NFA members celebrate the historic vote to establish collective bargaining rights for faculty at Nevada State University in Henderson.

Faculty at Nevada State University are celebrating today after winning the right to collectively bargain for a safe workplace, for faculty voice in decision-making through shared governance, and to address low and stagnant wages. The American Arbitration Association certified that an overwhelming majority of the roughly 120 faculty voted "yes" in the in-person election that took place April 1-2, by a vote of 104 to 8.

Nevada State University faculty have formed the fourth collective bargaining chapter of the Nevada Faculty Alliance, joining hundreds of colleagues who are members of the AFT and American Association of University Professors across the state, and more than 1.8 million members of the AFT across the United States. The AFT is the largest higher education union in the country. The AAUP represents faculty and other higher education professionals and has defended and advanced higher education since 1915.

Corey Fernandez, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling, said, "This win is the result of countless conversations, collective courage and a faculty who care deeply about one another, our students and the mission of Nevada State University. We are so proud to have reached this point—and even more excited to begin the next chapter: negotiating a contract that protects what we love about NSU and ensures it remains a place where we can all thrive."

Despite challenging union election regulations imposed on public higher education workers in Nevada, faculty organizers persevered, winning an overwhelming majority of faculty support for their union. Having won their election, faculty members will now turn their attention to negotiating a strong first contract.

"This work could not have been done without the countless hours of organizing, research and outreach executed by faculty on our Collective Bargaining Organizing Committee. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with and leading some of the most incredible people at Nevada State over the past year and half, and it is so fulfilling to see all of that work come together," said Andrew Lavengood, lecturer of Mathematics in the Department of Data, Media and Design. "We look forward to negotiating with NSU administration directly for a fair, collaborative contract that protects faculty needs."

"Faculty understand that now more than ever we need to be united to advocate for ourselves, our students and our professions. The small college culture of collegiality that was the hallmark of this effort is the culture faculty were trying to preserve by voting for our union," said Pete Martini, president of NSU-NFA.

AAUP President Todd Wolfson said: "In joining together in a union, the faculty are laying the foundation to improve faculty working conditions and student learning conditions at Nevada State University. They are also part of the nationwide union movement at a time when our work to defend workers and higher education has never been more important. We welcome them!"

AFT President Randi Weingarten said: "Today's vote shows that the Nevada State University faculty want a real voice at work. Their perseverance is a testament to their commitment to the university and to fighting for the funding and resources they and their students need. While President Trump and Elon Musk attempt to ban federal employees' collective bargaining rights, gut federal services and attack the whole idea of the college promise, we stand with Nevada State University faculty in their fight for the right to collectively bargain for a safe workplace, a voice in decision-making and the compensation they deserve."

The Nevada Faculty Alliance at Nevada State University is affiliated with the Nevada Faculty Alliance, the American Association of University Professors and the AFT.