LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Three former UNLV professors — including one who died in the fatal on-campus shooting on Dec. 6, 2023 — participated in a program known as the Ph.D Project, which appears to have gotten the attention of the U.S. government and landed the university in the middle of a federal investigation, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.
Friday, the Education Department announced it is investigating more than 50 colleges — including UNLV — over what it called “racial preferences” in academics or scholarships, a move that comes amid the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The department said 45 schools are under investigation for partnering with the Ph.D Project, which it says is “an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants.”
UNLV, in a statement, acknowledged its professors’ involvement in the Ph.D project.
“UNLV is aware of the federal investigation,” the statement said. “Three former UNLV professors were participants in the mentoring program known as the PHD Project.
“Two of them are no longer with UNLV. The third person was Patricia Navarro Velez, a beloved professor who was tragically killed on our campus by a gunman on Dec. 6, 2023.”
Word of the investigation comes just days after UNLV’s president, Keith Whitfield, abruptly resigned, citing a need to focus on his family.
“These commitments will require more of my time and energy and prevent me from being your president,” he said in his statement to the university community on March 3.
The next day, 8 News Now reported that the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents showed, in recent meetings, a growing frustration with Whitfield.
NSHE, in a statement Friday, also responded to news of the federal investigation into UNLV and other colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, large state schools and smaller colleges.
“We are working to understand the scope of the investigation and how to best support our institution in addressing any concerns,” the statement said. “NSHE remains committed to fostering vibrant campus communities that support the success of our students, faculty, and researchers. We will continue to support our institutions in navigating federal requirements while advancing their missions in service to Nevada.”
Patricia Navarro Velez, one of the professors cited in UNLV’s statement about the federal investigation, died in the December 2023 shooting on UNLV’s campus in which three faculty members died.
Known as “Pat,” Navarro Velez was a beloved member of the UNLV accounting and Lee Business School community and family, Dr. Jason Smith, Department of Accounting chair and professor at Lee Business School said.
“She had a larger-than-life personality and an infectious smile, and a genuine kindness that made everyone around her feel like family,” Dr. Smith said.
Effective March 4, UNLV Executive Vice President and Provost Christopher L. Heavey, Ph.D., will take the role of Officer in Charge, according to a post on the UNLV website.
