The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) is a research-centric university that blends the core values of traditional education system and the progressive needs of a modern society. The instructional and research programs are designed to meet the needs of a varied national and international community. A noteworthy aspect of this Nevada university is the strong synergy between professional and liberal studies, undergraduate and graduate programs, and exceptional teaching and advanced research. The origins of UNLV can be traced back to 1951, when a spare room at Las Vegas High School was used for college level classes. There was only one permanent faculty member, and student strength of 12. Six years later, in 1957, a southern regional division of the University of Nevada was established. The first degree was awarded in 1964. In 1965, the Las Vegas High School was named the Nevada Southern University by the Nevada Legislature, and its first president was elected. The university was granted autonomy in 1968, and given equal status with the University of Nevada at Reno. The new university’s present name of University of Nevada at Las Vegas was adopted in January 1969. Today, UNLV proudly occupies a 337-acre campus. More than 200 undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degree programs in the arts, sciences, business, and economics are offered there. About 850 faculty members provide their service to this university. The university enrolls more than 27,000 students each year. The University of Nevada at Las Vegas is classified under the Doctoral/Research University-Intensive category by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The Division of Research and Graduate Studies guides the university in its functioning as a nationally recognized research institution. All of the programs at the university are accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. UNLV reflects the vibrant nature of Las Vegas. It hosts a variety of cultural programs to complement its intellectual image. Noted among these are two major annual cultural events; the Charles Vanda Master Series and the Barrick Lecture Series. Both these events are extremely popular with the students and the local community. The Charles Vanda Master Series boasts the performances of some of the finest musicians of international repute. The Barrick Lecture Series features the public lectures of well-known speakers.