joe Lombardo signed legislation codifying the renaming into law; SB273 received unanimous support from both the Nevada Assembly and Senate. The renaming goes into effect as Nevada State celebrates the culmination of its 20th anniversary year.
Nevada State will take a phased approach to roll out the renaming, but the process will begin immediately and will officially take effect July 1, 2023, just ahead of the 2023-24 academic year. The use of “University” will more accurately represent Nevada State as an expansive institution where high-caliber education translates into high-quality career choices, and paves a critical pathway for graduates entering a qualified workforce for some of the most in-demand and critical professions across the state.
“Renaming this institution to Nevada State University reflects our progress and growth over the past 20 years, while also serving as a testament to our mission of providing intentional access and superior education to a gloriously diverse student population,” said Nevada State President Dr. DeRionne Pollard. “This action further validates our students’ hard-earned degrees through the distinction attributed to Nevada State’s educational offerings.”
The proposition to adopt “University” in Nevada State’s name has been under discussion for several years, as Nevada State has remained one of the few four-year schools within its current Carnegie classification in the western region to still use “college” in its name. Nevada State first proposed the renaming to University in a Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents meeting in September of 2022 and the NSHE Board of Regents voted on the approval of the renaming to Nevada State University in March of this year.
Nevada boasts a uniquely diverse population with no ethnic majority and this diversity is reflected in Nevada State’s student body, with nearly half (47.4%) of the school’s population being Hispanic as of 2021. Nevada State’s commitment to accessible education has been an attainable and more affordable option to many students, notably first-generation, immigrant, non-traditional, and transfer students. This renaming reinforces and validates the high degree of education students of all backgrounds receive at Nevada State and supports the full value of their work.
Renaming to Nevada State University will tangibly impact students’ post-university career opportunities, as it is proven students tend to experience increased earnings of about $1,500 per year when their college is converted to a university. With Nevada ranking 46th in the country for college-going rates, this name change is also an effort towards encouraging overall growth to the university. According to research, colleges that change their name to “University” experience a 5.2% increase in first-time students within five years and an increase of 7.2% after six years. This growth is imperative to the fast-growing economy in Nevada and will provide more opportunities for students post-graduation.
“The overwhelming public support for this renaming—from students, faculty and staff, alumni, Nevada’s elected officials, community stakeholders, and the NSHE Board of Regents—has been gratifying and appreciated,” Pollard continued. “We are proud of our history and impact in Nevada, and we welcome the role we play in our collective future. Nevada State looks forward to being a new university for all.”
More information about the renaming can be found at theuniversityforall.com.
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About Nevada State:
Nevada State University (Nevada State), a four-year public institution, is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Nevada State places a special emphasis on the advancement of a diverse and largely under-served student population. Located on a developing 500-acre campus in the foothills of Henderson, Nevada, the institution was established in 2002 and has recently been passed by the NSHE Board of Regents and signed into law by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo to adopt ‘University’ in its name. Nevada State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation as a means to more efficient, effective outcomes in all corners of the campus. Since 2002, Nevada State has grown to offer more than 65 majors and minors, has received independent accreditation and has expanded its physical campus. Committed to fostering a personal learning environment, students are taught by faculty who serve as mentors and guides in classrooms with an average class size under 20 students. Nevada State serves approximately 7,100 students and has over 7,700 alumni, each representing a broad array of cultural and economic backgrounds. For more information, visit https://nsc.edu.
