News Stories

Coby Carner Is Setting The Standard For IPSM Excellence

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 26, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

Coby Carner, the inaugural Intercollegiate and Professional Sports Management (IPSM) Alum of the Year, had always envisioned a career in professional sports. Upon graduation, he found a new passion for creating opportunities for young athletes and their families across Nevada as the director of marketing for National Youth Sports (NYS) in Nevada. 

“Thousands of families play with us at NYS every season, and seeing the impact my work has on such a huge community is rewarding,” Coby shared.

This openness to unexpected opportunities is a code he lives by, one that has shaped his academic and career journeys. 

While earning a master’s degree in IPSM at UNLV, Coby became known for his leadership, professionalism, compassion, and reliability. He worked as a graduate assistant at the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute, guiding others who followed him. He also helped organize the 2021 Sport Marketing Association conference, one of the first in-person industry events held after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Coby also served as president of IPSM Student Leaders and was among the first hires for the Super Bowl Host Committee.

“Coby had to go beyond his comfort zone often. In many ways, he set the bar for those who would follow,” Nancy Lough, his professor and mentor, shared.

As an alumnus, Coby continues to contribute to the growth and development of the IPSM program by providing internship experiences and mentorship to current IPSM students. He has also been a guest speaker at student events and a collaborator on field experiences. 

His advice to new graduates is to maintain an open mindset. 

“Your career path isn’t linear, and you never know what the next opportunity could be.”

Coby’s growth and dedication to his community make him the ideal recipient of this award, and we are elated to celebrate him.

Alumni Spotlight: Louis Lim ‘18

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 22, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Louis Lim 

Degree: ‘18 B.S.Ed. Secondary Ed Social Studies 

Current Employer: CCSD | Clark HS

What led you to pursue a degree in education? 

In high school, I had a band teacher who was really supportive of me and a government teacher who had projects where we had to go out to the communities, canvas, volunteer, and talk about our experiences. It was one of the most engaging, life-changing things. I grew up watching a lot of History Channel, and I was really passionate about social studies because it was the one thing I was good at. Those two teachers really helped influence me to at least try it.

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

Michael Bowers’ class about the first amendment and women’s constitutional rights. He was such a great professor. I used the stuff that he instilled in me to teach my students about constitutional rights and when we get to Enlightenment and revolutions. Then I had a class with Dr. Steve Grubaugh in the College of Education; he gave students an opportunity to find a way to teach our content through different mediums like music, videogames, books, or articles. 

What advice do you have for current UNLV students? 

I would say that it’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to make mistakes because, at the end of the day, the kids have an understanding that they know if you come into the classroom and you have a character or you’re not being authentic. Be yourself and reflect on the teachers that changed your life. Match the same energy as the one teacher who has made that impact on you. 


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

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.

Stepping in and Stepping Up

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 20, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

Supportive Leadership Sets the 2026 School Psychology Alumni of the Year above the Rest

We all remember October 1, 2017, as one of the most tragic dates in Las Vegas history. We remember the numbers, the loss, and the trauma that followed. But no one remembers the unsung heroes. The ones who stepped up to help the community heal. 

Othoniel (Tony) Hernandez, ‘08 M.S. and ‘11 Ed.S. Educational Psychology, was one of those heroes. 

After tragedy hit the valley, Tony joined other school psychologists to help the crisis response team with mental health needs. With no clear directives, Tony took the lead by identifying needs and guiding the team toward families searching for comfort and reassurance.

“On that day, I saw Tony called to action,” recalled Jennifer Guyer, ‘05 Ed.S Educational Psychology, his colleague and last year’s School Psychology Alum of the Year recipient. “He was caring, compassionate, and supportive to individuals living their worst day.”

That lasting impression, along with Tony’s exceptional work in school psychological services, inspired Jennifer to nominate him for the 2026 School Psychology Alum of the Year award.

With over 14 years as a school psychologist with the Clark County School District, Tony has built a reputation for leadership in bilingual psychological services, crisis response, and advocacy for culturally diverse students. 

“Tony has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of our students and community,” said a CCSD director of psychological services, Douglas Landaverde.

In addition to serving his assigned schools, Tony mentors the next generation of school psychologists by training school teams in second-language acquisition, Multi-Tiered System of Supports frameworks, and culturally-responsive assessment practices.

He credits his UNLV college experiences not only for building his academic foundation, but also for helping him establish lasting professional relationships.

“Building a sound professional network has helped me access a supportive community as I navigate the day-to-day challenges,” Tony shared.

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, Hernandez’s answer is simple. 

“My aim has been to be a source of support for the community, school, family, and each student.”

It is this unwavering dedication to students, families, and the profession that makes Tony the 2026 School Psychology Alum of the Year. His work reflects the core values of school psychology: advocacy, compassion, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.

The Perfect Match: School Psychology Doctoral Program Achieves 100% Match Rate Again

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 19, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

The Perfect Match: School Psychology PhD Program Achieves 100% Internship Match Rate Again.

In February 2025, doctoral student Karisa Odrunia sat among hundreds of school psychologists at a conference in Seattle. It was Match Day. As presenters talked through slides, she felt a pull to check her email. Her stomach tightened as she saw a message from the match system. After years of coursework, practicum hours, multiple internship applications, and interviews, everything came down to this one moment. She opened the message.

She had matched – at her top clinical training site, the University of Northern Colorado’s High Plains Psychology Internship Consortium. 

“It was the best feeling ever,” she said. 

The match signified a major step toward earning her Ph.D. and becoming a licensed psychologist. 

Karisa and her classmates were all matched to their top sites. This year, the program has once again achieved a perfect match rate, well above the 80% average match rate for other  APA-accredited programs. 

This sustained success is not only a reflection of student preparedness but also of the program’s quality and its investment in student success, even though it was only accredited three years ago. 

The Match Process

School psychology doctoral students transition from 2 years of experience in the school setting to professional practice, beginning their third year of advanced training. They are encouraged to complete at least two years of this advanced field-based training before applying for an internship. 

“We want them to be just as competitive as everyone else in the match cycle,” shared Katherine Lee, the director of clinical training for the school psychology Ph.D. program. 

Students build a strong foundation in school psychology–learning how to support children, navigate special education systems, and advocate for students. They also gain clinical skills in therapy, assessment, and working with other providers. After completing their practicum, they are ready to enter the match process.

During the match, students and clinical sites rank each other, and an algorithm determines placements. Students interview with sites they’re interested in, and once matched, they move, often out of state, to complete a year-long clinical internship.

Behind The Perfect Match Rate: Preparation and Training

James Webster, one of the students in this year’s cohort, was matched at the Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania, a placement over 120 people interviewed for. 

What set him apart from the competition?

“The program makes us really well-rounded. During my practicum, I worked in schools, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and private clinics,” he shared. 

A strong network of community partnerships makes this comprehensive training possible. Annual practicum fairs and CEU sessions connect students with supervisors and clinical partners who may become their future supervisors.

These relationships help sustain a steady pipeline of training opportunities and ensure students are exposed to a wide range of clinical settings before entering the match pool.

Support and Community

When Erin Dunn, a student in last year’s cohort, moved from Seattle to Las Vegas to pursue her degree, she expected to join a competitive cohort like the one in her previous program. Instead, she found a school family. 

“The people are my favorite part of the program. We shared resources and reminded each other about deadlines,” she said. 

Matched to her first-choice site, a community mental health clinic in Minnesota, Erin found that she got through the arduous parts of the match process with the help of her faculty and fellow students. 

“The program paid for software we could use to track our hours and be on top of our documentation,” she said. 

The program’s faculty also wrote timely recommendation letters to support the students’ applications and were supportive throughout the entire match process. 

“We are not just making sure our students are meeting expectations. We see them as our future colleagues,” Katherine Lee said.


More Than a Statistic

While a consecutive 100% match rate is an impressive achievement, it also reflects the quality of a program that prepares its students for all the steps in their academic and career journeys.

“We are investing in people who will graduate and contribute to the needs of society,” Katherine disclosed.

As the demand for mental health professionals continues to grow, UNLV’s school psychology Ph.D. program students like Karisa, James, and Erin are transitioning to promising careers and serving our communities.

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.

Miguel Gonzales Named Incoming Chair of Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 15, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

We are pleased to share that Miguel Gonzales has been approved as the incoming chair of the Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education (EPLHE), effective July 1, 2025. 

He brings a wealth of administrative experience that positions him well for this leadership role. Since arriving at UNLV, Miguel has served as program coordinator of the Educational Policy and Leadership program. Before his time at UNLV, he held key executive roles in K–12 education, including principal/executive director of the Family Partnership Charter School and assistant principal in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

There is no doubt that Steven Nelson, outgoing EPLHE department chair, significantly expanded the department’s statewide and national reach during his tenure, advancing access to higher education and raising the visibility of EPLHE’s academic programs. We thank him for his service to the department and the college. 

Benita Brooks Named Incoming Teaching & Learning Department Chair

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: May. 15, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

We are pleased to announce that Benita Brooks has been approved as the incoming chair of the Department of Teaching & Learning, effective July 1, 2025.

Dr. Brooks has served as faculty chair over the past year and is a tenured associate professor in literacy education. Prior to joining UNLV, she served as assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion and as a tenured faculty member at Sam Houston State University, where she also directed the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program. Her leadership is deeply informed by her earlier career as a secondary English/language arts teacher in Nevada, California, and Texas.

We thank PG Schrader for his seven years of leadership. During his tenure,  T&L has undergone thoughtful infrastructure and bylaws transitions, and has expanded its enrollment, research capacity, and community engagement-with a focused commitment to student success and increasing higher education access for aspiring and advanced educators.

Saturday STEM Students Win Presidential AI Challenge

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 7, 2026

By: Nancy Weaver

A team of elementary school students who participated in the UNLV Saturday STEM Program last fall won the statewide Elementary Category Track II (Technical/Implementation) division in the Presidential AI Challenge. 

This achievement highlights the impact of early exposure to STEM and AI education. Structured mentorship and hands-on learning empowers young students to innovate and succeed. The Saturday STEM Program, administered by the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education (CMSEE), continues to foster the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers through engaging, real-world learning experiences.

The Winning Project

Elementary school students Vasili Moseley, Tasheni Kamanga, and Joshua Scott developed a smart parking system using AI and sensor-based technologies to detect incorrect parking and improve overall parking efficiency. 

The project originated in a six-week “Integrating Engineering, Robotics, and AI for STEM Learning” class, which focused on emerging technologies through hands-on, project-based experiences. Students learned computer science concepts and artificial intelligence strategies through hands-on experience with sensors, microcontrollers, and LEDs. Following the course, students were invited to a four-week workshop offering structured mentorship and support to develop their competition projects.

Their project was selected from more than 2,500 submissions nationwide, earning recognition as one of only 328 state-level winners.The team has since advanced to the regional competition, where they presented to a panel of judges, competing alongside other state champions. Results from the next stage of the competition are pending.

Learning behind the Learning

The course, taught by CMSEE center director Hasan Deniz, and students Dilara Kara-Zorluoglu, and Metehan Zorluoglu, was developed through a collaborative National Science Foundation grant, “Cultivating Artificial Intelligence Literacy through Linguistically Inclusive Integrated Elementary Curriculum via Educational Robotics.” Drniz is the primary investigator and Erdogan Kaya (University of Texas at Arlington),  Ezgi Yesilyurt (Utah State University), and Refika Turgut (University of South Carolina Upstate) were co-PIs.

Alumni Spotlight: Christopher Dayley ’09

July 20, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 29, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Christopher Dayley 

Degree: M.Ed. Educational Leadership 

Current Role: Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Technical Communication (MATC) at Texas State University 

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

Being involved in various campus activities exposed me to diverse perspectives and ideas. UNLV was a place where I could learn from people of all backgrounds. The sense of community and collaboration prepared me to be adaptable and understanding in my professional life.

What are the most sought after skills in your field right now?

Critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to communicate effectively are essential. The field of technical communication also demands an understanding of rhetoric and the ability to analyze how language influences thought and behavior. Cultural competence and an awareness of social justice issues are increasingly important.

Tell usabout you as a person!

I play in two local community bands—a polka band and a traditional community band. One of the highlights was touring Germany with them. My wife, a UNLV alum, and I have four kids. Our oldest daughter is currently a theater major at UNLV, and it’s been amazing to see her carry on the tradition.