ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

Regeneration has long been the stuff of science fiction. At ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, researchers are now studying frogs that can regrow their eyes in days — work that could bring that idea closer to reality for human patients.

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s newest graduates crossed the stage this spring with degrees in hand and a wide range of stories behind them. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý awarded more than 3,700 degrees during its spring 2026 commencement at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday.

When Fallon resident Kelli Kelly walks across the stage at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s Thomas & Mack Center tonight to receive her master’s degree in urban leadership, she’ll do so knowing her work created real change. She’s being recognized as one of six outstanding graduates from this year’s class, finishing with a near-perfect grade-point average and an impressive roster of professional achievements. Her crowning moment came last year when the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 352 — landmark legislation expanding cottage food sales regulations and establishing one of the first statewide frameworks for cottage cosmetics businesses in the country. The bill was Kelly’s passion project, and she’s quick to credit ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s support as a driving force behind its passage.

It has been a record-setting year for ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. According to interim president Chris Heavey, over the last year, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý has seen record enrollment with about 34,000 students, record research expenditures at $134 million, and a record 52% graduation rate. With that growth comes expansion. On Wednesday, Heavey gave the 2026 State of the University address and laid out plans for several big projects that are on the horizon. That includes updated plans for a memorial garden, a new parking garage, expanding preschool programs, and a new business building.

When ÐÔÊӽ紫ý opened its doors in 1957, the campus was little more than a handful of buildings just off Maryland Parkway — two of which still stand today. Nearly seven decades later, the university is continuing to evolve, this time with a new facility set to house the rapidly expanding Lee Business School. Interim President Chris Heavey highlighted the university’s growth trajectory at the annual State of the University address Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center’s Strip Pavilion.

Heavey highlights record enrollment, research growth and plans for memorial garden

Las Vegas-area leaders applauded several announcements during the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý State of the University address. The interim president, Chris Heavey, appearing to give the coming year a good grade.

During his address, he spoke about major projects happening at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý right now.