Its Preparatory Department opened for enrollment in October 1874 with the goal of enhancing Nevada's young people to be ready for college-level study.

The Elko campus closed on July 15, 1885, when it was determined that Reno would provide a larger population for higher education students.

The Board of Regents selected Hannah Keziah Clapp of Carson City to be his assistant and a faculty member of the university.

President Brown established the departments of mining and metallurgy, natural science and the Nevada State Normal School.

Lieutenant Arthur C. Ducat was also employed as Professor of Modern Languages, later providing drawing instruction and calisthenics training for female students the first physical education curriculum at the university.