UNLV Again Named Among Nation’s Most Community-Engaged Institutions

2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification renewal lauds UNLV’s continuing work to strengthen partnerships and critical needs outreach

Community engagement is central to our mission at UNLV. 

As a public institution, UNLV exists in part to lift up our region and to meet the persistent and emerging needs of residents and organizations. Our university has a profound impact here in Southern Nevada and beyond, and our efforts are consistently shaped and strengthened through the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, and in focused collaboration with community partners. 

That’s why I’m thrilled to share that last week, UNLV earned its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, retaining its status as one of the nation’s top community-serving higher education institutions.

UNLV first earned this classification in 2020, and it is widely viewed as the gold standard for institutions that can demonstrate sustained, reciprocal collaboration with community partners and positive community impacts. Retaining the classification required clear evidence that engagement is embedded in institutional practice, including how students learn, how research agendas are shaped, and how the university contributes to the public good.

Since UNLV initially earned the distinction six years ago, we have grown the number of community partners and active partnerships. Our efforts span all aspects of the community, from addressing gaps in mental and physical health services to launching innovative programs aimed at the teacher shortage, augmenting STEM education, and much more. 

Coupled with the university’s status as a Carnegie R1 “very high research activity” institution, UNLV is among less than 2% of postsecondary institutions nationwide to hold Carnegie's highest classification for both research and community engagement. 

I invite you to read more about last week’s Carnegie Community Engagement announcement, and I thank you – our partners, alumni, friends, and supporters – for your contributions to our community and to UNLV. 

This recognition is a testament to the power of partnership. It reflects not only what we value, but also how we carry out our responsibility as an urban public research university working collaboratively to serve Southern Nevada. 

- Chris Heavey, Interim President

70-Degrees and Snowing with Joy in the Air: The President's Holiday Village

Annual event leverages the university's community partnerships to keep spirits merry and bright for thousands

It may have been 70-plus degrees with clear blue skies, but that didn’t stop the snow from falling as Rebels and community partners welcomed thousands of visitors through the candy cane arch and into the 4th annual President’s Holiday Village on Saturday, December 13th.

For many of the more than 150 volunteers, the day began before the sun came up as they worked together to transform a parking lot into a festive site for thousands of Southern Nevada children and their parents/guardians. By 10am, the group was ready to go, and visitors began making their way through the falling snow into the festival.

The President’s Holiday Village is an annual event, held in partnership with United Movement Organized Kindness (UMOK), the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and dozens of community sponsors and partners. 

This year’s event provided children with a wide range of activities, including bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, and holiday-themed craft activities. A mobile farmyard gave many children their first opportunity to interact with farm animals, while visits from holiday characters — and Santa himself — kept spirits high throughout the day.

First responders were also a highlight, with Clark County Fire Department, Community Ambulance, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the University Police Department Southern Command on hand to help children explore emergency vehicles, activate lights and sirens, and even try their hand at operating a fire hose.

One of the event's primary goals is to ensure every child leaves the President’s Holiday Village with a new toy for the holidays. Through a partnership between...(more)

Showing Up for the Community We Serve

28 Examples of UNLV Community Engagement

At UNLV, learning doesn’t stop at the edge of campus. Through a wide range of outreach programs, the university works alongside local schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and neighborhood organizations to tackle real needs and create lasting partnerships. From education and healthcare to sustainability and youth programs, outreach is a key way UNLV shows up for the community it serves.

These programs give students a chance to step outside the classroom and gain hands-on experience. Volunteering, mentoring, and working with community members lets students see the impact of their skills while building a sense of responsibility. Meanwhile, faculty and staff apply their research expertise to solving complex problems in our communities.

UNLV recently earned its second consecutive Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement — the highest standard of recognition for community engagement efforts at colleges and universities. Here’s just a snapshot of the hundreds of partnerships that UNLV’s colleges, schools, and administrative units are leading to improve the lives of Southern Nevadans.

UNLV's community engagement activities and partnerships offer practical learning opportunities for students while leveraging our resources to address societal needs. Here are 28 examples of how Rebels, in partnership with the community, make it happen...(more) 

Rebels in Action - Community

Rebels in Action - Government

Before You Go

Rebel Recovery Program

Since the December 6th tragedy, the Rebel community continues to experience kindness, support, and encouragement from so many. We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all those who have helped and inspired us as we continue our recovery process. Don’t forget to check-in for the latest updates as we continue to progress on our Rebel Recovery Program. Please visit the UNLV Strong website to learn more. 

Invitation to Support Our Work

Great universities and great communities go together, and this is certainly true for UNLV and Nevada. The needs in our communities are many and there is more we can do together. But, we cannot do it without you. Please consider supporting our work by making a donation. Visit the website, enter the amount, and then select “Community Engagement” from the drop-down menu under the “General Campus Funds” option. Thank you!