Our History

Established in 2004, Touro University Nevada was founded in response to the growing need for comprehensive healthcare education and to address the healthcare shortages prevalent in Nevada. Driven by the vision of Touro University Founder, Dr. Bernard Lander, and inspired by the principles of Jewish heritage emphasizing service to society.

Dr. Jay Sexter, representing Dr. Lander’ s and the Board of Trustees’ interests in beginning the new university in Nevada, chose the current location in Henderson, Nevada for the university.  Touro University Nevada became the branch campus of Touro University California. Dr. Harvey Kaye, Provost of Touro University California became the Provost for Touro University Nevada. Dr. Kaye soon added Dr. Michael Harter as the Vice President of Administration and Dr. Mitchell Forman as the founding Dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Touro University California was the first College of Osteopathic Medicine and Touro University Nevada was the second within the Touro University system.

On April 1, 2004, Touro University Nevada opened its doors with its first class of 78 students beginning their studies on August 1, 2004.

The partnership with Valley Hospital began in 2003 with the Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine program. That partnership was expanded in 2004 to include Touro University Nevada. This partnership was instrumental in providing student rotations in a hospital setting. Touro University Nevada and Valley Hospital continue this partnership and have extended rotations for students to all Valley Health System hospitals.

In 2008, the inaugural class of osteopathic medical students graduated. Since that inaugural class of 78 students, the College of Osteopathic Medicine has graduated over 2,100 physicians in 16 years.

TUN was the first to offer Doctor of Osteopathy and grew the university with an additional College of Health and Human Services offering the first Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Nurse Practice programs in the state of Nevada.  Touro University Nevada continued to expand its academic offerings and facilities to include the School of Education in 2006 and the School of Physical Therapy in 2008.  In 20XX, the College of Osteopathic Medicine expanded its program to include a master’s in health sciences.

In 2014, Dr. Michael Harter retired, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley assumed the leadership as CEO and Senior Provost of the University until 2023, at which time Dr. Andrew Priest became the first Campus President and Provost. Founding Dean Mitchell Forman, retired from TUN at which time Dr. John Dougherty led the College of Osteopathic Medicine until 2019 when Dr. Wolfgang Gilliar became the Dean of College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Touro University Nevada continues to lead in health care education in the state of Nevada with a strong commitment to its community.