Originally posted: Apr. 10, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Malvyn Barlaw

Degree: ‘14 B.S. Early Childhood Education

Current Employer: Acelero Learning

What do you think it is about early childhood education versus K-12 that interests you?

One of my philosophies is that all education is just early childhood education. If you can teach a little one the first steps in life, you can kind of tailor that and change it into higher ed. I say it a lot, but I feel like little ones are what I believe humanity is like, and how humanity should be. That’s what our base setting is, is how the kids view the world-with a lot of love and a lot of wonder. I want us to help each other like that.

Why do you think other alumni should get involved?

I believe in learning and teaching, and I feel that even as adults, we need to do that. We need to take care of our own social-emotional side and spiritual side. With just the way the world is now, there’s not a lot of facilitated outlets for that. So, the Alumni Association is that facilitation.

Do you have any favorite memories of UNLV as a student?

I met a lot of my best friends there. I met my fiance there. But I think, it’s so silly, one of my favorite memories is just taking a nap in the grass between classes. There used to be the Subway in the back behind the CEB building, and there’s the little grass patch. I’ll just take my hat and put on my head, just nap there.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Originally posted: Mar. 27, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Charlie Merrill

Degree: ‘22 M.Ed. Special Education

Current Employer: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

What are you most proud of from your UNLV experience?

Completing the program, teaching full-time and being in the program was stressful. I think being able to complete the courses and get decent grades just in of itself was an accomplishment for me. It was definitely a lot of time management, knowing when I was going to get things done and trying to get them done early in case anything went wrong. For me it was always important to make sure I had time to turn off.

What was a fun and/or unique class you took?

I remember learning about Bloom’s Taxonomy in one of the courses. That specifically was something that has been helpful in my current job. It was something I mentioned in the interview, and it helped me get this job because the person that leads my department is really into learning theories as well.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I’ve been to over 30 countries, and I’m always looking to visit the next one. I just went to Norway this year. So, that was this year’s new one. I went to Bergen, which I didn’t know but it is the rainiest city in Europe, and it did rain the whole time, so it definitely lived up to that.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Originally posted: Oct. 24, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Krystal Green

Degree: ‘16 M.Ed. Early Childhood Education

Current Employer: Clark County School District

What are some key aspects of campus culture that helped prepare you for the professional world?

The university has a strong connection to Las Vegas industries—especially education and hospitality—so they’re not guessing at what employers want. The programming was specific, supportive, and designed with working adults in mind.

What is something people don’t know about your field that you believe they should know?

The passion for helping students grow is powerful. Whether you’re in a classroom or in a leadership position, seeing a child reach a milestone—whether it’s a performance or graduation—is incredibly rewarding.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

Keep going—no matter what. Life throws challenges your way, and sometimes you need to take big leaps and break them down into baby steps. If financial aid falls through or you hit other roadblocks, don’t stop. Just slow down if you need to, but keep moving forward. That persistence is everything.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Originally posted: Jan. 30, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Jamie Lohmeyer

Degree: ‘24 M.Ed. Special Education

Current Employer: Innovations International Charter School

What are you doing now and how did UNLV prepare you for your career?

My position is a special education teacher for kindergarten through first grade. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Spies taught me pretty much everything I know and use on a daily basis. Everything I learned from UNLV was valuable. I also went through Project PRAISER with Dr. Brown and Dr. Van Ness. The professors break it down for you and share that real-world stuff; that’s taught me more than just going off the pedagogy.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

If possible, volunteer in classrooms prior to going for it. Most of what we learn in the textbooks, until you actually do it, you’re not going to know. Professors give great tips and absolutely listen to them; but if you’re able to, go into a classroom and volunteer.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

My biggest hobby is going to Rebel football games and music concerts. I’ve been to several hundred concerts. Probably Ozzy Osbourne is a top five. I always have music on in my classroom as well.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Originally posted: Jan. 3, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Cyndy Anang

Degrees: Class of 2015 M.Ed. Special Education, Class of 2022 Ph.D. Special Education

Current Role: Assistant Professor of Early Childhood at Nevada State University

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education/human services?

I am originally from Ghana, and I came to the USA with my family. I wanted to continue my education, so I applied to UNLV. However, due to my credits, I had to restart my undergrad.

While pursuing my bachelor’s, I was exposed to the UNLV/CSUN preschool. Working with children with disabilities inspired me to pursue an education degree.

What is your current position, and how did UNLV prepare you for your career?

I currently work as an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood at Nevada State University. My classes at UNLV really helped me prepare for my career, and they helped me apply all the theories I learned to practice. I also love to incorporate the research that I learn into my classroom.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

Don’t give up!

There will be challenges, but that’s why it’s important to keep going. Nothing in life comes easy, and if they do, they tend not to last. So, make goals and don’t give up. Make vision boards if necessary to keep you motivated.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!