City of Henderson preparing now for student population to double at Nevada State University

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Nevada State University opened 22 years ago with just 144 students. Last week, they welcomed 7,200 students. In 20 years, they expected to serve 20,000. Plans are being made now to prepare for that massive growth.

A map showing the projected growth over the next couple decades, showing a lot of building around the current school, from the new “University Area Livable Centers Study,” was shared with the Henderson City Council this week.

“It is the city of Henderson’s vision that has continued to propel us forward,” contended Nevada State University President Dr. Derionne Pollard. Dr. Pollard thanking the council this week for acting now to address the schools future needs.

“Our faculty, our students, and our neighbors will have dedicated spaces to live, work, play and thrive,” Dr. Pollard explained.

The City of Henderson, RTC, and the school are all coming together to strategize for future growth of the college area, the heart of Southeast Henderson.

About 1,000 people on campus and in the general area responded to a survey on what they’d like to see happen with more than 450 acres of vacant land. The big goal: a more walkable, bikeable, connected community.

FOX5 went to the campus and asked students who live in student housing what they would like to see.

“Being that it is so like desert-y there are not a lot of shops around like very close to school it would be very nice if there were more…The closest thing is our student cafe…There is nothing in walking distance,” shared LeAsha Bryant, a freshman in the pre-nursing program.

Students agree the roadmap for future development needs to include a much shorter drive to get food.

“Fast food is 15-20 minutes away… To be able to get to the closest store, I’ve got to drive about 15 minutes so it is a bit of a hassle especially on gas,” described Adrianne Almaraz, a sophomore studying English.

There has been push back against development in the general area before. Back in 2022, FOX5 told you about a proposal to open a road between the school and the Mission Hills neighborhood. Neighbors there, especially those with horses, fought against opening the road and more traffic. The road remains blocked off.

The school will hold an event next month on plans for its growth and the growth of the area. Here is what they’ve shared:

We are excited to announce our Nevada State SMART Growth Launch Event that will take place on Thursday, October 24th at 9am.

With more than 450 acres of vacant land in southeast Henderson, Nevada State is poised for transformative development that will enrich our campus, the university community, and the entire state. Our ambitious plan aims to leverage innovative collaborations with the private sector to construct state-of-the-art buildings and other facilities that will support the next generation of Nevada educators, health care professionals, scientists, and other critical workforce roles.

Come join developers, investors, and regional stakeholders for an insightful look at Nevada State and our vision for the future.

RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gfH7J7pH

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