Tony Terrell already has has a storied history on campus. His impressive titles that includes UNLV Athletics Hall of Famer, Rebel Pride Ambassador, 2015 Academic Advisor of the Year.
As a student-athlete (1998-2002), Terrell earned numerous honors playing as an offensive lineman for the UNLV Rebels.
He's a three-time UNLV graduate: ‘02 BA Social Science Studies, ‘07 M.Ed. Physical Education, ‘12 PhD Sports Education Leadership.
And now, Terrell can add the 2024 Senior Administrative Faculty of the Year Award to his ever-growing list of achievements.
The Southern California native has taught for over 15 years at UNLV as a faculty-in-residence and part-time instructor for 100-level, 300/400-level, First-Year Seminar, and Culminating Experience courses.
He’s mentored multiple generations of Rebels in various roles, most recently as the director of advising and recruitment for UNLV's Honors College. Beginning July 1, he'll serve as the new Faculty Athletics Representative, which plays a key role in fostering the relationship between academics and athletics, and serves as a liaison to 500-plus student athletes.
“Over my 20-plus-year UNLV tenure,” says Terrell, “I am extremely proud of my ability to successfully impact the academic pursuits and career trajectories of the students with whom I have engaged meaningfully and forged lifelong relationships as an academic advisor, administrator, assistant professor-in-residence, and UNLV Ambassador.”
Being able to share his institutional knowledge and be a source of inspiration for past and present students, he says, has made every hardship (and the long hours) worthwhile.
“I endeavor to encourage all UNLV students to ‘think graduation and beyond’ and to build a portfolio of skills and experiences that are advantageous for gaining entry into their dream advanced degree programs or professions,” says Terrell.
What does being a UNLV Rebel mean to you?
Being a Rebel is about embodying Dylan Thomas' powerful words about not “going gentle into that good night” and “raging against the dying of the light.”
Rebels are uncommon and underestimated individuals who challenge the status quo, keeping the mainstream on their toes. They dare to dream big and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. I am proud to be a Rebel, and I encourage fellow Rebels to embrace their Rebel spirit and make a difference in their own unique way.
What does being recognized as the Administrative Faculty of the Year mean to you?
Being chosen as the recipient of the UNLV Senior Administrative Faculty of the Year Award is a career-defining milestone I will cherish forever. The honor and humility I felt upon receiving this award is indescribable. To be recognized amongst the esteemed previous award recipients, whom I deeply respect, is a testament to the impact I have been able to make at UNLV.
What is something that people likely do not know about you?
In 2003, I met my wife while working at UNLV as a part-time staff member for the Department of Athletics and the Las Vegas Bowl Office (led by Tina Kunzer-Murphy). We now have a beautiful daughter and son, Tasi (11) and Tano (5), who bleed scarlet and gray. Also, I once said loudly in a town hall meeting, "I will retire from UNLV,” to passionately demonstrate my Rebel pride.
Most memorable part of your time here at UNLV?
The most memorable catalytic moments are, in this order:
- In 1998, I received a UNLV football scholarship from head coach Jeff Horton (plus winning the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl with Hall of Fame head coach John Robinson).
- In 2003, I was hired by Pamela Hicks as a UNLV Office of Undergraduate Recruitment Undergraduate Recruiter.
- In 2005, I met Monica Lounsbery, the UNLV Department of Sports Education Leadership Department Chair. She supported me wholeheartedly through the completion of my M.Ed. and Ph.D.
- The UNLV legend Vaune Kadlubek is my career and life mentor to this day. She has helped me grow in so many ways and gain a deep admiration for academic advising and teaching.
- In 2017, I serendipitously made a good impression on Marta Meana (dean of the UNLV Honors College from 2012 to 2018; acting president of UNLV from July 2018 to August 2020), who was one of four college/department deans at that time who believed in my leadership potential and worthiness to be promoted to a directorship position.
What is the best advice you have received that you would like to share?
Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill, 1937). The essence of life is to learn, grow, love, and maintain a definite purpose throughout one’s lifespan, engaging in the endless pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself. These philosophies, as well as [the phrase] “memento mori,” mean a lot to me as I endeavor to exhibit them in my personal and professional life.
Favorite hobbies when you are not busy at work?
My go-tos for stress relief and finding my happy place are any physical activity, Audible books, Marvel/DC universe movies, and 80s/reggae music.
What keeps you motivated?
My magnificent family and the opportunity to help shape my children’s legacy, which includes one or more degrees from UNLV as a non-negotiable and utilizing life design principles to guide them towards the life they want.
Favorite thing about living in Las Vegas?
I have benefited greatly from the rich diversity at UNLV and the rewarding experience of living in the 24/7 Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Las Vegas has become a destination city, and the upsurge in city pride among residents is surreal. We are living our best lives on and off the strip.
Future goals?
I will continue to give a “100% commitment” one hundred percent of the time in all endeavors and “control the controllables” (Harden, 2023). This has been my goal-setting and achievement modus operandi since I told my mother I wanted to be a Division I student-athlete scholarship recipient in high school and later prove that I am more than an athlete to UNLV administrators, colleagues, and the world.
What inspired you to get into your field?
UNLV is my home and an ever-evolving amusement park that continues to keep me entertained. When I learned that I could generate a salary and benefits from sharing my Rebel experience widely, helping students realize their potential, and encouraging Rebels in training to become Rebels forever, I was sold. I am quite proud of the equity I have accrued thus far.
Biggest misconception about your job?
A common misconception about my position is that I have the summer period off, and my work begins/ends Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I am sure all 12-month A-contract UNLV employees have the same sentiments and are well-versed in explaining these realities to those they serve, their families, and their friends.
The Administrative Faculty of the Year Awards program is managed by the UNLV Administrative Faculty Committee.
