Laura K. Gryder, M.A.

Campus Accreditation Coordinator for Academic Effectiveness, Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Years at UNLV: Working: Since 2007, or 16 years, As a student: started in 2003 – so 20 years now!
 

• Tell us about your experience at UNLV?
  • I’ve been a part of the campus community since 2003, when I started at UNLV as a freshman. My first campus-job I believe was for the Summer Advanced Gifted Education (SAGE) program (no longer offered) where I worked as a TA for a couple of summers, thanks to one of my wonderful former German professors. Since then, I’ve held numerous positions on campus during my student and professional career. I gave one of my children a campus tour during the most recent Take Your Child to Work Day and I found myself telling her, “I used to work in that building” or “I had an office there” probably ten times, if that says anything. In addition to summer camps, I worked front desk at the Graduate Commons in the library and Houssel’s house, and gave new student orientation presentations at the Student Union over summer. I’ve been a Graduate Assistant for Campus Activities, the Department of Anthropology, and Academic Affairs. I became administrative faculty in 2017 as a Senior Grants Specialist at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, and I most recently changed roles to Campus Accreditation Coordinator in the Provost’s Office.
  • My academic career dovetailed nicely into my professional career. I am so lucky to have the opportunities UNLV afforded me over the past 20(!) years. Being a UNLV student, alumnus, and faculty member is a huge part of my identity, of which I am very proud.
• What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?
  • That I’m contributing to the creation of a better community. The state of the world can often be disheartening, but we help to train and produce critical thinkers and conscientious members of our society. The community we are helping create gives me hope for the future.
• What trait do you most like about yourself?
  • I can be acerbic, but underlying that is a morality that one should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason. I believe that everyone should have an equal shake at life, no matter their originating circumstances. I get very upset when I observe inequities of any sort. I strive personally to ensure appropriate credit is given for academic or professional products. You worked hard on something we collaborated on? You can be sure I’ll be singing your praises and hyping you up. Outside of that, I’ve been told I’m a pretty good writer, of which I’m quite proud.
• If you could learn to master one thing, what would it be?
  • I would love to learn to read music and join a choir or learn to play a musical instrument. It’s actually on my ‘long term goals’ list. I love harmonized singing, it’s one of my favorite things to try to do when I’m driving alone in my car.
• Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
  • I just finished my first year in UNLV’s Doctorate of Public Policy program; my policy area is improving transportation in Southern Nevada. It’s really difficult balancing work, school, and family, but I have survived so far!
• What inspires or empowers you?
  • My friends and family. I have so many wonderful people in my life who do great things for others, their community, and the world more broadly. I can’t believe I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such inspirational people.
• Tell us about a woman who has been a mentor to you.
  • There are so many wonderful women in my life that I have turned to over the years that I feel terrible only picking one. That being said, my friend Dr. Sharon Young has always been there for me. We completed our anthropology graduate degrees together on a joint project (her doctorate, my masters) on the practice of human maternal placentophagy (women who ingest placentas postpartum for purported health benefits). I have learned so much from her, both academically and professionally. She’s still one of the first people I talk to when I have a big life decision to make. I’ve met very few people as selfless, caring, and capable as her; everyone should be lucky enough to have a Sharon in their life.
• Any advice for women starting careers on campus?
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help; there are so many wonderful and extremely knowledgeable people at UNLV and they want to see you succeed. Don’t let imposter syndrome fool you into devaluing or belittling yourself; your confidence will grow with time and further experience. Put in the work, do a good job, but also value and protect your personal time.
  • I also have a favorite quote on the wall of my office (that I have intentions of cross-stitching and framing one day): “Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action” – Walter Anderson