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In August, I was asked by the Board of Regents to serve as UNLV's ninth president. I accepted its offer with the same excitement and zeal I had when I arrived here as provost two years ago. UNLV is a special place, and the opportunity we have to move this institution forward is as energizing as it will be rewarding.

I believe that UNLV is more than just in Las Vegas. We are truly a part of this great city and are committed to forming partnerships that make a difference. On page 22, you can read more about two new ventures with The Lincy Foundation and Brookings Institution that are expanding our ability to serve the community and boosting our stature on a national level.

These recent developments -- and a few others that will be announced shortly -- point to a simple yet undeniable fact: In order for us to be successful, we need help from all our community leaders and friends. So, I am asking all Nevadans to embrace our research and scholarship and to work with us to diversify our economy, develop our human capital and social systems, and create the critical infrastructure that Nevada needs for a sustainable future.

Even though we are facing tough economic times, we remain committed to a vision and mission that links Nevada's future prosperity to our core activities on campus.

UNLV is:

• Making student learning and success the cornerstone for all that we do. It is imperative that we prepare our best minds to serve the leadership needs of our region and give our graduates the practical skills they need to be productive, active, and engaged citizens.
• Strengthening our current and emerging research to improve our national reputation, to foster the economic and social development of our region, and to contribute to the national and international dialogue among scholars.
• Creating stronger partnerships with other public and private research entities in the state to improve our impact on economic development for Nevada.
• Ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusiveness are inherent in every decision.
• Supporting the development of the human capital, regional infrastructure, and economic diversification that Nevada needs for a sustainable future.

UNLV is an institution born of this dynamic city. It embraces and embodies the entrepreneurial, innovative, and unconventional spirit of the community and brings that passion to our teaching and research programs. I hope you will join us as partners in building UNLV and investing in the future of Nevada. If you have thoughts, ideas, or suggestions you would like to share, please contact me at president@unlv.edu.