Nevada State College Black & Gold Annual 2019-20

black gold [+]

[2019–2020]

[inside]

SEASON OF GROWTH Glenn & Ande Christenson Education Building Highlights Momentous Time at Nevada State

A NEVADA STATE COLLEGE PUBLICATION

Nevada State AT A GLANCE

5,577 23

14%

TOTAL STUDENT BODY

GROWTH FROM PREVIOUS YEAR

42

%

MEDIAN CLASS SIZE

72%

FACULTY & STAFF OF COLOR

$

OF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans)

24 MILLION

IN FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED BY NEVADA STATE TO STUDENTS IN 2019

MASTER’S DEGREE Speech-Language Pathology

MAJORS Allied Health Sciences* Biology

Concentration options in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, or physiology

Business Administration Communication Criminal Justice Deaf Studies Elementary Education

Concentration option in special education

Engineering Technology*

Concentration options in computer technology, electronics, or telecommunications

English Environmental and Resource Science History

Concentration option in pre-law

School of Education

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

School of Nursing

67

211

194

TOTAL 2019 GRADUATES

TOTAL 2019 GRADUATES

TOTAL 2019 GRADUATES

Interdisciplinary Studies Law Enforcement Management Mathematics

Concentration option in mathematics education

Nursing Psychology Secondary Education

61%

GENDER

PART-TIME STUDENTS

AGE

58%

Concentration options in animation or digital cinema

57%

76%

MINORS Over 24

MALE

24%

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS

Speech Pathology Visual Media

17-24

FEMALE

Concentration options in biology, English, history, mathematics, or physical sciences

43%

Art

Gender and Sexuality

Biology

History

Business

Interdisciplinary Data Science

Chemistry Communication

American Indian or Alaska Native

0.4%

Asian

11%

Black or African-American

36%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

1.6%

Race and Ethnicity Unknown

14%

White Data is from the fall 2019 student population.

Emphasis in Addiction Treatment and Prevention

Criminal Justice

8%

Hispanic of Any Race

Two or More Races

Counseling

5% 27%

RACE & ETHNICITY

Deaf Studies Education/Instruction Educational Technology

Interpreting Law Enforcement Leadership Mathematics Pre-Law Professional Writing Promotion Psychology

English

Social Justice

Environmental and Resource Science

Visual Media

Sociology

*Available only to CSN students.

Thank you for reading the Black & Gold Annual.

Your feedback and story ideas are welcome!

Please submit entries to:

BLACK & GOLD ANNUAL EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor Nick Claus Nevada State College Marketing & Communications Manager nick.claus@nsc.edu Editors Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, M.A. All Write Business Communications ouchida@cox.net LaNelda Rolley, M.A. Nevada State College Director of Marketing & Events lanelda.rolley@nsc.edu Designer Laura Malmgren, M.A. Smudge Pot Creative smudgepot.creative@gmail.com Photographers Jacob Kepler Nevada State College jacob.kepler@nsc.edu Staff Photographers

NEVADA STATE COLLEGE LEADERSHIP Bart Patterson President

Amber Lopez Lasater Chief of Staff

Vickie Shields, Ph.D. Provost & Executive Vice President

Gwen Sharp, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives

Kevin Butler Senior Vice President, Finance & Business Operations

Gregory Robinson, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Student Success

Edith Fernández, Ph.D. Vice President, College & Community Engagement Erin Keller, CFRE Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Dennis Potthoff, Ph.D. Dean, School of Education Dorothy Campbell, Ph.D. Interim Dean, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Tony Scinta, Ph.D. Executive Vice Provost

June Eastridge, Ed.D., MSN, RN, CNE, COI Interim Dean, School of Nursing

Berna Rhodes-Ford General Counsel

Stefanie Coleman, Ed.D. Dean of Students

For information on donating to the college, or to learn about the alumni association and share updates, please contact:

Many thanks to all who contributed to the 2019–2020 Black & Gold Annual.

Erin Keller, CFRE Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement Erin.Keller@nsc.edu | (702) 992-2356 GIVE ONLINE at nsc.edu/giving

BLACK & GOLD ANNUAL

NEVADA STATE COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT

A Nevada State College Publication nsc.edu facebook.com/nevadastatecollege twitter.com/nevadastate instagram.com/nevadastatecollege 1300 Nevada State Drive Henderson, NV 89002 (702) 992-2000

At Nevada State College, excellence fosters opportunity.

Excellence in teaching leads to innovative, technologyrich learning opportunities that promote the acquisition of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. Quality, affordable four-year degree programs open the door to career success and enhanced quality of life for a diverse population of students. Our graduates, in turn, foster the greatest opportunity—the promise of a stronger community and a better future for all of Nevada.

Letter from the PRESIDENT It’s an incredible time to be a Scorpion, and the campus is buzzing with activity! I’m so proud to watch the college thrive and am reminded constantly that it is our unique campus culture that sets us apart. Our model of small class sizes and personal attention in a family atmosphere works. For so many of our students who are the first in their families to go to college, this is vitally important.

BART PATTERSON

From graduating our largest class of Scorpions in May 2019 to starting our inaugural cohort of master’s in speech language pathology students this fall—we continue to blaze trails. This last year was a historic one for the college. Our big day at the Nevada Legislature came! With the funding of the new Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building and a shared Health and Science Building on the College of Southern Nevada’s Henderson campus, it is clear that the Governor and state legislature recognized the college’s vital contribution to our community’s workforce needs. That is more than 90,000 square feet of critically needed space for the college. It is exciting to watch our physical footprint expand and try to keep up with our persistent Scorpion spirit.

Nevada State is so fortunate to have such strong community advocates and supporters.

We have the Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building, as well as the Bob and Alison Kasner Academic Building and the Bob and Sandy Ellis Liberal Arts and Sciences Building (pending approval from NSHE Board of Regents). It is with the utmost gratitude that I thank these families for their transformational financial gifts, which are amongst the largest in the college’s history. I especially love that they are all longtime Henderson families heavily invested in the success of the college. And to everyone who has donated to the college—at all levels—thank you! Your gift enables us to truly change family trees.

Construction on a 342-bed student housing project, which should be ready at the start of fall 2020, has also commenced. This is a game changer for the college in attracting students from across the state and region and in helping improve retention and graduation rates of students.

What a pleasure it is to serve as Nevada State’s president and be part of such an inspiring and dynamic Scorpion family. I’m so humbled by the support we have been given this year to continue to serve our mission and our remarkable students. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this special edition of Black & Gold showcasing our campus’s tremendous growth and wonderful stories of our accomplished students and faculty.

BE BOLD. BE GREAT. BE STATE.

Bart Patterson President

What’s INSIDE 8 10

BOB AND ALISON KASNER ACADEMIC BUILDING

Building named to recognize family’s generous support for future educators

8

GLENN AND ANDE CHRISTENSON BUILDING FULFILLMENT OF GOAL

New School of Education building will be ready fall 2021

15

DAWSON BUILDING

Encompassing the past, present, and future for Nevada State College

16

YOU’VE NEVER LIVED LIKE THIS!

18

DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE

20

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF AT NEVADA STATE COLLEGE

10

16

Walk-to-class convenience coming to Nevada State with first on-campus housing

Nevada State College Strategic Plan: 2020—2025

New speech pathology master’s degree built especially for Nevada

25

I’M FIRST-GEN

28

NEVADA STATE FAMILY

34

ALL WILL HAIL BLACK & GOLD

20

First-generation students given opportunity to connect with first-generation faculty and staff

One mother’s story of achieving her dream no matter the obstacles

Community contest brings Nevada State its first official fight song

28

34

President’s Advisory Council 2019-2020 Francisco Aguilar Agassi Foundation Selma Bartlett Civic & Community Leader Hannah Brown Urban Chamber David Chavez Assured Strategies Dolores CampuzanoPignatello The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Ken Evans Urban Chamber of Commerce Peter Guzman Latin Chamber of Commerce Michelle Konstantarakis Investment Counsel Company Marydean Martin Civic & Community Leader Library Founder Jerrie Merritt Bank of Nevada Ashok Mirchandani M Business Consultants

Felicia Ortiz Nevada State Board of Education Solutions Consulting LLC Sandra Roche National Association of Women Business Owners Don Soderberg Nevada Department of Employment Dan Stewart Henderson City Council Gardner Company Valley Construction Company Dr. Reeta Thukral Global Charity Foundation Tony Timmons Wells Fargo Victoria VanMeetren Roseman University Chris Vito MHA, Nevada Adult Day Health Centers Dr. Linda Young Clark County School District Board of Trustees Ivette Fernandez Endeavor/UFC

Scott Muelrath Henderson Chamber 6 black [ +] gold ANNUAL of | Commerce

Board of REGENTS MEMBERS Jason Geddes Chairman Reno Mark W. Doubrava Vice Chairman Las Vegas Patrick R. Carter Las Vegas Amy J. Carvalho Boulder City Carol Del Carlo Incline Trevor Hayes Las Vegas Sam Lieberman Las Vegas Cathy McAdoo Elko Donald Sylvantee McMichael Sr. Las Vegas John T. Moran Las Vegas Kevin J. Page Las Vegas Laura E. Perkins Las Vegas Rick Trachok Reno Dean J. Gould Chief of Staff and Special Counsel to the Board

OFFICERS Thom Reilly Chancellor Nevada System of Higher Education Marta Meana President University of Nevada Las Vegas Marc Johnson President University of Nevada Reno Kumud Acharya President Desert Research Institute Bart Patterson President Nevada State College Federico Zaragoza President College of Southern Nevada Joyce M. Helens President Great Basin College Karin Hilgersom President Truckee Meadows Community College Vincent R. Solis President Western Nevada College

Nevada State College FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Marilyn Jentzen Chair Principal Innovative Impact Consulting and Education Advocate Las Vegas, NV Daniel Gerety, CPA Vice Chair Founder & Managing Partner Gerety & Associates, Certified Public Accountants Las Vegas, NV Sonnya DeBonis Secretary Civic and Community Leader Las Vegas, NV Charles Rinehart Treasurer Retired Bank Executive Civic and Community Leader Las Vegas, Nevada Dan Stewart Past Chair Henderson City Councilman Vice President of Development Gardner Company President/Owner Valley Construction Co. Henderson, NV James Gibson At Large Clark County Commissioner, NV Civic and Community Leader Henderson, NV Bart Patterson Ex Officio President Nevada State College Henderson, NV

MEMBERS Alfredo Alonso Principal Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, LLP Reno, NV

Layne Rushforth, JD Trust and Estate Attorney The Rushforth Firm, LTD Las Vegas, NV

Dane Carter Senior Vice President, Building Division Sletten Construction of Nevada, Inc. Las Vegas, NV

Tony Sanchez, III Senior Vice President, Government & Community Strategy NV Energy Las Vegas, NV

Randy Colquitt, M.D. Associate Medical Director OptumCare – Southwest Medical Associates Las Vegas, NV

Omar Saucedo Director, External Affairs AT&T Las Vegas, NV

John Gibson Retired Business Executive Civic and Community Leader Las Vegas, NV Walter Hashimoto Vice President, Senior Loan Office Bank of Nevada Henderson, NV Elaine Hodgson President & CEO Incredible Technologies, Inc. Las Vegas, NV Nicole Jones Managing Director Charles Schwab Bank Henderson, NV Richard Perkins President The Perkins Company Henderson, NV

Dan Shaw President ShawJones Partners, LLC and Integra Financial Services Henderson, NV Brian Simmons Senior Vice President and Trust Officer, Premier Trust Las Vegas, NV Jeff Wiley District Manager, South Las Vegas District Southern Nevada Wells Fargo & Company Henderson, NV LIAISON Erin Keller, CFRE Associate Vice President Institutional Advancement, Nevada State College Henderson, NV For more information on the Nevada State College Foundation, please visit nsc.edu/community/nsc-foundation.

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Bob and Alison Kasner address the attendees of their building naming ceremony.

BOB AND ALISON KASNER ACADEMIC BUILDING Building named to recognize family’s generous support for future educators For Bob and Alison Kasner, the decision to support Nevada State College’s “Teachers Now” campaign was not a difficult one. These two outstanding individuals are longtime Henderson residents who know just how valuable an education can be. Through their generosity, the Southern Nevada community has been strengthened in a number of important ways, and this gift furthers their belief in giving back to the area where they have been successful.

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The couple’s generous $2.5 million gift was publicly acknowledged with a naming ceremony on campus December 4, 2019. In addition to the actual unveiling of the new moniker on the Bob and Alison Kasner Academic Building, their contribution was recognized with comments from dignitaries, including Nevada State College President Bart Patterson, State of Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents

the Clark County School District (CCSD) allowed her the opportunity to educate and empower students, families, and colleagues by serving as a classroom teacher, special educational transition counselor, district-wide transition administrator, and ultimately principal of Helen J. Stewart Special Education School.

Chair Jason Geddes, Nevada State College Foundation Board Chair Marilyn Jentzen, Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson, and School of Education Dean Dennis Potthoff.

After enjoying remarks from this group of notable Nevadans, Alison thanked the city of Henderson for its support and Governor Sisolak for his commitment and support by prioritizing education. “Thank you for your commitment— not only to the greater state of Nevada, but to Southern Nevada.” Alison also recognized Glenn and Ande Christenson for their generous gift to the “Teachers Now” campaign and the future education building.

She shared that she and Bob originally formed the Kasner Family Foundation in 2012, noting that they support local organizations, programs, and services that focus on the education, health, and quality of life for individuals in this community. “We just have such a passion for this community and for teachers. We know that we need quality teachers in our classrooms now and that our students deserve it.”

Alison was aware of the challenges of teachers; she’s a graduate of UNLV with multiple degrees in the education field. Her 26-year career with

She jokingly said that it wasn’t her salary as a teacher that allowed them to make this contribution but rather Bob’s business that he grew from a grassroots organization to a very successful money management firm.

She shared something a friend recently told her: “People can make money, but they don’t always share it,” says Alison. “One thing that is really wonderful about my husband is that he is very generous, gracious, and humble and really sets the lead for us for sharing and for our philanthropy.”

Bob worked as the finance director for the city of Henderson and as the director of accounting for CCSD before founding Paragon Asset Management Company in 1996. He eventually sold the company to Mellon Bank in 2004 and continued to work for the bank until his retirement in 2011.

The NSHE Board of Regents approved the renaming of the Nursing, Science and Education Building on campus to the Bob and Alison Kasner Academic Building following Governor Sisolak’s approval of Assembly Bill 541. The bill provides $55.9 million for the construction of a new 65,000-square-foot education building, which will be named the Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building. n The new Bob & Alison Kasner Academic Building signage was unveiled Dec. 4, 2019.

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GLENN AND ANDE CHRISTENSON BUILDING FULFILLMENT OF GOAL New School of Education building will be ready fall 2021

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There’s truth in the saying that there’s “never a dull moment,” and that rings extremely sincere at Nevada State College. When Governor Sisolak signed Assembly Bill 541 into law in June 2019, it was the culmination of much hard work by all involved—within Nevada State College and the surrounding community. This bill provides $55.9 million for the construction of the future Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building. This would not have become a reality without the generous contributions of both the Christensons and Alison and Bob Kasner.

These two families donated major gifts to the College’s “Teachers Now” campaign. Glenn and Ande Christenson donated $5 million, and Bob and Alison Kasner donated $2.5 million.

These landmark contributions to the institution provided the core funds for the nearly $6 million match required for legislative approval of a new education building, as well as new education programs and scholarships at Nevada State.

The Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building will change the face of education in Southern Nevada by helping prepare more teachers to serve in Nevada K–12 schools. The 65,000-square-foot building will include classrooms, offices, and study space, as well as a Speech Pathology Lab and an Early Childhood Education Center—both of which will provide Nevada State students with immersive learning opportunities and provide needed services to the community. The building is scheduled to break ground in January 2020 and will be ready for classes starting in fall 2021. In December, the former Nursing, Science and Education Building was renamed the Bob and Alison Kasner Academic Building to commemorate the Kasner’s gift to the college.

The entire Nevada State College community is extremely grateful to the Christensons and the Kasners. Both longtime Henderson families have played major roles in the creation of the college and in generously donating their time and expertise to support it on various boards and councils. They have been resolute throughout their careers about the importance of quality teachers and education. According to Nevada State College President Bart Patterson, “We would not have been able to make the tremendous strides we have without the unwavering support from both of these families, and we are proud to have their names forever cemented as part of our campus.”

About Teachers Now Recognizing the need to prepare more educators to serve Southern Nevada, Nevada State College launched the fully donor-driven “Teachers Now” campaign in 2017. With three components—construction of a school of education building, creation of new academic programs in high-need teaching areas, and a robust scholarship program to provide financial support for individuals who choose to pursue a career in K–12 education—the campaign’s progress was bolstered by a series of landmark gifts, including a $500,000 pledge by the city of Henderson. With the building funding approved, the campaign is now in its second stage, which is focused on raising funds for education programs and scholarships. The campaign has thus far reached approximately $9 million of its $12 million goal.

For more information or to support the “Teachers Now” campaign, visit nsc.edu/giving.

The Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building will welcome students fall 2021.

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Glenn and Ande Christenson with Nevada State College scholarship recipients.

Christensons Feel Unique Connection to Nevada State Glenn and Ande Christenson are longtime Las Vegans with a passion to provide the opportunity for every student in the community to receive a quality education. Ande, a former second-grade teacher in the Clark County School District (CCSD), currently serves on the Advisory Board of Teach for America and the Development Board for the Inclusive Initiative at Nevada State. Glenn has spent his entire business career in Las Vegas and for the last seven years has focused on how to enhance the K–12 education delivery system by using successful business practices with a goal to meaningfully improve student outcomes. He has chaired the Las Vegas Education Council, a group formed by the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance to bring education and business leaders together to begin a dialogue about improving student outcomes for K–12 education. He has served as chairman of the Governor’s Spending and Government Efficiency Commission on K–12 education, chairman of the Community Implementation Council for AB469, and chairman of CCSD’s Budget Task Force, and he served on the CCSD Superintendent’s Executive Advisory Committee.

You’ve both been involved with Nevada State College for more than 20 years, but how did that relationship first begin? And, even more important, why did you decide to continue your commitment to Nevada State and its future?

Glenn: In 1998, there were several leaders in Henderson who recognized the shortage of teachers and nurses in our community and wanted to create a state college that focused on addressing those major issues. Jim Gibson, who was mayor of Henderson at the time, and Brian Greenspun, our partner at Green Valley Ranch, approached Station Casinos to help. They met with our CEO, Frank Fertitta III, and me in my capacity as CFO. They asked us for $250K for the lobbying campaign for a new state college in Henderson. It would have been hard to turn them down, as Brian was our partner and Station was the largest investor in Henderson at the time.

They also asked for someone to be a member of the foundation board, and Frank volunteered me.

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Ande: Glenn shared with me his impression of the outstanding leadership and vision at Nevada State. At the time, I was home-schooling our son Tim through high school, and I thought the small class size and innovative approach to education would be a perfect fit for his transition to higher ed. The more I interacted with the school, the more I wanted to support Nevada State.

What kinds of changes have you seen over the years that made you want to become even more involved?

Why do you feel this college, and particularly the School of Education, is so needed in Southern Nevada?

And, since it has been in existence, how do you see that it’s changed the educational landscape here?

Ande: It has been fun watching the growth of Nevada State into more of a traditional pathway to higher ed and a viable third option for students wanting to take advantage of higher education. I also appreciate how Nevada State has built a reputation for rigorous programs and graduate-level experiences for undergrad students while continuing a commitment to a family environment. Every professor knows every student’s name.

Glenn: Watching the evolution of Nevada State has been inspiring. Nevada State is “the little engine that could.” The school was underfunded from the beginning in 2001, had just 13 graduates in 2003, and was almost closed in the 2009 Legislature during the Great Recession.

Look at it now! It’s the second-fastest-growing four-year higher ed institution in the country, has a nationally ranked RN to BSN program, and serves more than 5,000 students. It has been fun to be part of building something so special in Southern Nevada.

When did you first start thinking about giving a gift toward the new education building? What were the main reasons you wanted to contribute?

Glenn: We have advocated for a new school of education building at Nevada State for the last four legislative sessions. The “Why Teach Campaign” highlights that our chronic teacher shortage is one of the biggest challenges to our pre-K–12 education system. The new School of Education is a thoughtful, strategic response to

meeting that challenge. Our hope is that the new School of Education will inspire a new generation of teachers who address the issues of the day in a more dynamic way in order to better prepare our pre-K–12 students for college or career.

Ande: We have been inspired by Dean Dennis Potthoff’s leadership and are excited about his willingness to allow us to partner with him and his outstanding faculty to create a stateof-the-art teacher preparation program that other schools want to emulate. Our involvement allows us to further contribute to addressing the biggest challenge in our community and to work with Dr. Potthoff and his team.

How does Ande’s dedication to and experience in education come into play with your commitment to Nevada State?

Ande: I wanted to be a teacher all my life. I was blessed to have a unique opportunity to homeschool our son Tim, who is a diverse learner.

Tim’s needs were not being met in the public school system. I came to realize that as many as 20 percent of the students in our classrooms are diverse learners—many of whom have not been diagnosed. We hope that the Teacher Preparation Program at Nevada State will graduate teachers ready to face those realities in the classroom.

Glenn: We both were fortunate to obtain great educations, and exceptional teachers and professors have impacted our lives. The Nevada State graduates in education will impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people in our valley. Think of the potential our graduates will unlock for their students as only effective teachers can.

What are your thoughts on Nevada State College’s goal of increasing the “teacher pipeline”? Why is it so important to keep our teachers here in Nevada? What will this do for our state and our national education rankings?

Ande: Historically, it has been very costly to attract teachers from outside Nevada. Research shows that most education majors end up staying close to their home or where they went

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to school. We hope that our graduates will feel that Nevada State is home and will come back to campus to collaborate with other alums through the School of Education.

Glenn: To really understand the national rankings, you have to look at the components of the rankings. If Nevada invested more in full time pre-K, our national rankings would jump dramatically. We have our challenges, but there are many things we do well in pre-K–12 ed.

There is no doubt we can meaningfully improve our pre-K–12 ed system, but it will take more collaboration and leadership. We believe that our School of Education will develop future teacher leaders who drive improved results and that the national rankings will follow.

Why did you feel so strongly about contributing to a new education building? How will it help the future of education?

Glenn: This is the right school, at the right time, with the right leadership. We believe the community is more aware than ever of the challenges we face in pre-K–12 and is more willing to participate in solutions to address our issues. Our belief is that this building and the Nevada State College Teacher Preparation Program will be a catalyst for positive change.

We believe in our team.

In addition to classrooms and faculty offices, the Glenn & Ande Christenson School of Education Building will house an Early Childhood Education Center and a Speech Pathology Clinic.

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Ande: We believe in our current and future students, our faculty and administration, and our community leaders. If our team works together, we can achieve the goal of having high-quality teachers in every pre-K–12 classroom. Our future teachers will develop the future business, technology, social service, education, and other leaders for us to realize our full potential as a community.

Glenn: Our hope for the School of Education is that it produces teachers who don’t accept the status quo, want to challenge the present circumstances, and have the passion to inspire every student in their classroom. Teachers must be prepared for the challenges of the 21stcentury classroom they will be facing. Nevada State shares that vision.

Ande: We are humbled that our family will forever be associated at Nevada State with Jim and Beverly Rogers and Bob and Alison Kasner.

These families are true icons in our community.

We are especially pleased that the Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building will forever be located shoulder to shoulder with the Bob and Alison Kasner Academic Building. We have shared this experience with the Kasners since the school’s inception and are privileged our families will be sharing the future of Nevada State. n

The Dawson Building was renovated for the fall 2019 semester to accommodate the School of Education until the completion of the Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building.

DAWSON BUILDING Encompassing the past, present, and future for Nevada State College Back in 2001, a former vitamin factory was repurposed to be Nevada State College’s first campus building with state funding. Known as the Dawson Building, its doors opened in fall 2002 to welcome 177 students with three classrooms and a library. While the Dawson Building embodies the history of Nevada State, it has now been transformed to help shepherd the college into the future.

The building underwent a significant remodel in the summer of 2019 to accommodate the School of Education during the construction of the new Glenn and Ande Christenson School of Education Building, which is scheduled to open in time for fall semester 2021. Office space was

also added for the First-Year Experience faculty and the Office of Finance and Administration.

Upon completion, the remodel provided 31 new offices, along with student study spaces, computer labs, and affinity spaces. In addition, all classrooms and existing offices in Dawson were refreshed with new paint.

The Dawson Building, with approximately 34,120 in usable square footage, is currently leased from the city of Henderson through 2022 for a nominal annual amount. The city of Henderson has routinely extended the lease to assist the college, and the college anticipates seeking an extension. n

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YOU’VE NEVER LIVED LIKE THIS!

For more information, visit

nsc.edu/studenthousing

or contact the student housing office at 702.992.2290 or nschousing@studenthousing.com.

Walk-to-class convenience coming to Nevada State with first on-campus housing Coming fall 2020, Nevada State College will open its first on-campus student housing. In his State of the College address, President Bart Patterson said, “This is a game changer for the college in attracting students from across the state and region and in helping improve retention and graduation of students.”

Once completed, American Campus Communities, a national student housing operator with more than 165 properties, will handle all the operations; Nevada State College will have input into the operations to ensure compliance with requirements to protect students and provide a safe and positive living environment.

Financing was secured in the spring of 2019, and Sletten Construction started on the 144-unit, 342-bed project in the fall. Designed by PGAL, an international design firm, the project includes seven housing buildings and a community building for residents. The community building houses an exercise room, study areas, lobby, and outside meeting areas with a pool, sand volleyball court, and barbecues.

The fully furnished apartments will feature private bedroom and bathroom floor plans, as well as double-occupancy floor plans starting at $550 per month, per individual. Roommate matching is available, though all leases are individual liability, meaning residents are not responsible if a roommate transfers or graduates. Professional, on-site residence life and maintenance staff also will be available and dedicated to serving all residents’ needs. n Student life will be easier in this family friendly, access-controlled community, which also features educational, social and recreational activities.

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DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE The 2020—2025 strategic plan is titled Delivering on the Promise to acknowledge the many goals the college has achieved since the initial meeting in 1998 to discuss its creation—but also to show that the initial commitment to its mission has not faltered.

MISSION

At Nevada State College, excellence fosters

opportunity. Excellence in teaching leads to

innovative, technology-rich learning

opportunities that promote the acquisition

of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Quality, affordable degree programs open doors

to career success and an enhanced quality of

life for a diverse population of students. Its

graduates, in turn, foster the greatest

opportunity—the promise of a stronger

community and a better future for all of Nevada.

Five strategic themes were developed based on the statewide goals established by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), the college’s mission, core themes, collective aspirations, and years of analysis: students, curriculum and instruction, organizational culture, growth and capacity building, and community engagement and economic development.

Delivering on the Promise begins with five strategic goals and corresponding metrics.

Each strategic goal supports one or more of the strategic goals adopted by the NSHE Board of Regents in 2018.

To view the complete Nevada State College Strategic Plan: 2020—2025, including metrics for the five goals outlined here, visit nsc.edu/ academics/office-of-the-provost.

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Nevada State Strategic Goal 1:

We will deliver on our promise to students by demonstrating leadership in academic and student support, improving student success for a highly diverse, first-generation student population through innovative and evidence-based practices.

(Supports NSHE Goals 1, 2, and 3.)

Nevada State Strategic Goal 2:

We will deliver on our promise to innovate in curriculum and instruction by building socially relevant curricula that anticipate and are responsive to the regional workforce, are transformational in nature, and are committed to developing the whole student. (Supports all five NSHE goals.)

Nevada State Strategic Goal 3:

We will deliver on our promise to nurture our unique organizational culture by cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, inspirational, characterized by meaningful work, and supportive of diverse perspectives. (Supports NSHE Goal 2.)

Nevada State Strategic Goal 4:

We will deliver on our promise to steward our growth and capacity building by expanding the college in creative ways through public-private partnerships, governmental and sister-institution collaborations, relationship-driven advancement practices, and strategic enrollment management.

(Supports NSHE Goals 1 and 2.)

Nevada State Strategic Goal 5:

We will deliver on our promise to improve community engagement and economic development by forging strong relationships with business and community organizations, making a positive impact on the community through service-oriented programs and applied research, and creating the critical workforce to grow our regional and state economy. (Supports NSHE Goal 4.)

Nevada State College Strategic Plan: 2020—2025

Strategic goals adopted by the NSHE Board of Regents in 2018.

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PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF AT NEVADA STATE COLLEGE New speech pathology master’s degree built especially for Nevada The state of Nevada is seriously lacking when it comes to the availability of speech language pathology services. Now, with one of its newest offerings, Nevada State College is hoping to turn that around. In August, the college was proud to announce its SpeechLanguage Pathology master’s degree program, the first in Southern Nevada. This program aims to equip and empower effective speechlanguage pathologists to serve as practitioners and researchers who meet the needs of individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by communication and swallowing disorders.

After more than a decade of planning and an entire year in the development stage, the master’s degree program—M.Ed. in speechlanguage pathology—at Nevada State College’s School of Education is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and SpeechLanguage Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years.

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Executive Vice President and Provost Vickie Shields welcomes the first-ever master’s degree students to Nevada State College in fall 2019.

The first cohort is a culturally diverse group from a variety of backgrounds who will have the opportunity to bond and support each other.

The CAA has determined that Nevada State College’s program demonstrates sufficient compliance with the Standards for Accreditation as outlined in the Standards Compliance Continuum. As a result, on July 20, 2019, the CAA has awarded candidacy for a period of five years—from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024. Award of candidacy allows the program to matriculate students into the program as it continues to document compliance with accreditation standards for the duration of the candidacy accreditation cycle.

“This was something we have wanted to be able to offer from the beginning,” says Dennis Potthoff, dean of the School of Education. “The vision of a master’s degree has always been on the table, but we knew it would take some time. Because of our persistent and, dare I say, doggedly determined faculty, staff, and committed community members, we are where we are today. When we began this process, we had one faculty member in our speech pathology department, and that was Beth Meyerowitz.

When you look at how far we’ve come, I can’t help but feel that this is a wonderfully representative indicator of where Nevada State

College is as an institution. We’re at the point where we can really be the difference maker in Southern Nevada.”

Before this degree program was available, the University of Nevada, Reno was the only institution in the state to offer a master’slevel degree in this field of study. “Prior to the availability of our program, Nevada State students could earn bachelor’s degrees in speech pathology and immediately begin working in Nevada school districts due to the high need for speech professionals,” says Potthoff, who added that such a track was rare in other parts of the country. “However, to work as a professional in speech-language pathology or audiology outside of CCSD, licensure from ASHA is required.” He noted that licensure requires a master’s degree in the field, 400 hours of clinical practicum, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

The Master of Education (MEd) in speechlanguage pathology will train students to become certified speech-language pathologists who can provide clinical services in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Students who complete

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this program will be prepared for the Certificate of Clinical Competence national certification examination for speech-language-pathologists administered by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Speech pathology students work together to help young clients improve communication skills.

hiring the necessary professionals, meeting the integral community members, and handling the coordination of every step in the accreditation process. “This was definitely a game changer for my career, and graduate expectations are much different from undergraduate expectations,” she shares.

Part of the accreditation process included a site visit from CAA representatives. “The group visited in February last year and met with various community partners during that visit,” says Potthoff. “Then we waited to hear their results. In the meantime, we had announced that we were launching the program and had over 100 students apply. You have to remember that this was even before we knew if and when it would be a ‘go!’”

“We asked those potential students to please have patience because although we felt we were ready, it was still kind of a gamble,” shares Ball.

“Of course, we are in Nevada, so we felt lucky that our gamble would work out!”

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have communication, cognitive, or swallowing disorders, such as speech sound disorders, language impairments, voice disorders, and stuttering. The origins of such disorders range from developmental onset to head and neck cancer, strokes, head injuries, and neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease. The Nevada State program trains SLPs to serve clientele across the lifespan.

For Professor and Program Director Angel Ball, getting to Nevada took a few years. “My parents had moved here 25 years ago, and I had hoped that one day there would be a position for me so I could move close to them.” Then one morning while working at Texas A&M UniversityKingsville, she opened her email and saw an announcement about the new graduate program at Nevada State College. “I asked my husband if he was ready to move to Las Vegas, and the rest is history,” she says.

Not daunted by the huge task ahead of her, Ball oversaw the creation of the program, including

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Turns out, Nevada State did not hear a definite answer about the viability of the program until nearly the end of the summer. “We were grateful that those students who were interested were able to wait for an answer,” says Ball. “We know that’s not always easy, but because of their high level of interest, we began our fall 2019 semester with 52 students: 22 full-time and 30 part-time, an amazing number for a brandnew program.” From November 2019 through January 2020, applications were accepted for the next cohort of full-time students, and Nevada State plans to accept another cohort of parttime students within the next few years.

Nancy Kuhles, M.S. CCC-SLP, ASHA fellow, serves as the co-chair of the NSHA/NV Coalition to Address Personnel Shortage in Special Education and Related Services, and she and her organization were extremely supportive and helpful during the accreditation process. “The idea of this degree program being available in Southern Nevada was absolutely amazing,” says Kuhles. “There is such a need for these professionals, and until Nevada State had this program available, there was only one option for

a master’s-level program in the entire state.”

The coalition has a goal of providing technical assistance to statewide institutions of higher learning. One of its annual duties is the collection of data on the shortage of licensed SLPs within the state. She notes that within the United States, there are 44 SLPs per 100,000 people; however, in Nevada, there are only 26 per 100,000 people. “Something has to be done about this and Nevada State College’s program is going to help immensely! We will have master’s-level students trained right in our own state and prepared to best help our ever-changing population.” Kuhles stressed that as Nevada’s population explodes, so does the need for continuation of care with various populations—not just in schools, but throughout communities and spanning all ages.

Another coalition co-chair, Christine Verre, M.S. CCC-SLP, comments, “An additional master’s program in speech-language pathology will help the state of Nevada fill the many vacancies in the school districts. My hope for this new program is that it will allow individuals in the South to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology thereby increasing the number of individuals within the school district to hold their master’s and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing

Association (ASHA) which will give our Nevada children the best-possible speech services, as the therapists will be properly trained to do so.”

“There are some positives of having critical need areas, and it does prompt cooperation,” says Potthoff. “Our efforts have been so supported by so many in the state.” Kuhles concurs, saying that there were many community supporters and that the city of Henderson itself was extremely dedicated to the creation of this program. Tom Watterson, CCC-SLP, chair, Speech Pathology and Audiology, and clinical supervisor of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, also provided a wealth of information and advice.

Now that the first cohort is underway, it’s important to note the cultural diversity of the group (30 percent are minority students) as well as the positive support they bring to each other.

In just a few months’ time, these motivated students from a variety of backgrounds have forged friendships and are constantly helping one another. “Unlike in some undergraduate programs, these cohort groups really have an opportunity to know the value and responsibility of bonding,” notes Potthoff. “I like to say that although this adventure is so new, these students have the courage and are up to the challenges that they’ll face.”

Speech pathology students have the opportunity to work hands-on at the RiteCare Clinic in Las Vegas.

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“My classmates and I support each other more than people realize,” says master’s student Maritza Shaw, who obtained her bachelor’s degree from Nevada State in 2017 and currently works as an SLP for CCSD. “We all understand the stress and frustration that each one of us is going through. Many of us work full-time jobs and then go directly from work to class or to practicum to finish out our day, so the exhaustion is mutual, at least in the work aspect.

Not only do we lean on each other for support regarding school, but we also make it a point to check on each other on a personal level—for example, making sure we’re OK emotionally via text or email and spending time with one another outside of work/school.”

“To maximize student success and clinical effectiveness, Nevada State’s program encourages students to engage in participatory activities,” says student Jason Zoldessy. “This allows groups to focus on project management, furthers dialogue on evidence-based practice, and allows the formation of a close-knit graduate community. Because we work so closely together, each student encourages and supports one another through in-school activities, such as study groups, as well as outside events, like dinners and other casual gatherings.”

Shaw also comments, “I knew that a master’s would provide me with a variety of learning experiences as well as broaden my future career options. Personally, I take pride in the fact that I am always willing to learn and that any suggestions or critiques given by my professors are learning opportunities. I know that I can’t assist others and expect them to take what I say, implement my suggestions into their daily routine, and work toward achieving their goals if I’m unable to lead by example and implement what suggestions are being given to me.”

Obviously, the department has grown since Speech Pathology’s early days of one faculty member. “Where there was once just Beth, we now have a department of six professionals and hope to add a few more part-time instructors,” says Potthoff. “This has all happened in the past couple of years.” In addition to being

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overseen by Ball, the department includes Clinic Director and Lecturer Melanie Emerson Bradle; Assistant Professor Christy Fleck; Assistant Professor Sharon Jones; Assistant Professor Elizabeth Meyerowitz; and Clinical Supervisors Patti Potthoff, Vicki Brumberg, and Regina Goings, who spent many years as the director of speech-language and audiology services at the Clark County School District. This group brings a wealth of clinical and research experience from many diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, and rehabilitation centers.

Ball comments that the department works closely with various outlets around the entire state, including the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Touro University, and the Clark County School District.

Currently, both undergraduate- and graduatelevel speech pathology students at Nevada State College spend time working with children at the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry NS/RiteCare Clinic in Las Vegas. This amazing partnership, which offers speech services to children in Las Vegas at no cost, will continue; however, in addition, Nevada State College hopes to develop its own on-campus speech pathology clinic within the next few years. “We’re very excited about the opportunities this could bring to our community and our students,” says Clinic Director Bradle.

Potthoff agrees, “This decision will enhance the quality of speech-language services available for children and adults who are living in Southern Nevada.” n

I’M FIRST-GEN First-generation students given opportunity to connect with first-generation faculty and staff Since its inception, Nevada State College has strived to be recognized as a place where all types of students are welcome. Over the past few years, the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force has utilized this philosophy to plan activities that reflect the college’s inclusive culture of diversity.

Composed of a number of specifically focused subcommittees, the task force continues to break down barriers among various groups of people on campus.

Recently, Nursing Student Success Center Academic Success Coach Hank Boone, MS, created the “I’m First-Gen” subcommittee to foster connection with first-generation (referred to as “first-gen” throughout the remainder of this article and defined by the committee as “when neither a student’s parent or legal guardian has received a bachelor’s degree”) students and faculty. As someone who was a first-gen student himself, Boone understands the unique part these people play on campus. As part of the outreach effort, he surveyed faculty and staff about their own first-gen status, and results showed that about 50 percent of those who responded identified as such. “The survey’s purpose was to see which faculty and staff members were aware of others in the same

situation as well as understand their general feelings about first-gen identity,” says Boone.

Using this research, the subcommittee created a Microsoft Team for faculty, staff, and student workers to better understand first-gen status as well as plan for future initiatives. One of their initial programs included partnering with the Marydean Martin Library to create buttons for all first-gen faculty and staff so they could share their identity with others, fostering opportunities for conversations. Another program included promoting this year’s Common Read, Educated,

by Tara Westover, a first-gen student herself. To further the discussion brought on by the book and the topic, panelists from various groups on campus (including TRiO, Nepantla, Gear Up, and Nevada State faculty) convened on November 8, 2019, for First-Gen Celebration Day. The group participated in a symposium regarding their own first-gen college experiences that were recalled based on the reading of Educated.

Keep your eyes and ears open for more information from the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and its many subcommittees. Although it’s already made big strides on campus, it’s just getting started! n

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Accolades and ACCOMPLISHMENTS The creative and innovative minds at the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences gained a number of honors and recognition during 2019. Here are several faculty and student highlights from the past year.

FACULTY: Adjunct Faculty Coordinator Heather LangCassera was named Clark County’s new Poet Laureate.

Pete La Chapelle (History) has a new book, I’d Fight the World: A Political History of Old-Time, Hillbilly, and Country Music, from the University of Chicago Press.

Dr. Jasmine Meertins (Communication) had a co-authored manuscript, “A Community-Based Approach to HIV Prevention: Engaging Mayan Young Adults in Rural Guatemala,” accepted for publication in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.

Dr. Zach Woydziak (Chemistry) co-authored an article that was published by the Journal of Organic Chemistry. The first author, Nicole Benson, is a Nevada State student.

Dr. Jennifer Edmonds (Biology), along with recent alumni Heather Hudson and Hunter Lomprey, published research on the beneficial

The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences had its first Deaf Studies graduates.

bacteria found in hydroponic plant roots contributing to plant health and growth in the peer-reviewed journal titled Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Journal of Microbiology.

Dr. Kebret Kebede (Physical Sciences) was published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. The article, “Extreme heat and mortality rates in Las Vegas, Nevada: inter-annual variations and thresholds,” was done in collaboration with Dr. Erick Bandala from the Desert Research Institute.

Rachel Herzl-Betz (Writing Center assistant director) was elected as the International Writing Center Association (IWCA) affiliate representative for the Rocky Mountain Region, which includes Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Eduardo Mabilog (Writing Center writing specialist) was elected as the sole tutor representative for the IWCA.

STUDENTS: R.J. Lemus, a history with pre-law concentration major, received a full-ride scholarship to the UNLV Boyd School of Law. Cynthia Garcia, a psychology major, was awarded a two-month summer internship in Micro Organizational Behavior at the Yale School of Management.

Adelaida Rama Luna, an English major, was accepted into the post-baccalaureate humanities program at Yale.

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SCORPION HIGHLIGHTS Two faculty members achieved the highest promotion to full professor: Dr. Shirli Brautbar, History Dr. Gregory Robinson, English

Four faculty members received tenure and promotion to associate professor: Dr. Wendi Benson, Psychology Dr. Sarah Bryans-Bongey, Education Mr. Nathaniel King, Library Services Dr. Shantal Marshall, Psychology Nevada State College was nominated for Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance’s 2019 Innovation Award. The award recognizes an organization whose breakthrough achievements in product and service development, technology and infrastructure, research and development, or public policy have positively impacted the economy of Southern Nevada.

The Office of Institutional Advancement celebrated its best fundraising year ever in 2019, raising more than $9 million.

The 2019 No-Cost Textbook Summer Institute resulted in total savings of $113,567 per year for students when core curriculum classes converted to free e-books.

Nevada State College hosted Congressman Bobby Scott, chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor, and Congresswoman Susie Lee for a discussion regarding the state of higher education and key issues facing minority students.

Provost and Executive Vice President Vickie Shields was awarded the 2019 Southern Nevada Iconic Women of Distinction Award in the category of Education. She was also elected to serve on the board of directors for the Henderson Chamber of Commerce.

Phil Lamotte (Student Life director) has been elected to a staff position for NACA Student Government Institute – East. He will be part of a group that helps shape student government leaders from across the country.

Alex Kunkle (director of Advising) was selected as a mentor for the 2019–2021 Class of Emerging Leaders for NACADA (a global organization oriented around best practices in advising). He is one of just 10 people selected internationally for this honor.

Dr. Vanessa Mari (Education) received a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship to work with la Administración Nacional de Educación Pública in Uruguay.

Tiffany Garrett (Marydean Martin Library Assistant Director) was selected as the chair of the Association of College & Research Libraries Project Outcome for Academic Libraries Editorial Board.

Dr. Kimberly Williams (TRiO Upward Bound Director) was elected president-elect of Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel Region (WESTOP) and will serve on the TRiO national board.

Dr. Michael Johnson (Nursing) received the Leadership in Research Award from the 2019 Men in Nursing of Southern Nevada.

Nicola Opfer (president of the Nevada State Student Association) was named president of the Nevada Student Alliance, the overarching student government association for all student government organizations in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

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Nilo Ghyasi and two of her daughters graduated alongside each other in May 2019, another started at Nevada State in the fall.

NEVADA STATE FAMILY One mother’s story of achieving her dream no matter the obstacles For Nilofar “Nilo” Ghyasi, obtaining a college degree and becoming a nurse was a lifetime goal. “I always knew I wanted to get an education,” she says. “I just didn’t realize how long the actual journey would take!” The important thing to note is that Ghyasi never gave up. This Afghan refugee—who was born during the war with Russia, moved with her family to America at age 15, and was married at 17— finally saw her dream come true in May 2019 when she graduated with her nursing degree on the same day as two of her daughters.

“I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field,” says Ghyasi. “Although I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, I only became aware that nursing was the right choice when my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was very personal because, at that time, there were many cultural and language barriers that we faced throughout the visits to the doctors’ offices and the hospital.

“However, I also got to see firsthand that the nurses caring for my mother created an environment of acceptance and warmth.

Because of that experience, I was determined that when I became a nurse, I would do everything to play a role in reducing the different barriers that are faced between both health care practitioners and patients.”

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With this knowledge and experience in mind, Ghyasi found a way to make her dream come true. To go back to the beginning of her college education means revisiting 2003, when, with three young children, Ghyasi started her advanced education at the College of Southern Nevada. “I walked in with two of my little kids and registered for classes,” she recalls. “I was a nontraditional student, and there were years that classes did not fit my busy work schedule and family obligations. After years of plugging away at classes here and there, I transferred to Nevada State College in 2010.

“What attracted me the most to Nevada State College was the campus culture and the spirit that the students and faculty upheld,” she says.

“I could tell that the faculty really cared about the success of its students, and I especially loved the fact that the school had a small student-to-faculty ratio.”

Although her educational journey, like her early life experiences, was not an easy one, she credits a special teacher with really inspiring her.

“Professor Vikash Patel was particularly the most helpful to my success. I remember taking his class, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and when I significantly failed my first exam, it felt as if I had hit a brick wall and I was very discouraged,” she remembers. “I thought, ‘I am not cut out for this,’ and I was too intimidated to approach him for assistance. It was at that moment that he saw my struggles and approached me to let me know that he had an open-door policy. He was very encouraging and helpful.

“Professor Patel taught me to think critically and differently. This was a whole new concept of thinking for me that went beyond Human Anatomy & Physiology subject matter. He worked with me to achieve a desired grade.”

Ghyasi goes on to mention a quote that reads, “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.” She says, “I will never forget how big of an impact Professor Patel’s teaching made throughout the rest of my educational career and, still today, continues to make an impact in my professional career. I also encouraged both

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of my daughters to take his courses, and of course, he ended up impacting them as well.”

With that in mind, she notes that her favorite Nevada State College classes were Human Anatomy & Physiology and Pathophysiology because “for the first time, I was taking classes that taught me about human body systems and the abnormalities associated with physiological processes. The foundations I learned really helped me put my nursing clinical sciences into perspective.”

When Ghyasi’s daughters, Saddia and Haddia, were looking into furthering their education after high school, she persuaded them to look into Nevada State too. “Although I encouraged my daughters to attend Nevada State, it was ultimately their own decision to attend,” she states. “They do not regret attending, because through word of mouth, they influenced other family members and friends from the Afghan community to attend Nevada State College as well.”

When she found out that both her daughters would graduate alongside her, she was beyond thrilled. “I always envisioned graduating and the very moment I would get my degree, especially when I felt challenges arose during my classes.

The icing on the cake was when I found out that coincidentally both of my daughters were going to walk with me. Graduation day was a very emotional, joyous moment for me! I had flashbacks of all the different moments and emotions I went through during the past 16 years.”

Out of her 11 siblings, Ghyasi is the first in her family to obtain a degree. “From the beginning of my college career, there was much resistance from my family. Being in school for the past 16 years meant making a lot of sacrifices, and the family support dwindled the longer I was in school,” she says. “However, my parents were always very supportive, and as soon as I graduated, my family saw the perseverance firsthand. This empowered other family members to go to college. One of my brothers is going back to school to get his GED at age 58 so he can also

The hashtag “#NSFamily” is quite literal to the Ghyasi’s, as they also have recruited many of their friends and other family members to study at Nevada State College.

attend college. To see my actions influencing my family members is very humbling.”

and give back to the institution that has opened so many doors for me.”

Ghyasi and her daughter Saddia, also a nursing major, have found positions in the same hospital—Saddia on the medical surgical floor and Nilo in the emergency room. “My other daughter, Haddia, was accepted into a pharmacy program, which will start in August 2020.

What is Ghyasi’s advice to those who think they will never finish a college degree? “My best advice is to NEVER QUIT. I also like to say that if there is a will, there is a way. I came from a background where higher education was not an option for women. I wanted to prove to myself and empower my community that this is a country that gives you the freedom to choose whether you want to succeed.” n

“I hope to continue my education and obtain a master’s degree in nursing in the near future. I’d love to be a clinical instructor at Nevada State

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Tobias Torres Theatre Department Director, Coronado High School

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Tobias Torres. I am a teacher and proud product of Nevada’s public education system from youth to adulthood. I am a graduate of Robert McQueen High School in Reno, where I received an advanced diploma. I earned my Associate of Arts in musical theatre

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from Western Nevada College in Carson City.

Thereafter, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in elementary education/secondary education from Nevada State College in Henderson (and the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree). I am currently completing my Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Not long after enrolling at Nevada State College, I became a paraprofessional at Del Sol High School for several years. Then, upon completing my student teaching through Nevada State College, I was hired at Green Valley High School—my first job as a licensed teacher! At Green Valley, I taught film studies and assisted with the theatre program.

I am incredibly fortunate to say I am the current director of the Theatre Department at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada. I am lucky to inspire, educate, and serve my community!

Explain your experience at Nevada State College: My experience with the teaching education program is one I will always cherish. I am fortunate to have built my professional experience as an educator through Nevada State’s enriching curriculum, its meaningful assignments, and the caring professors I still keep in touch with to this day—namely, Dr. Navarrete and Dr. Carter.

The flexibility of the program allowed me to maintain employment with Clark County School District throughout my undergraduate endeavors and provided the practicality I needed during the day and the professional development I wanted in the evening.

Do you have any lessons learned or memorable moments while at Nevada State College?

Nevada State School of Education professor and inspiration of mine Dr. Lori Navarrete once told me in class that one of most glorious aspects of teaching is that “it makes all other professions possible.” This really struck a chord with me.

Some say “those who can’t do, teach,” yet this completely and accurately dismantled that. On any given day, absolutely every professional in the workforce reads, writes, and applies skills that are possible only because a teacher originally taught them how. For me, there’s something special and intrinsically gratifying about the truth behind this statement. This statement concludes the powerful truth that we are the driving force for an educated and globally diverse society. Through our teaching efforts, we create the future of innovation, diversity, and academic and social responsibility.

Teaching is the work whose impact can span across societies and generations. After hearing this statement, it has been the reinforcement that lends itself to my motivation to teach at the optimal level each and every day.

to reach our destination, and in doing so, we miss out on the memories and day-to-day joys that make the journey of life unique and worthwhile.

Soak up every minute of the college experience.

Also, continue to be involved in school activities as much as possible. Make connections; you never know when those professional relationships will come in handy later down the road in life. Also, amidst the busyness, find balance in your life. Your happiness is important, and finding balance in your life will allow your mental health to prosper. Know that you have a great support system of people at Nevada State who want you to succeed and are always there to help! Lastly, always believe in yourself. Only you truly know your worth and the greatness you can and will achieve. Don’t micromanage the details of your plans after you graduate from Nevada State, or you may potentially risk being disappointed if it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Focus on being good at what you do and doing good, and success will come to you. I promise.

Go Scorpions!

For more information about your Nevada State College Alumni Network please visit nsc.edu/ alumni. Update your contact information so that you can stay up to date on our upcoming events and what is happening on campus. For additional questions, please email alumni@nsc.edu or call 702.992.2370. n

2020-2022 Nevada State College Alumni Network Council Adam (AJ) Wagner ’17

John Nicpon ’08

Cristina Kirit ’12

Julien (DJ) Green ’18

Danette Barber ’16

Laura Hutton ’17

Halimah Wooten ’16

Pamela Ball ’18

Heather Hudson ’17

Tymeeka Davis ’09

What advice would you give to our seniors?

I am a firm believer that the best advice you can give to someone is the advice you wish you had when you were younger, so my first bit of advice to seniors is to enjoy the ride! Too often, we rush

[ 2020] Nevada State College | 33

Jeff Rapp gives credit to his wife, Holly, and their daughters for convincing him to create and submit his song.

ALL WILL HAIL BLACK & GOLD Community contest brings Nevada State its first official fight song For Clark County School District second-grade teacher Jeff Rapp, a chance at winning the Nevada State College Fight Song contest was truly a remote possibility. “My wife read about the contest in the news and encouraged me to give it a shot,” says Rapp. “I dismissed the idea at first, since I don’t consider myself to be musically inclined. However, I do have a knack for rewriting lyrics of songs for various reasons, sort of like Weird Al Yankovic. I’ve done this as a teacher to help make lessons stick. The idea that I should give it a try kept nagging at me, so I finally entered the contest to get some peace!”

Rapp’s song, “All Will Hail Black and Gold” was announced as the contest winner.

With a call for submissions initiated by President Bart Patterson in July, Nevada State College hoped to create the first-ever fight song for the state’s only four-year public college. The contest

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was open to all Nevada State College students, faculty, staff, and alumni; currently registered undergraduate, graduate, or professional school students at any Nevada System of Higher Education institutions; and the general public.

Entries were due by September 1, 2019, and entrants were notified that the winner would be announced during the college’s 2019 Spirit Week in mid-September.

Additional contest rules included that the fight song should be 30 to 45 seconds in length and should consider the inclusion of some of the following words: Scorpion or Scorpions, Black, Gold, Nevada State College, Mount Scorpion, Pride, Bold. According to the contest’s website, “The song should be creative and high energy with an inspiring and positive message to capture Nevada State’s promise and values along with Scorpion pride. All submitted work

must be original and must not include, be based on, or derived from any copyrighted music or lyrics.” The final decision of the winner was made by President Patterson and the Nevada State College Executive Team.

his song was embarrassing, as “I am not a great (or even tolerable) singer. I look forward to hearing the song performed by a chorus or band someday; what a thrill that will be!” He also says that his wife did get her new oven.

How did Rapp write the song? “My daughter came to the rescue with a tune she had learned at school, and I made sure it was in the public domain. I did some research to learn as much as I could about Nevada State College. In the process, I became a fan! I also wanted to incorporate some elements of pride in Nevada and the American West. Now that I had some ideas, I started playing around with them, and eventually I had some lyrics I was happy with.

My favorite line is, “Nevada State College, Battle Born to succeed.”

“I love Nevada,” he continues. “I moved here from Illinois to become a teacher and quickly developed a connection with the Silver State.

Now, 19 years later, I have a wife and two beautiful daughters, a lovely home, and a rewarding career. Home means Nevada!

What was Rapp’s reaction when he heard he had won? “I had jokingly told my wife that if I won, I would use the prize money to buy her a new oven,” he notes. “But when I saw and heard the other entries, I told her to forget about the oven for a while! The other entries were incredible, and I knew I didn’t have a chance.

“I love the Western spirit that is evident in Nevada. I think of the pioneers who came here so many years ago pursuing the possibilities Nevada had to offer. Nevada was, and is, a land of hope and opportunity. I see that same pioneer spirit in the students at Nevada State College.

They have a world full of possibilities laid out before them. I’m excited for the future of Nevada State College as it is a young institution with big ambitions. It’s growing rapidly in the number of students, number of degree options, and number of extracurricular opportunities. The future is bright for Nevada State!”

“When I was notified I had won, I was in disbelief for some time. I remember telling my family, and we danced in a circle singing the song I had written! It is an amazing honor to be a part of Nevada State College’s story.” Rapp says that having to submit the video of himself singing

Second-place winner Robert Barney was also honored, with his entry “To Victory” becoming the Nevada State College official school spirit song. In addition, the two runners-up for the contest were “Battle Clad” by Adam Davis and “The Black & Gold” by Eileen Colon. n

ALL WILL HAIL BLACK AND GOLD

In the land of Nevada in the hot desert sun Dwells a bright band of scholars who are called the Scorpions.

All for our country is our motto and creed.

Nevada State College Battle Born to succeed.

So we’ll fight with Nevada State College pride!

We will win with the spirit of the West at our side!

We will climb up Mount Scorpion with hearts that are bold, And there raise our banner, all will hail black and gold!

Nevada State College Fight Song Lyrics by Jeff Rapp; tune based on “Simple Gifts,” a traditional Shaker hymn

[ 2020] Nevada State College | 35

Left to Right: Sharon K. Schafer,

Canyons Now Memories: Desert Bighorn Sheep, Photograph, 28” x 36”

Kelly Carroll

Standing Stately: The Ancient Bristlecone, Pine, Photograph, 21” x 36

INSPIRING AN ART-INFUSED CAMPUS Art breathes life into learning landscape Did you know that Nevada State College is home to amazing art galleries, a variety of temporary exhibitions, and a permanent art collection?

If you haven’t had a chance to visit, you won’t believe what you have missed so far.

“There’s always an art exhibition in one of the gallery spaces here at Nevada State,” says Angela Brommel, executive director of Arts and Culture.

“Our permanent art collection is composed of nearly 100 works by Nevada artists and will celebrate its fifth anniversary in the fall of 2020.”

Brommel hopes that the collection’s momentum continues to expand upon its already-solid start.

Located in public spaces around campus, tours of the collection and exhibitions are free and open to the public. Tours are available by appointment, or visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour using the map found on the website.

In addition, the Office of Arts & Culture is hosting Home Means Nevada December 16, 2019, through February 7, 2020. Themed around Nevada’s state song of the same title, this photography exhibit echoes famous photographs and artwork from the late 1800s and early 1900s that helped spur protections for places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Nevada is a place of inspiration for the photographers who find beauty in its rugged

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geology and starry skies. This show features 15 photographers and highlights some of the unique treasures found on federally managed lands across the state, from bighorns to Burning Man to the ancient rock art and petroglyphs in the Gold Butte area.

“We’re excited to bring this beautiful exhibition to Southern Nevada,” says Brommel.

Home Means Nevada is part of the Nevada Touring Initiative–Traveling Exhibition Program.

It was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the state of Nevada. The Nevada Arts Council is a division of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

Currently, the Office of Arts & Culture is also featuring an exhibition showcasing the works and personal artifacts collected by Dr. Peter La Chapelle, Nevada State College professor of history. Fire on the Mountain: Country Music Gets Political, Memorabilia and Recordings is on display in the Nevada State Gallery on the third floor of the Rogers Student Center.

For more information about these exhibitions, the Nevada State Permanent Collection, or scheduling please visit https://nsc.edu/about/arts-culture or email the office at thearts@nsc.edu. n

EXERCISE BODY & MIND Expanded fitness and recreational activities for students, faculty & staff There is now a convenient option to get in shape and become involved in a variety of fitnessrelated activities right on campus. Many New Year’s resolutions include a health-related goal, and at Nevada State College’s Fitness Center, accessibility is key.

Although the facility has been on campus a while, additional exercise equipment has made it more user-friendly. “My role was to professionalize the space,” says Student Life Coordinator Carlos Navarro, M.Ed. “I’ve heard great feedback since we added the new equipment, and the best part is that this is a phenomenal opportunity for everyone on campus because it’s free!” He notes that the center’s student workers have been complimented on their knowledge and supportive attitude and added that having this center presents a chance for students, especially those who commute, to be healthy and productive between and after classes.

For those looking to get healthier in 2020, the #BEACTIVE initiative will let students earn prizes for the hours they spend in the fitness center.

The college also has partnered with the city of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department so that students, faculty, and staff can participate in a variety of team sports. n

FITNESS CENTER ADDITIONS

Squat Rack

Curl Bar

Attachments for Multipurpose Machine

Treadmill Medicine Balls Sound Bar

Battle Ropes

CAMPUS RECREATION ACTIVITIES

City of Henderson Sports

Softball (Spring)

Flag-Football (Fall)

Basketball (Spring)

Volleyball (Spring)

Soccer (Fall)

Table-Tennis (Spring)

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Sand Volleyball Game

Ice Curling 101 with LAS

Boxing 101

Outdoor Adventure Series

Hiking at Red Rock with Dr. Rosales (Spring)

Caving with Dr. Rosales (Spring)

Camping at Mount Charleston (Spring)

Hiking at Valley of Fire (Fall)

Kayaking on the Colorado River (Fall)

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Celebrating EXCELLENCE Celebrating Excellence captures and communicates intersectional stories of faculty, staff, students and alumni of all backgrounds. Beyond a traditional “bio”, Celebrating Excellence profiles highlight those hidden characteristics and life experiences which shape identity and worldview.

Inspired by the Marian Wright Edelman quote, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” the program reveals visible and invisible identities of resilient Scorpions. Seeing ourselves reflected in others leads to the opportunity for our community to bond and grow. By highlighting both accomplishments and challenges, we open ourselves to authentic connection. #BeState

By Amey Evaluna | Division of College and Community Engagement

Amy Evaluna, MPA Manager, Division of College and Community Engagement Campus Involvement: Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Co-Chair Fewer than one percent of teen moms go on to earn a college degree. Amey Evaluna has earned three. Ask her family about her childhood and you’ll hear, “Amey’s nose was always in a book.” Perhaps reading helped her escape. It certainly helped her hide. She was born when her mother was 17. Her father, convicted of rape, went to prison when she was 3 years old.

Later, an alcoholic step-parent moved in. Amidst turmoil, on the steps of her trailer, Amey read and grew. Unaware that patterns need not repeat, by age 21 Amey was a single mom of three children. She married a man who filled the generational space for abuse. For 12 years, Amey and her children suffered. Finally, in 2015, she was freed. “I pursued my education with tenacity no matter what else was happening, because I knew it would contribute to my ability to overcome.” These days, Amey works to dismantle elements that perpetuate abuse while also learning to take care of herself. “Healing with post-traumatic stress disorder takes daily work.

But time heals all wounds, and I am a hard worker.”

Tanya Smith Course Assistant Future doctoral degree candidate Tanya Smith grew up bi-coastally. Her mother lived in Virginia and her father lived in California. “My mother embodied the spirit of Southern hospitality, always friendly, loving, and welcoming to anyone regardless of who they were.” Growing up with exposure to multiple cultures shaped her worldview. When Tanya was 14, her mother was murdered. At that point her life took a painful and dangerous turn. Then entered a mentor named Penny McNeil, a teacher who saw and nurtured Tanya’s potential. A village of women soon grew around Tanya and held her up in the toughest imaginable times by fostering her resiliency with support. Tanya reflects, “A mentor planted the seed that made me believe I could one day have a Ph.D. I am working toward it so that I can one day change other people’s lives the way she changed mine.”

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Tim Christenson Senior Tim Christenson is passionate about educational equity. A diverse learner himself, Tim observed that students with learning disabilities must often work to overcome stigmas and depressed expectations around their potential for success. His drive to help others succeed inspired him to work with the Disability Resource Center to create Nevada State’s Inclusive Initiative (I2 or “I-squared”), a high-school-to-college transition program for diverse learners. Tim shares, “Learning to self-advocate in and out of the classroom has informed my opinion that all diverse learners need greater institutional support.” I2 is designed to empower diverse learners so that they may fully realize their potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Tim plans to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and open his own counseling program with a focus on integrated health and wellness techniques.

Andra Scano, MSN, RN, COI Lecturer, School of Nursing Andra is a first-generation college graduate who worked hard to achieve her goals with limited academic and financial support. She knows firsthand what it is like to work while going to school and navigating through the complex academic environment to find resources needed to be successful. Andra reflects, “I feel fortunate to have had these challenges as they made me a better educator, an advocate for students, and a role model for my own children.” A lifelong Nevadan with over 25 years of diverse nursing experience, Andra seeks to inspire students to be change agents. She creates opportunities for them and advocates for the health and safety of their communities. Andra has developed many partnerships which enable Nevada State students to engage with coalitions and at-risk populations, “so that they can understand and impact barriers to wellness and psychosocial well-being.”

Connie Feltner Records Analyst for Degree Audit & Curriculum Connie Feltner’s foundation of hope and enthusiasm for the future radiates when she says, “I use my eyes to smile.” Due to a congenital spinal injury, nerve conductivity in her legs and face is impaired or inactive and leg braces help her to walk. She comes from a family of educators and farmers who valued hard work. Connie’s father was a math teacher who encouraged her to consider her circumstances like a math problem, and taught her to look for an alternate solution. As part of the first generation of disabled students that were “mainstreamed,” Connie’s mother helped with the difficult lesson of valuing herself, not what others thought.

Married for 20 years and recently returned to Las Vegas after time working at the University of San Francisco, Connie’s goal is to provide studentcentric support and model that anything can be accomplished with a positive attitude.

[ 2020] Nevada State College | 39

Steven Clifford Alumnus Nevada State alumnus Steven Clifford gives amazing hugs. The kind of hugs that somehow leave you walking away liking yourself a percentage more than you did before you ran into him.

A future marriage and family therapist who recently began a master’s program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, his caring and healing energy is launching him toward his destiny.

Steven grew up in the music industry and in a community of activism, supported by strong women. A visual artist himself, he credits creativity and patience as the core traits which help him be the best version of himself. “Being dyslexic and having apraxia shaped me to be a resilient individual. Through growth mindset, I can achieve anything I put my mind to.” Steven’s life work is to help other young people suffering from a disability, regardless of whether or not it is visible to others.

Danette Barber Course Assistant Program Coordinator After serving in the U.S. Navy and then caring for her family as a stay-at-home mom while taking classes at the College of Southern Nevada, Danette returned to school full time at Nevada State in 2014. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she transitioned to our administrative faculty team, and started graduate school at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Her current research fosuces on academic risk taking. In her role as the Course Assistant Program coordinator, Danette focuses on promoting the use of metacognition and effective learning strategies. “Successful communities commit to practices that take responsibility for the wellbeing of their members,” says the Lunch with Friends host, “and that’s built on interpersonal relationships. A good-morning smile can be the foundation of a successful community, when it’s reciprocated and built upon.” Danette is committed to helping Nevada State be a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Shartriya Collier, Ed.D. Associate Dean, School of Education “Transforming the world, one mind at a time,” which is Shartriya Collier’s personal motto, begins with the transformation of one’s self. Shartriya’s transformation actualized in high school, when she realized she need not stay on the “B” track that was assigned to her and the few other black students she knew. With six siblings and a single father focused on medical school, Shartriya lacked both confidence and parental support. In time, she recognized she would have to become her own advocate. Action-oriented then as she is now, she enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, paving the way for future research on multicultural education and parental involvement. “I seek to help students and families realize they create their own ‘life story,’ and they are not confined by a pre-conceived narrative of who they should be based upon race, gender, class, language, ability, or other factors.”

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Irene Auxiliadora Cepeda, M.Ed. Title V-HSI Project Director Irene developed the skill of speaking up for others at a young age. She shares, “Spanish was my first language, however as I learned English, I became my parents translator and advocate.” Her family migrated to the U.S. from Nicaragua as they fled instability and war.

As firstgeneration immigrants, graduating from college was established as an expectation for Irene and her sister. Today, youth leadership development is Irene’s passion. Over the last 11 years she has contributed to this work as a coordinator of the Latino Youth Leadership Conference, and she was recently elected as a Clark County School District Board of Directors trustee. “Preparing future leaders through mentorship and shared experiences is vital to our democracy. Anyone can be a leader or a champion of a cause. All it takes is a little bit of courage and resilience to keep on working.”

Sierra Adare-Tasiwoopa Api, Ph.D. Instructional Technologist/Adjunct Faculty , School of Liberal Arts & Sciences In addition to being an absolute Canvas pro, Sierra is the author of 14 published books including a novel, five children’s books, a book on TV science fiction, two cookbooks with travel narratives, and an English composition reader co-authored with her husband who she describes as “caring, consciences, thoughtful, and loving.” A descendent of the Cherokee Trail of Tears survivors, Sierra’s parents were both skilled traditional oral storytellers. Fortunately for many, they passed on their love of stories and storytelling. In the last decade, Sierra and her husband were in three no-fault-of-their-own car accidents. The resulting injuries and surgeries greatly impacted Sierra’s health, wellbeing, and mobility. Sierra shares, “I am much more aware of just how difficult accessibility truly is, regardless of the type of access needed, and why it is so important to have accessibility for everyone.”

Al Hardimon Director of Post-Award Financial Services Abundantly rich life experience qualifies Alvin Hardimon to contribute matchless skill to the Nevada State community and all of our diverse populations. Recruited off the farm in Arkansas at the age of 17, the U.S. Air Force led Al to countless incredible opportunities, including a position on the All-Star basketball team at Whiteman Air Force Base and a stint modeling for Converse. He was a member of the team that tested the initial rollout of internet capabilities for the military. He walked on the Greenland ice sheet, and visited and enjoyed seal meat with the Inuit. After 24 years of service, Al retired a 100-percent disabled veteran. Currently, Al counsels veterans on submission of disability claims to the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Smiling, he shares, “I get great pleasure in deleting obstacles that people face!”

[ 2020] Nevada State College | 41

2018—2019 ALUMNI LISTINGS

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Farah Nichol Aldridge Alexandra Alvarez Kathleen Rae Anderson Stacey Michelle Andreas Yenifer Nohemi Anguiano Lisa Ann Atkin Lori E. Brown Shannon Marie Buchmiller Bianca Isela Carrillo Tiffany Cerrone Kristee Howarth-Chandler Amber Rose Clark Bernadette Renee Clark Lisa Marie Cook Silvia Cortez Nerisse Cruzado Ashleigh Nicole Donner Hannah Marie Dulgar Mikayla Jade Ernest Daniel Alex Farias Kaylah Charrell Fields Mellisa Fulbright William Jordan Garcia Kerstine Mari San Diego Gaudiel Lidia Alexandra Genovese Brittany Helleen Granil Graciela Guzman

Maggie Mae Handley Amanda Camille Hays Richelle Linn Hites Jennifer Nicole Johnson Shauniceré Jones Shelby Nicole Kania Tammy Renee Kellen Kyle Mark Knowles Patrick Douglas Larzik Karen Melissa Lazcano Luis Alberto Lemus Amanda A. Lutz Laura Leighanne Lynch Jordyn Lyn Marin Alicia Marty Danielle Elise Maynard Andrea Gabriela Melchor Carly Jean Miller Samuel Christopher Millis Kaitlyn Nanni Lindsay Ann Newark Makayla Leann Nichols Tabetha Jane Noble Elizabeth Orozco Carole Wendy Pahl Cassandra Rose Petersen Zacharie Jason Peterson Kristi Ann Peterson Minty Robb Potter Jenae Rachelle Raban Angela Analy Rivas Lindy Michelle Romero

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Susanna Samaniego Bibiana Sanchez Sara Sandelin Sandra Dawn Sansevero Emilee Maireana Savage Samantha Jane Schopen Alejandra Linares-Sierra Nicolle B. Sleeter Amy Rae Smallwood Samantha Ann Spendlove Kacee Stratton Alyssa Marie Swaim Alecia Laparrish Thomas Lisa Marie Thompson Kyle Harrison Tucker Kimberly Brooke Vensand Darren Jermaine Walton Layla Alana Ward Megan Lee Webb Amber Marie McLeod

SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES Jessica Lea Abell Alexandra Alvarez Kathleen Rae Anderson Danika Mae Arabos Erika Danielle Arballo Luz Merari Arvizu Mariana Assaf Godwin Osazuwa Azeke Alejandro Zacarias Babero Pamela Lynn Ball Francisco Barrios Daniele Renee Beaver Brittanie Cha’Ma’Nae Bedolla Peter-Paul Fabian Belmonte Christopher Joseph Bennett Stacy D. Benson Veronica Alejandra Bermudez-

Martinez Keely Michelle Biggs Alexandra Bojorquez-Gomez Ashley Nicole Bolan Brittany Lynn Marie Bradley Steve Kevin Bravo Harrison Brown Dominique Naomi Bryant Hector Alexis BuenrostroMendoza Nicholas Tanner Bustios Serena LaRence Butler Nathan Michael Call Kira Jade Caraway Lazaro Carmenate-Alvarez Evelyn Grissel Carranza Alexis Carranza Edgar R. Castillo Eduardo Castro Sugar Rae Caterine Napaul Rene Cavazos Joel Daniel Cazares-Arvizu Brenda Lynn Cerbin Brooke Chapman Carolyn Chavez Kenneth Lamar Chester Branda Chung Steven Tyler Clifford II Parker Yeager Colón Charles Cecil Combs Jr. Taisha Commack Catherine Contreras Ryan Nicholas de Crescenzo Reynaldo Cruz Crespin Shanelle Dela Cruz Shema Faye Dannatt Mahogany Oella Daughtery Noe Davila-Martinez Stuart Raymond Davis Antonio Delgado Tayler Rene Devito Nathan Vance Dobbins Terrell Anthony Drake Charline Lesiel Ecoffey Mindi Lynn Eisenhauer

Mathew G. Eissa Greg P. Espinoza Karen Ivette Espinoza-Ortiz Jonathan Z. Eusebio Bailey Alijah Evans Mark A. Faranda Brianna Paloma Felix Kirk Ferguson Ariel Ann Hidrosollo Ferraris Ashley Ferris Sonia Celeste Figueroa Natividad Guadalupe Fong Maria A. Fonseca David Christian Foti John Phillip Freeman Jennifer T. Gable Nikolaos Augustus Gaitanos Rosa Garcia Brandon Patrick Garrity Mary Ann Gasca Haddia Ghyasi Tanya Gill Trishia Maree Gillmore Dustin Rivera Godoy Brenda Jael Najera Gonzalez James Gordon Julien Donnell Green Andrea Charity Green Destiny Lanae Green Teresa Lynn Greissel Melissa Grenier Hilda Lizeth Griffitts Alejandro Gutierrez Flavio Gutierrez, Jr. Leslie Lynn Guyton Elayna Michele Harris Joseph Lynn Harwell Holly Hassler Earl Andrew Hayward Nayomi Dawn Heath Daniel Hernandez Ivonne Anais Hernandez Sotelo Caitlin W. Hippler Daniel Scott Horning

Roderick Eugene Howard Alisa Nicole Howard Gage James Matthew Huff Allie Patricia Marie Hunsaker Ruben Ibarra Travis W. Ivie Jasmine Nicholle Jackson Shannon Leigh Jagusch Brittany Jenkins Aurielle Jennings Abigail Jimenez-Lopez Tara Johns Alesha Leigh Johnson Luis Enrique Montanez Juarez David Anthony Kachuk Samantha Erin Kerby Alexi Cheyenne Kibbe Randell A. Kohberger Ronald Ames Kohberger David K. Kong Kristen Nicole Kujat Brytni-Lian Laboy Claudia Verenisse Larios James Kevin LaRosa Nicole Larsen Patrick Douglas Larzik Aspen Lawrence Nhu Huynh Le Luis Alberto Lemus Jason Samuel Levine Antonio Ramon Leyva Amy Renee Ver Linden Samantha Stephanie Lopez Marco Ferry John Segundo Lopez Lizzeth Lopez Regina Isabelle Loudon Adelaida Esperanza Rama Luna Anevay Alexis De Luna Melissa Daniele Lusch Mark Nickell Lystrup Misty Renee Magruder Justine Kae Mendoza Magtoto Shaleana Beatrice Malave

Dajana Malesevic Jacob Ian Mancino Oana Mandrutiu-Iancu David James Markarian Alan Cruz Martinez Melinda Sue Martinez Sandra Isela Villegas Martinez Alice Michelle Matthews Kyle Jameson Matthews Alec Damon Maxwell Valerie C. McCloud Stefanie Renae McCue Shahid Asiedu Meighan Lynette Francine Melvin Anthony Rios Mendoza Amanda Catherine Milbrandt Samuel Christopher Millis Diana Montes-Sandoval Petra Montiel-Garcia Anjelica Irene Moore Tania Moore Kyoko Nishimura Mueller Joseph F. Navas Lindsay Ann Newark Sadie Sue-Ann Newberry Bradley Adam Newby Gabriel Andrew Ngadiuba Liza Nitollama Giavonni Rene Nobles Cristian Nunez-Gomez Kassidy Christina O’Rourke Adahli Orduna-Garcia

Edgar Manuel Ortiz-Bautista Brittany Louise Smith Osterhoudt Brian Alexander Page Carole Wendy Pahl Bobbie Ramona Palow Aaron Shane Parpart Margarita Salazar ParreĂąas Lowen K.D. Patigayon Scarlet Fernanda Perez Jose Luis Menjoulou Perini Selena Thuy Nguyen Phahongchanh Kennya Merary Pimentel Jasmine Selena Proulx Paula Y. Ramirez Felicia Sifuentez Ramirez George Ramirez-Murillo Mark Michael Myers Jr. Melissa Rangel Gladys Marie Rastegari Reshawn Michael Redmond Christopher LaMonte Reynolds Raphael Paulin Rhino II Alicia A. Richards Angela Analy Rivas Andrei J. Rivera Mickaila Ann Robertson Destiny L. Robinson Harrison Solver Rodis Jonah Joseph Rodriguez Katelin Marie Rogers

[ 2020] Nevada State College | 43

Jineth Rojas Stephie J. Rolloff Andrew Matthew Romanelli Katherine Ruvalcaba-Gutierrez Kevin A. Sales Stephanie S. Sample Estefania Sanchez Crystal Y. Sandoval Amber Lee Santee Amanda Elizabeth Schoby Erin Cheyenne England Schwartz Latoya J. Sconiers Bryson Kent Seastrand Taranjeet Singh Loribeth L. Smith Lucas Patrick Smith Trey V. Smith Marcus Warren Smith Rebecca Leigh Solomon Jared F. Spangler Somone Spicer Shandra Denell Staker Charlene L. Stamps Lorrita A. Stoltz Amanda Louise Taylor Paul Alejandro Tejeda Vanessa Terraza Jacob Paul Thornell Lindsay Tiamzon Torres Yvonne S. Tran Virginia Lynn Traster Kala B. Tubbs Taikeis Turner Shuntiera Renee Tyler Shelley Alexandra ValladaresBurke Ashley Rae Varndell Annette Vasquez Anamile Griselda Vasquez Erika Marie Velasquez Connie Veloz Jade Dominique Villalobos Krishna Karen Kosko Viray Abigail Arcos Virgen Salvatore Ricardo Lo Vullo John Oscar Walls IV Jennifer Lynn Walsh Erica Symone White Leanna Marie Wilkins

Jennifer Ann Willey Heather William Reynald Charles Williams Angela Charlotte Winward Tasharoh Laurice Workman

Lyndsay Nicole Bordy Christopher Sean Boron Taylor Ann Bowman Allison Marie Box Alannah Breana Bradley

SCHOOL OF NURSING

Shane Andrew Brien Elizabeth Maria Brogdon Jennifer Ann Brown Krystal Pearl Buckler Maria Stella P. Burchard Sandra Belinda Calleros Nicole Titular Cancio Alexa Cano Tyler D. Card Karina M. Cardoza Joseph Carpenter Bianca Carreira Carlisa Sydneigh Soleil Caso Andrew Jason Castillo Jeffrey Ceredon Sandra Cervantes Monique Y. Chouquer Julie Christiansen Kristin Michelle Claman Julienne Aileen Nicolas Clemente Steven Mari Marcilla Cook Debra Lynn Cote Elena Lynn Crandell Glenn Curtis Cress Kelly Cruz Amy Marie Dalbol Megan Panida Delacuadra Madison Nicole Delk

Saada Abdela Maria Natalia Brion Abutin Estela Aguilar Ingrid Gabriela Flores Alfaro Charleigh Ann Allen Eliza Farol Allen Samantha Lynn Altergott Lorin-Pierre Andre Besilda Glean Angue Melissa Sue Anselmo Veronica Arias Lourdes Gabriela Arroyo Alemayehu Assefa Gredelin Avila Alyssa Andrea Aycock Jennifer L. Bagwell Tatiana Bartosic Careli Beltran Gabrielle Jessica Beyler Jigisha Samir Bhavsar Janis Nikki Bitor Natasha Marie Boganski Airah Bolaton Frailileth Baria. Bondoc Catherine Anne-Yee Boone

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Camila Correa Delsignore Jacqlyne Nicole Diaz Nicole Gaerlan Dirilo Joyce-Anne Aurigue Dizon John Paolo E. Domingo Candida Duenas Samantha Jean Dymond Tyler Lee Edwards Jennifer Ruth Evans Jamie Gertz Fajardo Alison Awa ArcegaFalaminiano Jacqueline Samantha Fatigate Nicole Patricia Fitzpatrick Cynthia Berenice Flynn Tewasontahawitha Porter Fowler Aubrey Lanea Frehner Brenda Berenice Guerrero Gallegos Reanna Nicole Gardner Nilofar Ghyasi Saddia Ghyasi Monica Alejandra Goldsmith Jillian Marie Goodart Tahni Lyn Graham Emily Leeann Grandorf Veletia Sharon Gray Geneva Marcy G. Gregorio Derek Griffith Lauren De Guzman Anne De Guzman Mariah Lauren De Guzman Jenny Lynn Hagenmaier Katherine Mary Hall Jillian Sierra Harmon Mayra A. Nevarez Hawley Sarah Marie Hembree Andria Tanika Henderson Ashley N. Henderson Mae Janellie Valeroso Hernaez Carissa Adrianna Hernandez John Gerald-Balido Herra Mason Edward Hiedeman Christine Hristov Shu Y. Huang Grace Hunter Justin Jagusch Marjorie Kaye Janson

Christer-Jay Macadangdang Jarra Marissa Marie Jedynak Nancy Carolina Johnson Rebecca Charese Jones Kaitlyn Kaminski Tammie Yoshiko Kamisato Celeste Mini Kim You Kyung Julia Kim Jayde Whitney King Brianna Marie Kirk Holly Kovacich Lauren Lee Krolasik Erika Gin Carreon Lacson Nenita Reyes Lagazo Merle Everette Lawter III Jocelyn Leal Andrew Lee Tiffani Michelle Lenzi Cristina Juarez Lewis Candi Long Rubit Tanady Lopez Edriane Joy Japitana Maghari Katherine Malubay Magno Kara Kasparian Maki Thao Thanh Malcho Michael L. Mallory Abby Marie Calatrava Mangubat Charisma D. Maniago Louise Savellano Manio Jessica R. Mannheimer Victoria Ann Maracle Danica Quiming Martinez Alexis Joan Matty JoAnne Marie McCready Kristen A. McGuinness Ileana Cabrera Medina Noemie Medrano Ruslan Melnikov Leah Marie Merry Michelle Meneilly Meyer Nickole Maree Middleton Lee Andrew Miesner

Courtney Lyn Miller Jasnina La’Shon Constantino Mills Manisha Minesh Mistry Melissa K. Montenegro Natalia Montenegro Leah Diane Montz Victoria Sigrit Moreno Yukie Murayama Margarita Navarro Bobbie Lynn Nemetz Marlene Ubilla-Nicasio Ruth Njeri Njuguna Maria Lourdes Nolos Brian James Noonan Celestine Ama Nortey Perpetual A. Nosakhare Justin Dwight Nott Leilani Follante Nuha Dianne Lyn Ocan Sandra Aracely Olague Elva P. Olmedo Trina Renee Osborne Jenny Stephanie Osegueda Yeimin Pacchiega Kallie Pancham Keenan Martel Partridge Vimal Patel Lowen K.D. Patigayon Sabrina Angelina Perez John Phillip Amancio Price Aleksandra Pudar Justine Marisol Pyne Janine Allyson Ramos Vianca Clarice Reginaldo Caressa Reyes Michelle Reyes Sarah S. Rezaee Jennifer Marie Rivera Soraya Zahra Robertson Daija Danielle-Chariece Robinson Edith P. Perez-Robles Marisa C. Rodriguez

Charliza Gacasan Rojas Ximena Maria Paz Ruiz Tina Marie Rumsey Jennifer Delgado-Saldana Stacey Lee Samet Alejandro Sandoval Erin Sue Sandoval Wilma Sang Ann Jerika Santos Nicole Revé Santovito Genevieve Reyes Sarmiento Sonya Marie Schutts Angela Rae Segura Dawn Renee Quintero-Sellers Steven Selter Shelby Marie Shanley Gabrielle Nicole Sharpe Lynette Renee Shore Rita Wing Tak Siu Mariam Skaikay Erica Joan Steiman Laura Elizabeth Straight Tiffany Michelle Sumner Seiko Tanaka Jennifer Taormina Kiersaula Madiel Gabato Taylor Sibyl B. Tharayani Holly Hagan Thomas Laura Joy Thrower Riah M. Tiquia Luis Giovanni Carrasco Tobar

Martha Diaz-Del-Toro Katarina Marie Torrella Katie Huyen Tran Victoria Marie Truman Natalie Ulloa Kimberly Ann Uthoff Cindy Valadez Brooke Alexander VanArsdale Christina Kimberly Ann VanDyke Beata K. Lorenc Vanis Norma Grisel Vences Jennifer Lynn Vroman XiaoZhao Wang Tanja Wasielewski Desiree Whytus Tyler Erin Williams Susan Marie Wingate Ment Wong Brianna Nicole Woods Crista Mae Therese Sedillo Yamomo Mikayla J. Yeakel Kortney Rachel Yoder Evelyn Yoon

The Nevada State College Office of Institutional Research defines the class of 2019 as “graduates with degrees conferred in the summer 2018, fall 2018, and spring 2019 semesters.”

To provide updates to the Office of Institutional Advancement, please call (702) 992-2356.

[ 2020] Nevada State College | 45

UPDATED TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS RTC Buses In an effort to better serve transit customers, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) implemented a number of cost-neutral improvements to increase service on some of its most popular transit routes December 8, 2019.

The transit service changes were primarily in the East Henderson area to better serve the growing College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Henderson campus and Nevada State College (NS) with three bus trips per hour as well as the surrounding neighborhoods that have a high rate of transit ridership. Specifically, these changes are:

•

Route 217 (Warm Springs/Lake Mead Parkway) will now have more convenient two-way service with a condensed loop east of Boulder Highway, providing more direct service for transit riders in the area.

•

The Boulder Highway Express (BHX) will branch into the BHX‑A and BHX‑B south of Lake Mead Parkway to improve service to both CSN and NS campuses.

The current BHX will become BHX‑A. The new BHX‑B will remain on Boulder Highway and continue to Nevada State Drive, ending at NS.

• The Henderson & Downtown Express (HDX) will now take Water Street to Pacific

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Avenue and Horizon Drive (replacing Route 217) and will also serve the CSN Henderson campus.

The RTC also offers discounted monthly and semester passes for Nevada State College students and faculty. This partnership allows active college students and faculty to purchase passes on campus at the NS Cashier’s Office, the Nevada State Bookstore, and the RTC Administration Building, 600 S. Grand Central Parkway. Valid campus ID must be presented when boarding the vehicle with an NS pass. For more details, visit rtcsnv.com.

Campus Commuter Nevada State College, in partnership with CSN, announced a new transportation service to be tested throughout the spring 2020 semester.

The Campus Commuter, a student shuttle pilot program, will stop at all three CSN campuses (West Charleston, North Las Vegas, and Henderson), Nevada State College, and a location to be determined in East Las Vegas. The shuttle service will include a downloadable app for scheduling rides and viewing the location of the shuttles.

More information on the Campus Commuter will be posted to nsc.edu/transportation as it becomes available. Students can also fill out the interest form on the site to be notified of updates. n

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