News Stories

A Long Awaited Dream, Realized in the Classroom

July 21, 2026

Originally posted: Jun. 16, 2026

For Las Vegas native Mardeane Gaston, becoming a teacher wasn’t a sudden decision—it was a lifelong calling, shaped by decades of experience, perseverance, and an unwavering love for children.

Now in her second year as a licensed pre-K teacher, Mardeane brings more than 35 years of experience in the school district to her classroom. She began her career working in support roles, including food service, before realizing that her passion for working directly with children could become something more.

Her path to teaching, however, was anything but linear.

A long journey marked by resilience

Mardeane first enrolled in college in the late 1990s, earning her associate’s degree in 2001 while balancing work and family responsibilities. Over the years, life presented significant challenges—including the loss of both parents and three siblings at a young age, which led to her becoming guardian of one of her nieces—that repeatedly paused her education journey. Still, she continued taking classes when she could, determined to one day finish.

A turning point through UNLV

Everything changed when she learned about the Nevada Forward™ Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program (UAP) through UNLV and the Clark County School District. By then, Mardeane had spent years balancing work, family obligations, and coursework, steadily inching toward a degree that often felt just out of reach.

What made UAP different was the support system surrounding it. Through her connection with UNLV faculty, including Dr. Joseph Morgan, Mardeane found mentors who saw her potential and refused to let her give up. When she became discouraged after being asked to retake required exams, Dr. Morgan reminded her how close she was to achieving her goal.

“He told me, ‘You’re too close to stop now,’” she recalls.

The program’s flexible format helped her fit coursework around her full-time job, but it was the personal encouragement that proved transformational. Faculty members helped her navigate requirements, connected her with resources, and provided reassurance during moments of doubt. Student-teaching mentors and instructors offered practical guidance in the classroom, while the program’s structure kept her moving forward towards graduation.

“Having people check in on me and help me through the process made a difference,” Gaston says. “They wanted to see me succeed.”

For someone who had spent decades starting and stopping her education while caring for family members and navigating life’s challenges, that support helped turn a long-held dream into a reality. Within a year and a half, she completed the remaining coursework needed to earn her bachelor’s degree and teaching license.

Reflecting on her journey, she offers simple but powerful advice to others considering the path she took: “Go for it. It takes discipline, but if it’s what you really want to do, it’s a great program and it can help get you where you want to be.

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.

From Rebel Roots to National Impact: Lisa Rubin’s Journey to Higher Education Alumni of the Year

July 21, 2026

Originally posted: Jun. 1, 2026

By: Kelsey Claus

When Lisa Rubin arrived at UNLV as a doctoral student, few could have predicted the national impact she would go on to make in higher education. Today, as the recipient of the UNLV College of Education Higher Education Alumna of the Year, Dr. Rubin’s career stands as a testament to the power of leadership, scholarship, and unwavering connection to her alma mater.

Dr. Rubin completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at UNLV in 2012 while balancing full-time work in career services and teaching responsibilities at institutions across Southern Nevada. Colleagues remember her as a driven scholar and collaborative leader who embraced every opportunity to support students both inside and outside the classroom.

Just two years later, she accepted a tenure-track faculty position at Kansas State University, where she would begin a remarkable rise through the academic ranks. At Kansas State, Dr. Rubin became nationally recognized for her scholarship in student affairs, academic advising, and student-athlete development. Her research has helped shape conversations around how institutions support college athletes and the professionals who guide them academically and personally. She co-authored the only published book dedicated specifically to student-athlete development, a text now used in graduate coursework at UNLV. She has since risen to the rank of full professor while earning numerous professional honors for her research, teaching, and leadership.

Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Rubin was named one of the Top 25 Women in Higher Education by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education and has received multiple national awards recognizing her contributions to student-athlete development and academic advising.

Despite her national prominence, Dr. Rubin has remained deeply connected to UNLV and the Rebel community. Over the years, she has returned to campus to speak with students in Higher Education Leadership and Intercollegiate and Professional Sport Management programs, sharing insights from her professional journey and mentoring the next generation of leaders. She has also maintained close ties with fellow alumni across the country, proudly representing UNLV wherever her work has taken her.

Her career reflects the values that continue to define the College of Education community: leadership, service, scholarship, and a commitment to helping students succeed. As Higher Education Alumna of the Year, Dr. Rubin represents the lasting impact of UNLV graduates who continue to shape education far beyond campus.

Alumni Spotlight: Megan Prater ’14 ’19

July 21, 2026

Originally posted: May. 9, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Megan Prater

Degree: BSED Elementary Education, MEd English Language Learning

Current Role: Magnet Coordinator at CCSD

What are you most proud of from your UNLV experience?

The relationships I built. Hands down. I love that I have friendships from UNLV that still provide that kind of support system. Even for those who have moved out of Las Vegas, we still stay in touch. That sense of community is something I’m really proud of.

Why should alumni stay engaged at UNLV?

Because it keeps us connected to something bigger than ourselves. Alumni engagement is about giving back. We know what it’s like to be in those classrooms, trying to navigate college, our careers, and life. By staying engaged, we get to support the next generation and continue strengthening our field.

Tell us about you as a person!

One of my biggest passions is traveling. In 2018, I made a goal with my now-husband to travel somewhere new every month. Since we work in education, we get three-day weekends often, so we took advantage of those to explore different places. It’s something we’ve continued to do over the years.

Alumni Spotlight: Bucket Manyweather ‘24

July 21, 2026

Originally posted: May. 8, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Bucket Manyweather

Degree: ‘24 Ph.D. Higher Education

Current Employer: Roseman University

What made you want to come to UNLV to study education?

At first, I was in an Ed.D. program at San Francisco State University, and then I realized I wanted to do something more theoretical. I was looking for a Ph.D. program that was laser focused in higher education. One of the programs that stood out to me was this one at UNLV. I saw an emphasis on policy in higher ed, especially with Dr. Frederick Ngo. And that really attracted me to apply to the program.

What are the most important sought after skills in your current role? Did UNLV help in developing or building those skills?

It’s something that Dr. Ngo also exemplified. Meeting students where they’re at. Instead of having these ideas of what students can be, meet them where they’re at in their first year. Sometimes, they do flourish. Sometimes, they need a little bit more support. That’s something that I really appreciate about having a mentor who was able to see me as a dynamic person. I see my students in that way as well. I see the potential in them.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?

You never know where life may take you. I never thought I’d end up back in Las Vegas after I graduated. I think especially if you’re passionate about the work you do, you’ll always go where you’re needed. I think they needed a lot of passionate professionals to be here to encourage the next generation of physicians. A year ago, I never thought that would be me necessarily. Be open to possibilities. Stick to your values.

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

When the Overflow Heals – Mardae Castro

July 21, 2026

Originally posted: May. 8, 2025

By: Kia Cummings

When the Overflow Heals

She survived sexual assault and a suicide attempt, substance abuse, and an autoimmune disease diagnosis. All of these things could define Mardae Castro, but this human services major is shifting her identity beyond survivor to helper and advocate, focused on serving the Filipino community.

“My culture doesn’t believe in mental health. Getting help just isn’t something that exists for us,” Mardae admitted. Faced with all this, some might give up entirely, but after surviving a failed attempt on her life, Mardae chose a path to restore herself and others. And thanks to financial support from the College of Education’s field experience scholarship, she’s focusing on changing mental health mindsets on addiction and family services.

When Healing Becomes the Priority

After being diagnosed with Graves’ disease and post-traumatic stress disorder, Mardae took a hiatus from her initial path toward a nursing career to focus on her own health. She connected with social workers and therapists, and while these human service professionals were helpful, something was still missing. “None of them looked like me, and so much of my therapy journey was me trying to explain the cultural aspects behind what I was going through.”

From the Front Desk to the Front Lines

Five years later, as she took baby steps to get back into the rhythm of life, she resumed her studies while working as a receptionist at the UNLV PRACTICE—a community mental health clinic.

The experience opened her eyes to the real impact culturally-responsive mental health professionals could have. “I could see the students coming in regularly, and how it was actually making a difference.” From there, she transitioned to working at various private practices in Las Vegas, where she was the first point of contact for people seeking help—guiding them through uncertainty and connecting them to the right clinician.

Healing that Starts with Awareness

Mardae knows firsthand that managing stress and anxiety without healthy coping skills is next to impossible and can lead to unhealthy behaviors. While experiencing the highs and lows of her initial academic pursuit, she knew when something was off. “I noticed that I couldn’t handle the stress [of school] or any stress at all.” She felt the toll academically, socially, and mentally. The strain of everyday tasks led her immune system to attack itself.

Her work now aims to get ahead of situations like this for the populations she works with. She also serves as the human services honor society president, a UNLV Human Services Advisory Board representative, a Filipino-American Student Association member, and mom to a 6-year-old son.

Pouring Into Her Purpose

With most of her coursework done, she’s beginning to put theory into practice. In her internships, she shadows therapists in both individual and group settings—particularly with young adults. “Watching their progress and seeing how much they trust their therapists, I knew I wanted to be part of that kind of healing.”

Students often hit a financial roadblock when they reach the field experience requirement of their program. For a single mom like Mardae, the financial support she’s receiving from her scholarship helps her balance her academic, professional, and family commitments. “I didn’t have to pay out of pocket for these last two semesters. And my son loves doing homework because he sees me doing it too. He’s like, ’Mommy, we can do homework together!’”

Mardae’s journey to fulfilling her dreams continues to challenge her, but she’s working to strike her perfect balance. However, it’s filling up her cup and her purpose that drives her to be her best self. “In this field, all we really do is pour into other people. So I think it’s super important to participate in all the things I do because they fill my cup so that I’m not pouring from empty.”

From Paraprofessional to Future Educator: How Cristal Villalpando Found Her Path

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 28, 2025

By: Sakinah Musa

“I didn’t know programs like this existed.”

That was Cristal Villalpando’s first reaction when she learned about UNLV’s Nevada Forward Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program. This pathway would allow her to become a licensed elementary teacher without quitting her job, relocating her family from Elko, or taking on student loans. What began as a support role has now grown into the pursuit of her dream–becoming the kind of teacher she once needed.

Finding Her Path

Cristal began her journey working with English language learners (ELLs) with individualized education plans (IEPs) to receive the additional support they need to succeed in the classroom. There, she discovered her love for working with students.

“The effort they put into their education despite their struggle with the language barrier stood out to me,” she said. “They also appreciated the help, and it was rewarding for me. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a teacher.”

Now a paraprofessional in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department at Elko High School, she’s ready to take the next step in her career – becoming a licensed educator through the apprenticeship program.

A Welcome Opportunity

Upon receiving an email about the program, Cristal reached out to a colleague to learn more.

“Once I understood it was fully funded and I could keep working while doing it, I applied immediately.”

After twelve months of flexible learning, she’s about to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education this summer and become the teacher she wished she had.

More than a Career – A Path

Growing up, Cristal didn’t have teachers who looked like her. Being bilingual is part of her motivation to teach and help multilingual students adopt a more complex learning process than their single-language peers. For her, becoming a certified teacher is beyond filling a position– it’s about building relationships with the students through consistency and care.

“Kids need to see familiar faces around for years, as knowing teachers’ reputation can help them feel excited to go to school.”

Cristal also believes her transition from a paraprofessional to a licensed educator is even more critical because it helps with the ongoing teacher shortage in Nevada, especially in the community where she grew up.

“I don’t have any reason to leave Elko, I really like it here, and so do my kids,” she says. “There’s a need for teachers here, and I know other educators here.”

While she’s yet to pick the grade level she’ll teach in next year, she’s already looking forward to building strong and supportive relationships with her students.

Alumni Spotlight: Jelani Baker ’24

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 28, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Jelani Baker

Degree: MEd Intercollegiate and Professional Sports Management

Current Role: Jr. Trader at MGM Resorts International

How did your experience at UNLV help you find your first position after graduation?

It was incredibly valuable in helping me secure my first position after graduation. The connections I made through my professors and the program director allowed me to gain firsthand experience in the field. They really opened doors for me, giving me opportunities to get involved directly within my major.

What classes do you recommend?

I highly recommend taking Sports Marketing. In the sports industry, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to generate revenue for your organization. Developing strong marketing skills is essential to thriving in this field

What is something people didn’t know about your field that you think they should know?

One thing people often don’t realize about the sports industry is the necessity of being open to relocation. Opportunities often require you to move out of your comfort zone and be willing to chase the next opportunity, sometimes far from home.

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

Recruit yourself: Michael Norsworthy’s journey to Nevada Forward™

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 27, 2026

By: Kelsey Claus

For Michael Norsworthy, the path to the classroom wasn’t something he planned—it was something that unfolded.

“I don’t think I really chose this path,” he says. “It kind of just happened for me. I walk in faith, and I think God aligned it.”

A native of Las Vegas and a proud product of the Clark County School District, Michael has spent more than two decades serving the district in a variety of roles. He began working at just 18 years old as a support staffer, later moving into human resources and recruitment. For five years, he traveled across the country recruiting future educators to CCSD and proudly “selling” his home district.

“I’m a product of this district,” he says. “It was really easy to tell people about where I come from—my home state, my community, my school system. There’s no place like Vegas.”

Ironically, it was through that recruitment work that Michael discovered the Nevada Forward™ Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program (UAP). After learning about the program, and recruiting other students to join, he applied.

Earning While Learning

While completing the accelerated, fully funded apprenticeship program, Michael continued working full-time in recruitment—traveling to colleges, hosting hiring fairs, and balancing coursework, family life, and professional responsibilities. Without this path, Michael says becoming a teacher wouldn’t have been in the cards.

In Nevada, the average cost of a four-year undergraduate degree can exceed $40-60,000 when factoring in tuition, fees, and supplies over several years. For many working professionals, that price tag alone is a barrier to entry. But thanks to the Nevada Forward™ funding model, Michael was able to pursue his degree with zero out-of-pocket costs. By braiding federal aid with state support, the program ensures that students like Michael graduate debt-free.

Time was also on his side. While a traditional undergraduate path often takes four to six years for a working adult to complete, the Nevada Forward™ model is designed for speed and efficiency. Michael was able to take courses in four-to-eight-week intervals, moving at a significantly faster pace than a standard 16-week university schedule. This allowed him to transition from recruiter to licensed educator in a fraction of the time.

He describes the experience as intense, condensed, and demanding—but transformative. “It was a whole lot of learning, not always knowing where the pieces went. But today, I can see the full picture. It was all worth it.”

Coming Full Circle

Today, Michael is a third-grade teacher at Dr. Charles I. West Preparatory Academy—a school located in the heart of historic West Las Vegas, the very community where he grew up and began his career.

“It’s full circle,” he says. “My school is in my community. My community knows me. I get to give back to the place that raised me.”

Initiative and Support

Michael emphasizes the importance of initiative—building relationships, seeking mentors, and asking questions. But he wasn’t on this path alone. He credits school administrators,learning strategists, and Nevada Forward™advisors who checked in regularly with reminders to rest, eat, and take care of himself.

“Sometimes it’s just that email that says, ‘Hey, I’m checking on you,’” he says. “Those things matter when you’re overwhelmed.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

For anyone considering applying to the Nevada Forward™ program, Michael’s advice is simple and powerful:
“Don’t give up. If it’s really your desire—and even if you’re not sure—take the chance. Step into it. The support is there, even when it feels overwhelming.”

Today, Michael isn’t just a teacher, he’s a living example of what workforce pathways, community investment, and second chances can create. From support staff to recruiter. From apprentice to educator. From community member to community leader.

And this, he says, is only the beginning.

From Research to Real Change: Honoring Dr. Jessica Robbins’ Impact on Education

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 27, 2026

By: Kelsey Claus

Dr. Jessica Robbins has never been one to seek the spotlight. In fact, she would likely tell you that research was never her strongest skill. But the work she has accomplished—both in scholarship and in practice—tells a very different story and is the reason why she’s been named the Educational Policy and Leadership (EPL) Alumni of the Year.

Dr. Robbins has become a transformative force as principal of Clark County School District’s Ruthe Deskin Elementary School, one of Las Vegas’ most underserved communities. Leading a high-needs Title I campus with a large English learner population, her work lifted the school from a one-star to a three-star rating on the Nevada School Performance Framework in just three years. During that time, student achievement in reading and math climbed by double-digit percentages, surpassing district averages and demonstrating what strong, trust centered leadership can accomplish.

That same commitment to meaningful change became the foundation of her doctoral work in the executive educational leader program. Her dissertation tackled one of education’s most urgent post-pandemic challenges: rebuilding trust between school leaders and teachers in Title I schools. Rather than stopping at theory, Dr. Robbins designed and piloted a practical tool to help principals cultivate faculty trust, work that went far beyond traditional doctoral dissertation expectations.

What makes Dr. Robbins’ story especially compelling is not only her professional success, but the resilience behind it. While leading a demanding school community and completing a rigorous doctoral program, she also balanced life as a single mother raising three children. Colleagues describe her as disciplined, humble, and remarkably composed under pressure—someone who embraces challenges head-on while remaining deeply committed to the people she serves.

Dr. Robbins represents educational leaders who create lasting impacts through service, perseverance, and action. She embodies the spirit of leadership the Educational Policy and Leadership faculty strives to cultivate: a leader who creates meaningful solutions that improve lives and communities. Her work continues to shape stronger schools, leadership, and outcomes for students and educators across Nevada with trust.