Name: Marion Smith Jr. Degree: Class of 2002 B.S. Secondary Education, English Literature Current Role: Assistant State Superintendent for the Office of Instructional Programs & Services at the Maryland State Department of Education  Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue your degree in education? I’m originally from Las Vegas. Throughout my childhood, I was always supported…

Name: Lani Hinkes Degrees: Class of 2015 B.S. Early Childhood Education, Class of 2019 M.Ed. Special Education Current Role: Elementary School Teacher at Clark County School District Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue your degree in education? I was born and raised in Las Vegas, so UNLV was always the plan for me. Plus, I wanted to graduate from a four-year school. Studying…

Like many high school students, Native Nevadan Jozee Dean wanted nothing more than to escape her hometown to experience college life elsewhere. But after countless recruitment visits to other cities, the budding soccer player realized there is truly no place like Las Vegas. Coupled with the convenience of being close to her family, Jozee ultimately chose to study at UNLV.  Now, as a proud…

Name: Tovah Gordon Degree: Class of 2023 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction Current Role: Field Coordinator and Research Analyst at the University of Nevada, Reno Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue your degree in higher education? While I did my undergrad in Washington, I always wanted to explore the education programs at UNLV. I moved back to Las Vegas due to COVID-19, a…

In honor of her dedication to the field of mental health counseling and her outstanding contributions to her community, Diana Pedraza Harrison, ‘20 B.A. Psychology, ‘22 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, was the clear choice for the Counselor Education Program’s inaugural Alum of the Year award. With multiple nominations from colleagues like Nicole Espinosa, Diana is an “exemplar of…

We are thrilled to announce Michelle Zochowski-Tullio as the recipient of the 2024 School Psychology Alum of the Year award. Michelle's outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, her unwavering dedication to education and the UNLV community make her an exemplary choice for this honor. Michelle is a Rebel through and through. She completed her double major B.A. in psychology and…

Name: Leonardo Macias Degree: Class of 2022 BS Human Services Current Role: Family Service Specialist - State of Nevada, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in Human Services? I’m a Las Vegas native and a first-generation college student. I attended college because I wanted to show my siblings that going and graduating was…

Name: Elizabeth León Zaragoza  Degrees: Class of 2019 MSK Kinesiology, Class of 2023 PhD Higher Education Current Role: Assistant Professor - Athletic Training, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue your degree in higher education? I came to Vegas to work as a GA in the athletic training program, drawn by my passion for interacting with…

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 Wonderful Washoe Rebel Jennifer Dahlen ‘00 (BA Elem Ed). Jennifer serves as Dean of Students at Nick Poulakias Elementary School in Reno, NV. Throughout her career, she has helped thousands of students and families, secured grants, and served at the state level.  We would also like to congratulate our Honorable Mention Kim Polson ‘96 (BS Elem Ed). She has…

The College of Education proudly announces the Wonderful Washoe Rebel, an alum recognition program. We want to recognize the outstanding College of Education alums who live and/or work in Washoe County. Educators, administrators, counselors, human service professionals, higher education staff, and anyone with a UNLV College of Education degree! Do you know a Rebel who has gone above and beyond…

Edrie Ward never wanted to be a teacher. It was the furthest thing from her mind when she was burnt out from her first career in hospital administration. She thought it was time to open the soul food restaurant she’d always dreamed of. Eager for a change of pace, she got her B.A. in Business Administration and MBA. And just when she thought she was done with the rigors of studying and paper…

The College of Education is thrilled to announce this year’s Summit on Nevada Education luncheon keynote speaker:  Glenna Gallo (‘97, BS Special Education), the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education. About the Summit The annual Summit on Nevada Education welcomes educators, administrators, policymakers, community…