1995
ENROLLMENT: 19,769
HIGHLIGHTS
Carol C. Harter appointed president: She became the first female president at either of Nevada’s public universities and, eventually, UNLV’s longest-serving president.
1996
ENROLLMENT: 19,683
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Lied Athletic Complex
HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Plan: A communitywide planning retreat was held as part of UNLV’s efforts to become a major research university. At the heart of UNLV’s goals is the recognition that the university plays a significant part in the economic development and quality of life issues in Southern Nevada.
1997
ENROLLMENT: 20,272
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Sogg Architecture Building
HIGHLIGHTS
The Honors College established: Elevating the honors
program to a full college has helped UNLV attract top students, including
several National Merit Finalists. The opportunity to participate in
research alongside professors was appealing to biology major Archana
Nelliot. She received the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship
in 2005. The May graduate is now pursuing a doctorate at Johns Hopkins.
1998
ENROLLMENT: 21,124
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Paradise Campus; Sam Boyd Stadium
HIGHLIGHTS
Athletics Programs Expand: Rather than cut men’s programs, UNLV expands women’s programs to keep the university in compliance with Title IX. Women’s golf would come in 2001. UNLV won a record six Mountain West Conference team championships in 2004-05 — baseball (regular season and tournament), women’s golf, women’s soccer, men’s swimming, and women’s swimming.
1999
ENROLLMENT: 21,853
HIGHLIGHTS
Boyd School of Law Opens: The young school has already broken into U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings for its legal writing, dispute resolution, and clinical training programs. • UNLV
Joins New Mountain West Conference — Harter selected as the conference’s first representative on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors.
2000
ENROLLMENT: 22,243
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Stan Fulton Building; Bennett Professional Center; Foundations Building; UNLV Bookstore
HIGHLIGHTS
More than 750 Students Receive Advanced Degrees: UNLV has steadily been adding to its advanced degree programs. Today, UNLV has more than 6,000 students enrolled in its 100 graduate and professional programs.
2001
ENROLLMENT: 23,618
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Lied Library; Beam Music Center; Eller Media Softball Stadium; Campus Services Building; Tonopah Hall Expansion; Cox Pavilion; Parking Garage
HIGHLIGHTS
New Library Opens: Visits to UNLV’s main library doubled with the Lied Library. The library has become a primary student meeting place and now attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors annually. • UNLV
Moves Up in Carnegie Foundation Rankings: UNLV continues to make headway in efforts to develop as a research university.
2002
ENROLLMENT: 24,965
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Central Desert Complex; Boyd School of Law Complex; James Rogers Center for Administration and Justice
HIGHLIGHTS
UNLV School of Dental Medicine Opens: 233,424 total Medicaid patient visits have occurred at the school’s community practices since they were founded. In addition, students and faculty have provided oral health screenings and education to 25,322 community members, primarily preschool, elementary, and high school students.
2003
ENROLLMENT: 26,393
HIGHLIGHTS
Expanding Campuses: The Shadow Lane campus, in the heart of Las Vegas’ medical district, is now home to the School of Dental Medicine and the Biotechnology Center. UNLV has also acquired land in southwest Las Vegas to develop the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. This fall, the College of Hotel Administration is opening the first international campus in Singapore.
2004
ENROLLMENT: 27,334
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Development Center; Sogg Architecture Building Addition; Central Desert Complex Expansion; Shadow Lane Renovations; Dayton Hall
HIGHLIGHTS
Midtown UNLV Concept Introduced: This a project will partner with the business community to revitalize Maryland Parkway with neighborhood restaurants, pedestrian- friendly sidewalks, and new housing developments. • Minority
Enrollment Sets New High: In 2004, UNLV exceeded 30 percent minority enrollment for the first time. When President Harter joined UNLV, minority enrollment was at 21 percent; by fall 2005, the number climbed to 31.2 percent.
2005
ENROLLMENT: 28,104
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
John S. Wright Hall
HIGHLIGHTS
Invent the Future campaign: UNLV’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign sets its goal at a half billion dollars. By May 2006, the campaign had raised $317 million in gifts and pledges. • Research
Dollars Up 48.6% — Funding for sponsored programs grows to $95 million, with $69.4 million slated for research. The largest source of the funding was the U.S. Department of Energy at $38 million.
2006
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION
Now Under Construction: Student Union; Student Recreation Center; Science Engineering and Technology Building
HIGHLIGHTS
The Black Mountain Institute Formed: Carol C. Harter will serve as executive
director of the “think tank” beginning July 1 (see
story). • David Ashley Named UNLV's eight
president (see
story).

