History

Within the space of seven years, Nevada State College has experienced incredible growth and has solidified itself as an integral part of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

1997

In June, the Nevada Legislature commissions a study to assess the educational needs of Southern Nevada's population.

1999

In December, the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, acting upon the recommendations of the feasibility study, appoints Dr. Richard Moore as the Founding President of Nevada State College.

2000

In February, the Board of Regents and officials from the City of Henderson propose a college site in Henderson, Nevada. The Board of Regents also approve the University of Nevada, Reno as NSC’s sponsoring institution in May. Towards the close of 2000, the Board of Regents creates three community task forces to aid in the planning and development of the college.

2001

In April, the Board of Regents accepts the task forces' recommendations, which include the mission of Nevada State College. In June, the Legislature funds NSC for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, and the NSC Foundation raises funds for the ongoing operational costs of the college through July 1, 2002.

2002

Dr. Christine Chairsell becomes college’s acting president following President Moore’s decision to return to the classroom. In September, NSC opens its doors for the first time to 177 students for the start of fall semester. In October, Kerry Romesburg becomes NSC’s second president.

2003

In June, NSC begins its initial campus master planning and programming efforts. That same month, the Nevada Legislature funds Nevada State College but reduces its biennial operating budget by more than half.

2004

May heralds a momentous occasion for NSC, as the college celebrates its first commencement ceremony with a class of 13 graduates.  Shortly thereafter, a search for a new college president begins, as Kerry Romesburg becomes president of Jacksonville University in Florida.  NSC begins its self-study for candidacy status through the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.  As 2004 comes to a close, the Board of Regents select Dr. Fred Maryanski as NSC’s third president. Under the leadership of President Maryanski, the college further solidifies its standing as Nevada’s first four-year college.

2005

In June, the Nevada Legislature appropriates approximately $22 million in operating funds to Nevada State College, as well as $9 million for the Liberal Arts and Sciences building, the college's first permanent building.  In September, NSC’s enrollment climbs to 1,557 students for the fall semester.

2006

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities grants NSC candidacy for accreditation status in July.  NSC’s enrollment continues to rise with nearly 2,000 students enrolled for classes for fall semester.

2007

As NSC experiences monumental growth, the NSC campus community and state and local dignitaries in May gather for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Liberal Arts and Sciences building, the college’s first permanent facility to be located on the college's 509-acre site.

In July, NSC welcomes Dr. Lesley DiMare as Provost.  Dr. DiMare begins work to the development of the college's undergraduate curriculum. 

With an eye towards Nevada's nursing shortage, the Nevada State Legislature appropriates $3.5 million in August to NSC to begin designing the Nursing and Science building, a 60,000 sq. ft. facility designed to increase the number of nurses in Nevada.

President Maryanski’s vision for college’s campus master plan comes closer to reality with the completion of conceptual renderings that lay out the framework for a 25,000 student-body campus.

2008

On March 4th, NSC celebrates its 5th anniversary as the state’s first four-year public college. More than 250 community leaders and college faculty and staff gather at the Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa to honor this historic occasion.

Students of NSC’s Class of '08 receive their degrees at May’s commencement ceremony, demonstrating yet another milestone for the young college. The Class of '08 eclipses NSC’s first graduating class by graduating more than 170 students.

As the fall semester begins, NSC ushers in a new era with the opening of the Liberal Arts and Sciences building. The opening of the building signifies an important milestone in NSC’s young history.