Statement from UNLV President Dr. Len Jessup and Director of Athletics Tina Kunzer-Murphy
We would like to thank the leadership of the Big 12 Conference for its consideration, dialogue, and feedback in the ongoing evaluation process regarding membership.
Our discussions with the conference have been entirely positive and constructive. Late yesterday, we learned from the Big 12 that the list of universities under consideration for expansion has been narrowed, and for the next phase of the review process, UNLV is not included.
We have had discussions with a variety of stakeholders over the last several months and it has been tremendously beneficial. UNLV is absolutely on the right path as we work to fulfill an ambitious vision for our university’s continued growth, both academically and athletically.
Academically, the strategy to attain Top Tier status, the launch of the UNLV School of Medicine, as well as other academic initiatives, are viewed favorably. Athletically, the Big 12 underscored the importance of investment in infrastructure and facilities – especially for football.
Perhaps most importantly, our stakeholder outreach has reinforced what we already knew: UNLV is a university on the rise and Las Vegas is a dynamic market. We have a great deal to offer any conference.
As the landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to change, ensuring UNLV is properly positioned and is a member of a conference that is the best fit for our university and community remains part of our long-term vision. We remain committed to fulfilling our responsibility to be a strong and successful member of the Mountain West.
We thank the leadership of the Big 12 for its consideration and wish the conference the very best.