Nakia Jackson-Hale is a graduate of Penn State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Health Education. Nakia spent two years following graduation working for one of the largest cheerleading companies in the country, the National Cheerleaders Association. She was responsible for planning large scale events both nationally and internationally, summer camp planning and operations and administration.

 

Upon moving to Las Vegas in 1999, Nakia completed a short 2-year stint in the gaming industry prior to joining UNLV in 2001. She was the UNLV Head Cheer Coach from 2001-2014 and the Director of Programs at the UNLV International Gaming Institute from 2001-2015. Nakia joined the law school in 2015 and was the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events.

 

She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2017 and Masters in Emergency and Crisis Management in 2021. In 2021, Nakia moved to the School of Nursing as the Assistant Dean of Administration, Outreach, and Engagement.  She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in public policy.

 

While on campus, Nakia works on diversity initiatives through the Anti-Black Racism Task Force (2020), the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Additionally, she is trained as a Real Colors facilitator.  In 2024, she was appointed to the Intercollegiate Athletic Council.

 

Nakia is engaged in off campus initiatives as well and was a member the National Football Foundation Staging Committee and the Blue Ribbon Committee on DEI for the Nevada State Bar. Currently, she is a member of the Las Vegas Bowl Huddle, Jack and Jill of America and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.