Nevada State University (Nevada State) celebrated its 2025 graduating class during its commencement ceremony at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday, May 10.
Nevada State continues to be a rapidly growing institution, boasting a student body of more than 7,400 students and, with May’s graduating class, more than 9,400 alumni. Degrees were conferred on May 10 to the 869 graduates earning degrees in a variety of concentrations including nursing, psychology, education, criminal justice, and liberal arts, sciences and business. Additionally, the University awarded honorary degrees to former U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada and former Speaker of the Nevada Assembly Jason Frierson, educational advocate Marydean Martin, and President and CEO of The Perkins Company and former Speaker of the Nevada Assembly Richard Perkins, who also provided commencement remarks. Perkins was instrumental in passing the legislation which led to the establishment of Nevada State.
“As we celebrate our 2025 Commencement, we honor not only the academic achievements of our graduates but the resilience, determination, and passion that brought them to this milestone,” said Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Nevada State University. “This class reflects the very heart of Nevada State — bold, diverse, and driven by a desire to effect positive change in our community. Whether they were the first in their family to graduate, returned to school after years away, or followed the many different paths to a college degree, our graduates inspire us and remind us that the promise of higher education should be accessible to all.”
This is the second largest graduating class in the University’s history. Nevada State continues to excel in its prestigious programs, graduating over 315 nursing students and 195 education students. Additionally, more than 365 students graduated with degrees from the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business. With 90 percent of graduates staying in the state, Nevada State continues to directly address critical workforce needs in our community.
Over 70 percent of Nevada State’s student population comes from culturally diverse backgrounds, and 60 percent are first-generation college students. The institution also has a robust dual-credit program, allowing students in high school to start earning college credit, which saves students money, promotes early pathways to college, and accelerates graduation.
To learn more about some of Nevada State’s incredible 2025 graduates, click here.
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About Nevada State University:
Nevada State University (Nevada State), a four-year, independently accredited 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 adopted ‘University’ in its name. Nevada State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation in support of Nevada’s growing workforce needs. Nevada State offers more than 65 majors and minors and continues to expand its physical campus and reach to students across the state. 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 25 students. Nevada State serves more than 7,400 students and has over 9,400 alumni, each representing a broad array of cultural and economic backgrounds. For more information, visit https://nevadastate.edu.
