Student firsts

The University began operating as a preparatory school in 1874 in Elko, Nevada. From these humble beginnings, the University then worked primarily to train public school teachers in the Normal School in Reno. Aspirations to build a more robust, varied and advanced college curriculum were present even in these early days. Perhaps because of this beginning, women have always been a strong part of the University student and faculty population. Blanche Davis, the first female graduate, was also one of the first college-level students. While early students of the University were predominantly white men, people of color soon joined the growing institution.

  • The student newspaper changed its name from The Student Record to The U of N Sagebrush. Sagebrush editor Mark Curtis (left) checks the newspaper as it comes off the press. Special Collections and University Archives Photograph Collection, UNRA-P3204-10.
  • Students Kenneth R. Robbins (left), Paul Finch (center), and Hank Rilling (right) use an iron handpress. Kenneth Robbins was the editor of the school newspaper and graduated in 1957 with a BA in Journalism. Special Collections and University Archives Photograph Collection, UNRA-P453-1.
  • Graduating students from the second graduating class of the university include William Barney, Blanche Davis, Albert Lewers, and Frederick Stadtmuller, all posing for a commencement photograph. Blanche Davis was the first women graduate and the fifth student to receive a Bachelor's of Art from the University of Nevada. Special Collections and University Archives Photograph Collection, UNRA-P416-1.
  • First appearance of the yearbook Artemisia. Associated Students of the University of Nevada. Artemisia 1899. University of Nevada, 1899.
  • Stella Mason Parson became the first African American woman to graduate from the university. Associated Students of the University of Nevada. Artemisia 1952. University of Nevada, 1952.
  • Portrait of Lloyd Barrington, the first Native American graduate, in the 1928 Artemisia yearbook. Associated Students of the University of Nevada. Artemisia 1928. University of Nevada, 1928.
  • Portrait of Theodore Miller, the first African American graduate, in the 1930 Artemisia yearbook. Associated Students of the University of Nevada. Artemisia 1930. University of Nevada, 1930.