The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in Paradise, Nevada, near Las Vegas. It was founded in 1957 as the southern regional division of the University of Nevada and became an independent institution in 1969. UNLV is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity and has a campus of about 332 acres situated approximately 1.6 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip

. UNLV is the largest university in Nevada, with over 30,000 students as of 2022. It offers a wide range of academic programs through its multiple colleges and schools, including architecture, liberal arts, health sciences, hotel management, engineering, arts, natural sciences, education, nursing, law (William S. Boyd School of Law), urban affairs, and business

. The university is well known for programs in engineering, hotel management, and business, reflecting its urban and tourism-rich location. The university also has a strong research presence with more than 50 research centers and institutes, including the Center for Gaming Research, Center for Business and Economic Research, and the Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies. It spends tens of millions annually on research and development

. UNLV's athletic teams are known as the Rebels and compete in NCAA Division I within the Mountain West Conference

. The university offers a vibrant student life with over 250 student organizations and a variety of cultural and athletic facilities on campus

. In summary, UNLV is a major metropolitan public research university that plays a key role in education, research, and community engagement in Nevada, particularly known for its connections to the hospitality and gaming industries due to its proximity to Las Vegas