Board of Regents Unanimously Approves Nevada State’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan

The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents has unanimously approved A Framework for Action, Nevada State University’s strategic plan for 2026–2029, along with the university’s refreshed mission statement.

The approval marks an important milestone for Nevada State. This is the university’s first strategic plan since its transition from Nevada State College to Nevada State University and establishes a focused, measurable framework for the next three years.

A Mission Centered on Opportunity

The university’s refreshed mission begins with a simple but important principle: excellence fosters opportunity.

At Nevada State University, excellence fosters opportunity. Through quality teaching, accessible degree programs, and a supportive learning community, we cultivate a holistic learning environment for all students. We are dedicated to helping advance the intellectual pursuits and economic mobility of our students for a better Nevada.

The mission affirms Nevada State’s commitment to quality teaching, accessible degree programs and a supportive learning community. It also connects students’ education with their intellectual growth, economic mobility and future success.

Three Goals for Nevada State’s Future

Guided by the refreshed mission, A Framework for Action is organized around three goals:

1. Foster Student Support and Success
2. Advance Access and Opportunity
3. Strengthen Operational Effectiveness and Maturity

The first goal focuses on helping more students remain on track, graduate and feel supported throughout their Nevada State experience. Priorities include strengthening advising, coaching, tutoring and wellness resources; improving first- and second-year student success; and increasing consistency among the faculty members who teach and mentor students.

The plan also seeks to expand access through clearer educational pathways, additional concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students and a broader reach across the region, including the continued development of Nevada State’s North Las Vegas campus.

Together, the three goals reinforce the university’s commitment to improving student outcomes, expanding access to higher education, responding to Nevada’s workforce needs and strengthening the institutional foundation needed to sustain its mission.

Shaped by the Nevada State Community

Faculty, staff, students and university leaders helped develop the plan through an inclusive, shared-governance process.

The Strategic Planning Committee held more than 40 meetings throughout the planning period. Leadership workshops, campus information sessions, community engagement and a public comment period provided additional opportunities for the Nevada State community to contribute.

During the public comment period, 140 comments from 29 contributors were reviewed and incorporated into successive drafts of the plan.

Students also played an important role in shaping the plan. Student representatives included Stephanie Flores, Eduardo Vega-Santiago, Max Quint and Donovan Childress. Kevin Osorio Hernandez, who is now a Nevada State alumnus, also contributed to the planning process as a student.

Turning the Plan Into Action

With the Board’s approval, the university will begin translating the plan’s goals and objectives into unit-level actions, timelines and responsibilities.

Progress will be measured through 38 key performance indicators, with quarterly updates, annual reporting and ongoing review. The university will announce the priority actions guiding the first year of implementation this fall.

Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to read A Framework for Action and follow the university’s progress at nevadastate.edu/strategicplan.

Strategic Planning Committee

Committee Leadership

• Project Director: Amey Evaluna, MPA, Director of Culture, Planning, and Policy
• Committee Chair: Edith Fernández, Ph.D., Vice President of Culture, Planning, and Policy

Governance Representatives

• Toni Aceves, Administrative Assistant 3, School of Nursing
• David Cooper, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department of Physical and Life Sciences
• Diana Morgan, Director of Stewardship and Community Relations
• Eduardo Vega-Santiago, Stephanie Flores, Max Quint and Donovan Childress, Nevada State Student Alliance

School Representatives

• Molly Appel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, Department of Humanities
• Christine Beaudry, Ed.D., Professor of Education
• Andra Scano, DNP, Distinguished Lecturer of Nursing

Institutional Representatives

• Danette Barber, Research Analyst, Institutional Effectiveness
• Maria Marinch-Gibbons, DPP, Chief of Staff, Office of the President
• Bernnell Peltier-Glaze, Ed.D., Dean of Education
• LaNelda Rolley, M.A., Associate Vice President of Marketing and Events
• Gwen Sharp, Ph.D., Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Brandy Smith, Ph.D., Interim Vice President of Finance and Business Operations
• Sharneé Walker, Ed.S., Associate Dean of Students, Disability Resource Center

Former and Proxy Members

Nicole Espinoza; Baden J. Fox, Ed.D.; Kevin Osorio Hernandez; Ryan McInerney, J.D.; Pete Martini, Ph.D.; Ruby Ortega, MPA; Tony Scinta, Ph.D.; Danielle Sundell, Ph.D.; Sandip Thanki, Ph.D.; and Danielle Welch, M.Ed.

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