Rebel fans may know some UNLV athletic statistics by heart: 17 sports, 430 student-athletes, founded in 1958 when Michael “Chub” Drakulich opened play for the Runnin’ Rebels. But there is one shocking statistic topof- mind for athletic administrators and students alike: UNLV is one of just 10 Division I schools — out of 313 total — that lacks a dedicated academic athletic facility.
That record is about to be broken. Late this summer, the university will begin construction on the Academic Athletic Administration Building, a facility where studentathletes can focus on academics, build camaraderie, and promote greater bonds between UNLV and the Las Vegas community.
“This isn’t about one sport. This building is about the athletic program as a whole,” says Mark Wharton, associate athletic director for development.
The facility will help coaches recruit the best student-athletes and bolster the program’s image and commencement rates. While the student-athlete graduation rate is at 51 percent — its highest ever at UNLV — the new facility will provide strategically placed resources for the collegiates. “When we bring recruits to campus, one of the first questions they ask is about our student-athlete academic support,” athletic director Mike Hamrick says. “This facility will help us attract better students, which in turn will help them succeed academically and athletically.”
The design’s award-winning concept, which accommodates a number of student services, was recognized last year by the American Institute of Architects.
“With student-athletes, there is a timemanagement issue,” explains Wharton. “In the new complex, we will be able to approach this holistically by having tutors, academic counselors, and study areas all in one facility. It will help tremendously with the students’ stress levels.”
The new building will provide a home for the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame, with nearly 3,000 square feet dedicated to valuable memorabilia. Additionally, the building will have a welcome area for Rebel Athletic Fund donors and will house all administrative offices for UNLV Athletics.
Several donors have already committed significant funds for the $16 million facility. Private gifts of all sizes will also help create a $1 million operations endowment for longterm maintenance costs, Wharton says.
Hamrick adds that the new building will bring additional value to the student-athletes’ college experiences. The newly expanded community relations department, which will be centralized in the new building, links student- athletes to the speaking and mentorship opportunities available at charitable organizations, local schools, hospitals, and various youth events.
“Kids look up to UNLV student-athletes. Of course, part of this progress is academic, and part of it is about our role in the community. But all of it,” Hamrick emphasizes, “is about education.”
More info: contact Mark Wharton at 702-895-3020.
