Welcome to the 2026 spring semester!

January 20, 2026

Dear Wolf Pack Family, 

Welcome to the spring 2026 semester! I hope that you have had time to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends.

There is always a special excitement on the first day of class, and I wish for you all to experience that joy that comes with new beginnings. Today, we move forward in our mission to educate and graduate the best-prepared, confident leaders for the state, national and global community. We remain committed to becoming a nexus for research and creativity that focuses on vital issues of our time and serves as a catalyst for the betterment of society. 

Our campus is bustling with activity and there are so many things to look forward to in 2026 as we continue to fortify and expand our future as a national University.

The Mathewson Gateway District continues to thrive with this spring marking the second semester in the Tulloch Business Building. Immediately east of the Tulloch Business Building, planning for the Life Sciences Building will commence with the new addition to the campus, strengthening our state’s leadership in health, biotechnology, and environmental sciences—fueling workforce development and economic growth. Nearby, University Village continues to grow as well with a recently approved acquisition of a 600-unit housing development to provide affordable housing options for our faculty, staff and graduate students.

The indoor fieldhouse project is on track for completion by August of 2026 and will benefit the University student body by serving as a multi-purpose facility. The fieldhouse will accommodate Nevada club, intramural, and varsity sports while enhancing wellness and activity for the campus community. The facility also provides a critical practice area for the Wolf Pack Marching Band and Nevada spirit teams with additional opportunities for ROTC exercises, ASUN, community events, youth sports' activities, and pregame events.

Manzanita Lake and its surrounding area are receiving a vibrant facelift, reinvigorating the south end of campus. This lake has always been one of the University of Nevada’s most storied and beautiful landmarks, a place where generations of students, faculty, and visitors have paused to take in its calm and timeless charm. The construction isn’t just about repairs—it represents a renewed commitment to honoring that legacy. By enhancing accessibility and thoughtfully improving the surrounding pathways and gathering areas, the University is ensuring that Manzanita Lake can be experienced more fully and inclusively than ever before. 

On the north end of campus, the new State Public Health Lab building is nearing completion, positioning us at the forefront of cutting-edge research. And the University’s historic Fleischmann Planetarium is entering an exciting new era with the installation of a transformative dome theater. 

These projects represent just a sampling of the physical manifestations of our collective achievements and initiatives. Together, they advance our goals of becoming an institution that is known for its national presence and global impact. Our horizon is wide with opportunity. 

I wish you all a productive and successful start to 2026 and the very best for this new and exciting semester.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President