UNLV Interim President Highlights Record Enrollment and Research Gains in State of University Address

Heavey also pays tribute to faculty members killed in 2023 tragedy, announces plans for memorial garden.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:39am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting the UNLV campus, with students walking through pools of warm, hazy light, conveying a sense of contemplation and community.The UNLV campus community comes together to reflect and find comfort in the wake of tragedy, as the university continues its upward trajectory.Las Vegas Today

In his first State of the University address, UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey reported that the school has reached record levels of student enrollment and graduation rates, while also gaining national recognition for its growing research programs. Heavey also acknowledged the tragic loss of three faculty members in 2023 and announced plans to build a memorial garden on campus.

Why it matters

UNLV's progress under Heavey's interim leadership demonstrates the university's ability to maintain momentum and continue its upward trajectory, even in the face of adversity. The memorial garden will provide a space for the campus community to honor those who were lost and find solace.

The details

In his address, Heavey highlighted UNLV's record enrollment and graduation rates, as well as the university's growing reputation as a high-performing research institution. He also praised the school's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, noting that Latino students now make up the largest incoming demographic. Additionally, Heavey announced plans to build a memorial garden to commemorate the three faculty members who were killed on campus in December 2023.

  • Heavey delivered his first State of the University address on April 9, 2026.
  • The tragic incident resulting in the deaths of three faculty members occurred on December 6, 2023.
  • The memorial garden is expected to be built in the next year, starting in the coming weeks.

The players

Chris Heavey

The interim president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), who delivered the State of the University address.

UNLV

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a public research university located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud to say that our Latino students are the largest incoming demographic to our students and there is no achievement gap with our Latino students. They are our future. We will always be a Hispanic-serving institution given the population of Las Vegas. And we are incredibly proud and excited about that.”

— Chris Heavey, Interim President, UNLV

“We'll never forget them. We have a beautiful design for our memorial garden, which will be a place for people to spend some peaceful time reflecting. And we're going to get this thing built next year so that people have a space to remember that tragic day, but also to find peace and comfort in the community that we have together.”

— Chris Heavey, Interim President, UNLV

What’s next

UNLV is expected to launch a fundraising campaign in the coming weeks to support the construction of the memorial garden, which is planned to be completed within the next year.

The takeaway

UNLV's progress under Heavey's interim leadership, including record enrollment, graduation rates, and research recognition, demonstrates the university's resilience and commitment to serving its diverse student population, even in the face of tragedy. The planned memorial garden will provide a space for the campus community to honor those lost and find solace.