Marlena Gatlin is the newest addition to the Office of Graduate Student Services team, serving as the graduate recruitment and marketing coordinator at the Lee Business School. Marlena's journey through academia and her impactful role at UNLV will serve Lee Business School well.
Marlena's educational journey is a testament to her dedication to learning. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in couples and family therapy. Her passion for knowledge led her to pursue a master's in Urban Leadership, which she completed in 2022. Currently, Marlena is on a unique path, pursuing an MBA and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction simultaneously, with plans to complete her MBA in December 2023.
As Marlena prepares to graduate, she is eager to put her knowledge to work in her chosen field. She looks forward to sharing her experiences from the MBA program to recruit future students and serve as a campus ambassador. In the long term, her Ph.D. research will focus on workforce retention in higher education, aiming to improve retention rates for both administrative and academic faculty.
Beyond her academic achievements, Marlena has thrived professionally at UNLV. She has worn many hats, from administrative assistant III to interim retention, progression and completion coordinator, event and program manager, and her current role as the graduate recruitment and marketing coordinator. Marlena's dedication to the university and commitment to helping prospective students find their academic and career paths are remarkable. Marlena's motivation to join Lee Business School in her new role stems from her deep passion for higher education. She sees this role as an opportunity to connect aspiring students with what the LEE graduate programs offer. Her alignment with UNLV's commitment to innovation and diversity in education makes her an ideal contributor to the university's mission.
Outside of her academic and professional life, Marlena enjoys the thrill of off-roading with her Jeep and spending quality time with her beloved pets, which include three dogs and two bunnies.
Marlena considers her most valuable investment to be the time and energy she dedicates to building meaningful relationships within the MBA program. These connections have opened doors, provided mentorship, and enriched her overall experience.
Her favorite class from the MBA program is MBA 775: Data Modeling and Analysis, taught by Dr. Skip Crooker. Marlena appreciates his teaching style and the interactive nature of the class. To her, a successful MBA experience is not just about academic knowledge, but also personal growth, leadership development, and expanding one's network.
Marlena's advice to current graduate students is: embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, prioritize networking, and enjoy the journey. She wishes all students the best in their graduate school journey and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, dedication, and a passion for higher education. We thank her for her contributions to UNLV and look forward to her making a significant difference in the lives of our prospective graduate students.