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Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education News

We provide instruction in and the delivery of innovative research to inform the educational process from early childhood through higher education via our master’s and doctoral degree programs as well as graduate certificates, including the Intercollegiate and Professional Sport Management program.

Current Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education News

Valarie Burke sits in regalia during ceremony
People |

Master problem solver and triple alumna Valarie Burke of the Graduate College helps make it happen at graduation.

Kevin McVay in a tree
People |

The assistant director of the Sciences Advising Center wants everyone to know: There's so much more to being an advisor than telling students what classes to take.

LeAnne Salazar Montoya at graduation ceremony
People |

The Radiance Project, led by LeAnne Salazar-Montoya, expands pathways to leadership for Latinx educators. It also earned her the 2025 Service-Learning Faculty Award.

Spring flowers
Campus News |

The students and faculty of UNLV are springing into headlines around the country.

spring day on UNLV campus
People |

The associate vice provost of academic effectiveness plays a key role in the accreditation process. 

Stacy Shapin stands in an art gallery
People |

The College of Fine Arts advising director on the high value of arts degrees, quiet spaces, and being a late bloomer.

Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education In The News

Covers

Nevada’s top betting operators have another sporting event to look forward to. WrestleMania 41 is expected to bring in $215 million for the Las Vegas economy, as it draws attention to Las Vegas' growing status as a world-class international sports and entertainment capital.

KSNV-TV: News 3

WrestleMania 41 is set to make a significant economic impact on Las Vegas, although it may not reach the heights of the Las Vegas Grand Prix or the Super Bowl.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

A new parent-led nonprofit aims to provide reliable transportation for school kids, especially those who are not eligible or do not want to ride the school bus.

KSNV-TV: News 3

The NAACP chapter in Las Vegas is voicing strong opposition to President Trump's recent executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The chapter is urging that education equity remains a national priority, emphasizing the importance of maintaining progress in educational opportunities for all students.

PBS

Five years ago, Covid-19 drastically changed lives all over the world. The pandemic also presented unique challenges for Las Vegas. We discuss how Nevadans continue to be impacted in a special collaboration with KNPR’s State of Nevada. We then meet Libby Hausrath, a UNLV professor and lead researcher on a Mars project. She explains what samples being collected now may tell us about the Red Planet.

PBS

Five years ago, Covid-19 drastically changed lives all over the world. The pandemic also presented unique challenges for Las Vegas. We discuss how Nevadans continue to be impacted in a special collaboration with KNPR’s State of Nevada. We then meet Libby Hausrath, a UNLV professor and lead researcher on a Mars project. She explains what samples being collected now may tell us about the Red Planet.

Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education Experts

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An expert on teacher retention, school funding, and crises that disrupt schooling.
An expert on fostering educational pathways for underrepresented students.
An expert on K-12 accountability, higher education policy, and educational statistics.
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Recent Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education Accomplishments

Holmes Scholars Mayra Marquez-Mendez, Ph.D., and Anel Rojas (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) presented their work titled, "Unveiling the Labyrinth: Lived Experiences and Mentorship Needs of Latina Doctoral Students" at the 2025 Annual American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference. Their research…
Holmes Scholar Mayra Marquez-Mendez, Ph.D., (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) and Tina Vo, Ph.D., (Teaching and Learning) presented their work titled, “Understanding Science Teachers’ Support Needs: Assessing the Reliability of a Support-Seeking Instrument,” at the 2025 Annual American Educational Research…
Kenyon Lee Whitman (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) co-authored a paper in AERA Open titled "Secondary and Postsecondary Education Outcomes of Students with Experience in Foster Care: Systematic Review of the Literature From 2000–2023." This study provides a definitive publication that reports secondary and postsecondary…
Jacob D. Skousen (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) has been selected to serve as the Editor for the State of the States Special Issue of the Journal of Education Human Resources. This special issue highlights current trends, policy developments, and research related to education finance across the United States.
Jacob D. Skousen (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) has been elected to serve on the executive board for the National Education Finance Academy (NEFA). NEFA Board Members provide leadership and strategic guidance for the organization in advancing research, policy, and practice in education finance. Skousen was elected and…
Jacob D. Skousen (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) has been awarded the 2025 NEFA Distinguished Research & Practice Fellow Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education finance. Honorees are selected for their outstanding research and practical impact on…