General College News

Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Lozito-Haskins ‘08

September 22, 2026

Originally posted: Jul. 17, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Melissa Lozito-Haskins

Degree: ‘08 B.S. Human Services

Current Employer: Empowering Minds PLLC

What led you to pursue a degree in human services?

I knew I wanted to work in a helping field, but didn’t yet know what shape that would take. Being nominated as a peer counselor in high school had given me an early taste of informal counseling, and the human services program aligned with my values and offered concrete tools for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

Tell your professors what you actually want – not just the polished version. When I met with Dr. Larry Ashley about my first internship and my interest in deeper community involvement, he told me about an internship working directly with him where I got to experience a bit of everything our field had to offer. It was such a valuable experience.

What’s something people should know about you?

My husband and I are committed animal people and gamers. We share our home with three dogs – Jackson, Toby, and Sif – and three chickens named Beakachu (Beak for short), Stardew, and Leia.

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

PAYING IT FORWARD: THE UNLV EDUCATION ALUMNI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 1, 2025

By: Sakinah Musa

“I received scholarships, but they weren’t through the federal government or UNLV as a system. They were from donors,” said UNLV alumnus John Starkey, ‘12 M.Ed., Educational Leadership.

Many members of the college’s alumni chapter have similar experiences and that’s why the chapter is paying it forward with a scholarship aimed at helping students in need.

An Avenue for Impact

The chapter provides multiple paths for alumni to support students through scholarships, mentorship, or simply by being a part of a larger Rebel community. Making education more accessible is one of the chapter’s top priorities.

“We viewed it as a huge area for us to utilize and help students get educated. The scholarship is arguably the most practical thing we could do.”

Scholarship, Mentorship and Community

Beyond the scholarship, which they hope to sustain through additional fundraising, the chapter is involved in community engagement activities like preparing hygiene kits for UNLV’s Take What You Need program and cleaning books for children in partnership with Spread the Word.

The chapter is also in the process of establishing a mentoring program and getting even more involved in community building.

Matching Support From The Dean’s Office

The Dean’s office is doubling the impact of the scholarship with a plan to match the amount each year.

“We are incredibly grateful to our alumni chapter for their generosity in establishing this scholarship. Their commitment to supporting our students demonstrates the power of giving back and investing in the future of education.” Karim Hussain, the college’s director of development, shared. “This scholarship will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, helping them achieve their goals and make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.”

About the Education Alumni Chapter Scholarship

The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually beginning Fall 2025, full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree in education are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be Nevada residents, have earned at least 60 credits and have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results. Non-FAFSA-eligible students must complete the Alternate Need

Determination (AND) Form. Applicants must answer the following essay question in the application: “As a future alumni, how do you plan to give back to the College of Education?”

Learn more about this scholarship and other financial support opportunities, application process, and deadline.

Butler and Surrain receive 2027 President’s Public Purpose Grants

July 21, 2026

Originally posted: Jun. 12, 2026

By: Nancy Weaver

Congratulations to Marcedes Butler (Education) and Sarah Surrain (Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education) for receiving 2027 President’s Public Purpose grants. Marcedes received a $15,000 Rian Satterwhite Civic Engagement Partnership Grant for the Homegrown Teacher Pipeline Program in partnership with Silver State Education Foundation. Sarah received a $5,000 Faculty Community-Based Research Partnership Grant for Cultivating “Family Circles”: A New Community Partnership to Support Bilingual Development and Caregiver project with Family2Family.

The View from the Top

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 20, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

Experienced teacher and counselor Kimberly Mahan’s experience and heart make her leadership success inevitable.

The top 5%.

That’s what Gabrielle Crawford, Clark County School District (CCSD) director of student services, said about Kimberly Mahan. Kimberly’s innovative leadership and dedication to student success make her the ideal Counselor Education Alum of the Year.

“Her ability to lead with integrity, innovate, and foster a positive school culture sets her apart,” Gabrielle praised.

Kimberly’s journey at UNLV spans nearly two decades and three degree programs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in counselor education in 2016. Now, she is pursuing her second master’s in educational policy and leadership.

Her decision to pursue leadership came after stepping into the counseling department chair role at Green Valley High School, where she began working more closely with administrators.

“I got a glimpse into the administrators’ world and discovered that I enjoyed working with them and providing input on school procedures,” Kimberly said.

However, counseling remains at the heart of her work.

“The most rewarding aspect of my work is making students laugh when they’re having a bad day,” she shared.

Beyond the walls of Green Valley High, Kimberly is making an impact across CCSD and the UNLV community. She collaborates with peers at other schools to improve counseling practices and support student mental health across the district. She also helps middle schools and Green Valley High stay connected and ensures students and parents receive important school updates and event information.

At a pivotal moment in her career, receiving the Alum of the Year Award is both a celebration of her past achievements and a source of motivation for the future, as she prepares to graduate this spring.

“Exploring a different career path after nine years of school counseling is not an easy decision, and this award makes me feel like my time in this position truly mattered,” Kimberly said.

Looking ahead, she hopes her legacy will be centered on mentorship and paying it forward, a lesson she learned from one of her earliest mentors in education.

“I hope that anybody who has worked with me will remember something valuable I may have taught them, and will pay it forward when they are in a position to do so,” she said.

We are honored to celebrate an inspiring alumna for her dedication to students and her commitment to service.

Celebrating Purpose: Monica Moreno is NSHE Regents’ Undergraduate Academic Advisor of The Year

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 19, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

“Monica is the definition of what it means to be an exceptional academic advisor,” Cecilia Rivera shared.

Cecilia first met Monica Moreno at her freshman orientation. As a first-generation college student, Cecilia felt overwhelmed by the transition to university life, but with Monica’s motivation and care, she is on her way to crossing the finish line.

“Without her guidance, I would not be completing my degree.”

Cecilia is one of the hundreds of students who have been impacted by Monica’s 15-year-long commitment to creating a safe space for them, which has earned her a well-deserved recognition as the Regents’ Undergraduate Academic Advisor for 2025-2026.

Purpose over Pressure

Monica’s journey at UNLV began in 2007 as an elementary education major and an office manager at the College of Education’s student advising center. After realizing her major wasn’t a good fit, she switched to human services. During an internship, she worked one-on-one with students and realized she had found her path.

“Getting to know them and being there for them filled my heart,” Monica said.

Upon graduating in 2011, an advising position in the college opened up, and she hasn’t looked back. Her dedication and impact have not only earned her multiple recognitions but also propelled her from academic advisor to associate director of the Education Services Student Center (ESSC).

And although her advising work is now limited due to more administrative duties, Monica finds fulfillment in supporting students and their advisors.

“I wake up loving what I do every day, and that’s the most important thing to me.”

Space for Students

A first-generation student and daughter of immigrants, Monica approaches advising with a deep understanding of the realities most UNLV students face and the pressure they experience.

“When I met Monica, I quickly identified with her and felt at ease discussing my

challenges and insecurities with her,” Cecilia stated.

Monica’s ability to connect on a personal level and be vulnerable with them makes them feel seen and supported, and motivates them to reach their goals.

Beyond Recognition

Monica was named the NSHE Regents’ undergraduate academic advisor of the year from a pool of advisors across NSHE institutions, in honor of her advising work specifically for the Nevada Forward™ apprenticeship programs.

“I care about everything I do, and this award validates that,” Monica shared.

This award is one of many that Monica has received. She is also UNLV’s Outstanding Advising Administrator of the Year and was the recipient of last year’s Undergraduate Advisor award. All of these are a testament to her dedication to the community she serves.
Looking ahead, Monica intends to remain at UNLV until she retires. What matters most to her is having a job that lets her stay true to her purpose and helping students find a similar path.

Wonderful Washoe Rebel | Spring 2026 | Winner Announcement

July 15, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 21, 2026

By: Jenn Oshiro Rivers

The UNLV College of Education is pleased to announce that Deanne Moyle-Hicks was named the Spring 2026 Wonderful Washoe Rebel! Deanne earned her bachelors in Elementary Education in 1993 and has been a dedicated educator within the state of Nevada for several decades, currently serving as Numu Language Certified Teacher Specialist – WCSD Family School Partnerships. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and an officer of the UNLV College of Education Alumni Chapter. Deanne was also named the Nevada Teacher of the Year in 2022.

If you know a UNLV College of Education alum living or working in Washoe County who deserves recognition, nominate them for the next award cycle.

Find all the ways you can recognize the outstanding College of Education alumni on our Alumni Awards page.

New Advisory and Advocacy Board Created

July 15, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 1, 2026

By: Nancy Weaver

UNLV’s College of Education is pleased to announce the establishment of its Advisory and Advocacy Board. This group of community leaders will voluntarily serve as ambassadors, advocates, and advisors to Dean Hays and college leadership as we continue advancing the college’s mission and strategic priorities.

Our inaugural board members are:

Irene Bustamante Adams, deputy director and chief strategy officer for Workforce Connections, stands out as a recognized dynamic leader. In her 18 years at MGM Resorts International, she oversaw award-winning national programs. Her dedication to public service led her to represent District 42 in the Nevada Assembly, culminating in her role as Speaker Pro Tempore. In 2025, Bustamante Adams secured a seat on the Clark County School Board, the fifth-largest school district in the nation, and eventually served as board president. She later served as president of the Nevada Association of School Boards.

Lizette Guillen Collins is the executive director and chief executive officer of Nevada Partners, Inc. (NPI), a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing unemployment through cradle-to-career education, vocational training, and workforce development. She secures and manages millions of dollars in local, state, and federal grants, oversees complex budgets, and provides critical operational, administrative, and programmatic leadership. Driven by integrity, mentorship, and a passion for economic justice, Lizette continues to champion innovative solutions that unlock opportunity and build generational wealth for Nevada’s historically underserved communities.

Liz Morris is a dynamic leader with a rich and varied professional background spanning entrepreneurship, education, and nonprofit management. Liz currently serves as interim executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Nevada. She brings experience in nonprofit operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth, combined with her personal connection as a peer and family member impacted by mental health conditions. This blend of professional expertise and lived experience fuels her commitment to advancing NAMI Southern Nevada’s mission.

Business leader John Pucci leveraged his many years in operational excellence to advance to his current role as senior vice president of marketing at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The native New Yorker moved to Las Vegas in 1986 to open his first small business and help found After School All Stars. He then served as food and beverage director at UNLV’s main sporting venues until he was recruited to help open Wynn Las Vegas. He and his wife, Anne Jacklin, share four children and four grandchildren.

For more than 34 years in the credit union industry, Ralph Ramirez is deeply committed to serving the Southern Nevada education community—driving organizational change that strengthens schools, elevates member experiences, and expands financial literacy programs for educators, students, and families throughout the region. The California native and proud father of two currently serves as the chief experience officer at Silver State Schools Credit Union, where his strategic leadership and financial expertise advance education-focused initiatives and community impact in Southern Nevada.

Tamara “Tam” Shear’s life-changing education experience as a first-generation college grad drives her fight to ensure opportunities for others. From her start as a middle school math teacher in Washington, D.C., she continues to see that when high expectations are matched with high-quality support, students excel academically and personally. Prior to her time with Opportunity 180, she worked with Teach for America, TNTP, and Achievement Network. Tam uses collaborative relationships to ensure all students and families in Nevada, especially our most underserved, have access to great public schools and people in those schools who are deeply committed to their success.

Dr. Victor Wakefield, Nevada’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, leads the state’s pre-K–12 public education system and ensures every student in Nevada is prepared for college, career, and life success. He began his career as a middle school English teacher in Indiana, then recruited hundreds of high-potential leaders nationwide to join Teach For America (TFA). In 2011, he moved to Nevada to lead TFA’s training and support for Clark County educators. He also served on Nevada’s State Board of Education and as a senior fellow at the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities.

Kelvin Watson, executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, focuses his leadership skills on fundraising, technology, program development, and closing the digital divide through Nevada’s largest library system. He is credited with expanding his customer base through outreach efforts to underserved and diverse populations, which earned the district three consecutive Library of the Future Awards from the American Library Association. With numerous academic and professional credentials, he has been recognized with the ALA Medal of Excellence, City of Las Vegas African American Trailblazer Award, and the NAACP Las Vegas Chapter James Anderson Visionary Award.