Our History

Building a Healthier Future

Founded in 2004, Touro University Nevada was created to meet the increasing demand for comprehensive healthcare education and to tackle the pressing healthcare shortages in the state. Dr. Jay Sexter, representing Dr. Lander and the Board of Trustees, played a pivotal role in establishing Touro University Nevada, selecting its current location in Henderson. Guided by the vision of Dr. Bernard Lander, Touro University's founder, the university draws inspiration from Jewish heritage principles that emphasize a commitment to serving society.

Founding Forces

Touro University began as a branch of Touro University California with the provost, Dr. Harvey Kaye, appointed to operate the new campus. He subsequently brought on Dr. Michael Harter as Vice President of Administration and Dr. Mitchell Forman as the founding Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Notably, Touro University California was the first College of Osteopathic Medicine, with Touro University Nevada following as the second within the Touro University system.

A Legacy Begins

On April 1, 2004, Touro University Nevada proudly opened its doors, welcoming its inaugural class of 78 students. A crucial partnership with the Valley Hospital System played a key role in facilitating student rotations within a clinical setting. This collaboration remains strong today, having expanded to provide even more rotation opportunities, ensuring that students receive comprehensive, hands-on training in diverse healthcare environments. In 2008, the inaugural class of osteopathic medical students graduated. Since that inaugural class of 78 students, the College of Osteopathic Medicine has graduated almost 3,000 physicians in 20 years.

Pioneering Achievements

Touro University Nevada was the first medical school in the state and the only Osteopathic Medicine program. To effectively address the evolving medical needs of the community, Touro Nevada has continually expanded its offerings, pioneering several important colleges and programs along the way.

Building on Success

Former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley served as CEO and Senior Provost of the University until 2023, when Dr. Andrew Priest took on the roles of the first Campus President and Provost. Founding Dean Mitchell Forman retired from Touro Nevada, after which Dr. John Dougherty led the College of Osteopathic Medicine until 2019, when Dr. Wolfgang Gilliar was appointed as Dean of the College. To further enrich the student experience and deliver the highest quality education, the campus underwent a significant renovation in 2024. This project expanded learning spaces, added collaborative study rooms, enhanced technology capabilities, and created state-of-the-art facilities that foster innovation and teamwork among students.

It has been an amazing twenty-year journey, and we look forward to many more years of growth.

Timeline

Medical students in white coats work on computers at stations down long hallway with exam rooms

2004

The College of Osteopathic Medicine opens, becoming the largest medical school in the state of Nevada, with 78 students in the first class.

A physician shows a patient sitting on an exam table how to use a resistance band

2005

The first classes for the School of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Nursing and School of Education begin in the new College of Health and Human Services.

A large group of people gather for the opening ceremony in front of the Center for Autism sign

2007

  • The Touro Health Clinic and the Center for Autism open.
  • Touro receives its first scholarships from the Clark County Medical Society.
Physical Therapy students practice with one another in a classroom

2009

The first classes of the School of Physical Therapy and the Medical Health Sciences Program begin.

Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce stand in front of the Autism Center sign

2014

  • The Touro Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is named in honor of Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce.
  • Touro Health Center opens to the public in new campus location.
Solar panels on the roof of the touro nevada building

2016

The first solar panel rooftop array is installed and Touro becomes the second-largest solar rooftop system in Clark County.

A Physical Therapy student uses a stethoscope on the chest of a simulation manikin

2017

The Michael Tang Regional Center for Clinical Simulation and the Stephen J. Cloobeck Regional Center for Disaster Life Support open.

holocaust survivors wearing caps and gown at commencement

2019

  • The first honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees are presented to 20 local Holocaust survivors during Spring Commencement.
  • Touro Nevada collaborates with The Shade Tree to renovate their clinic, providing improved care for women and children.
  • Engelstad Foundation endowment received for diversity initiatives.
A smart phone screen displays the ultrasound output of the Vave handheld device being held to a student torso

2020

  • The College of Osteopathic Medicine introduces Vave Health’s transformative handheld point-of-care ultrasounds for all medical students, becoming the first in the nation to offer this innovative learning technology.
  • Students and faculty provide free COVID-19 screenings to the local homeless population at the onset of the pandemic.
  • The College of Osteopathic Medicine uses a 3-D printer to create 20,000 COVID-19 test kits for the Southern Nevada Health District.
A student and faculty member in protective gear work in the research lab

2021

  • The first National Institutes of Health grant is received for cancer research.
  • Students and faculty begin administering COVID-19 vaccines across Southern Nevada.
A Touro Nevada researcher faculty member gives a presentation during Research Day

2023

  • Touro University Nevada Researcher finds new pathway for HIV invasion of cell nucleus, study is published in the journal of Nature Communications.
  • Michael Tang Regional Center for Clinical Simulation becomes the only accredited simulation center for medical school students in the state of Nevada.
A playroom containing children's gym equipment and toys

2024

The Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities receives accreditation from the International Board of Credentialling and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).