After moving from Elko, the University established its college-level curriculum with four schools in Reno. As the University grew, programs expanded, catalyzing the creation of new independent schools and colleges, most from existing departments. As Las Vegas grew to be the largest city in Nevada, the University started offering classes there in the early 1950s, leading to the Nevada Southern Campus and later the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The multi-institutional Redfield campus opened in 2002 for classes and programs. In 2022, the University began operations at the Wayne L. Prim campus at Lake Tahoe after acquiring Sierra Nevada University. The main Reno campus has also expanded over the years, growing to 290 acres from its original 10-acre footprint in 1880.
Campuses
1886
After faltering in the early days in Elko, the University found better traction in Reno, opening in 1886, both in
terms of land, funding, and partnerships.
1950's
The Reno campus grew tremendously in the early and mid-20th century. In the early 1950s, Las Vegas quickly
became the largest city in Nevada, and the University started offering classes there, eventually leading to the
creation of the Nevada Southern Campus and eventually, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
1990's
In 1995, the Nell J. Redfield Foundation donated a large parcel of land in South Reno to be used as a multi-institution campus.
2000's
Redfield campus opened to classes and programs in 2002, and since then has grown into a robust provider
of space and services. The main Reno campus has expanded into adjacent areas over the years, growing to
290-acres from its original 10-acre footprint in 1880.
2022
In 2022, the University began operations on the Wayne L. Prim campus at Lake Tahoe after acquiring Sierra Nevada University.