News Stories

Alumni Spotlight: Todd Polk ‘22

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Oct. 10, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Todd Polk

Degree: ‘22 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction

Current Employer: Arbor View High School

What is something that people don’t know about the field, specifically secondary science teachers, that you think people should know?

I think one thing about science that I think a lot of people need to focus on isn’t so much the facts, but rather the skills. I think the idea of being able to digest data and actually create products or projects is something that I think needs to be paid closer attention to.

Was there a fun/unique class that you took during your time at UNLV?

A summer class that I took that was on special education. Made me think about accessibility in a new way, how some people that are disabled have difficulties that you might not think about. One concept that hits me like a truck now, and one thing I see in “neurotypical kids” is this idea of learned helplessness; which was a concept that was brought on by that class.

Any advice you want to share for current UNLV students?

I encourage education students to utilize the university while you’re on campus, and then consider it a resource once you leave it because UNLV cares about its alumni.

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

UNLV Researchers to Receive Additional 1.2 million Following NPWR Forum

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 7, 2025

By: Nancy Weaver

CARSON CITY, NV – In February, The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) awarded eight Nevada organizations a combined $268,000 through the Nevada P-20 to Workforce Research Data System (NPWR) Research Grant. The funding supported research projects that use NPWR’s data tool to study Nevada’s most challenging policy issues in areas such as workforce and economic development, and education.

UNLV Associate Professor Federick Ngo and Assistant Professor Kenyon Whitman received a NPWR Research Grant to examine higher education policies in Nevada. Building upon this successful project, Ngo, in collaboration with UNLV Associate Professor Stefani Relles, was awarded a five-year, $1.2 million research grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The money will be used to expand their examination on the impact and implementation of Nevada’s Corequisite Reform, which allows students to enroll directly in college-level math and English courses with corequisite support instead of prerequisite coursework. They will use Nevada’s statewide longitudinal data system (NPWR) to examine the effects of the policy on learning, college outcomes, and post-graduation earnings, and they will partner with NSHE to explore student, faculty, advisor, and administrator experiences of policy implementation.

“This is a great example of how the NPWR Research Portal equips researchers with the data they need to perform evidence-based evaluation of programs and services in Nevada,” said DETR Chief Economist David Schmidt. “We are so proud to have participated in the initial funding that helped demonstrate the value of this research to IES. This is a big win for the State.”

“We hope to provide evidence that can help Nevada policymakers and practitioners understand the impact of the corequisite policy on educational outcomes. Drawing on research evidence can help us make better-informed decisions moving forward,” said Ngo.

Ngo and Relles are seeking two fully-funded graduate assistants (GAs) to join the project in the coming years, including one GA interested in quantitative research experience (e.g., analysis of large-scale secondary data and survey data) and one GA interested in qualitative research (e.g., interviewing, participatory action research). Interested students should contact Ngo directly (federick.ngo@unlv.edu).

Alumni Spotlight: Greg Weaver ’16

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 31, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Greg Weaver

Degree: M.Ed., Higher Education 


Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education?
 I really liked the higher ed program at UNLV and how it offered different concentrations to either study something specific or have the option to transition to different aspects of the program to get a field of it. The assistantship the university offered is what I felt really helped with this as well, I learned so many new skills

How did UNLV prepare you for your career?
UNLV really helped me with strategic thinking and working with diverse populations. I also had the opportunity to teach at UNLV during my program which really helped me my career early on


Why should alumni stay engaged at UNLV?

It’s good to stay engaged at UNLV because you meet other alumni and people who are passionate about UNLV, its a great way to network with others.

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

Former Classmates Continue to Share Space on Multi-School Campus

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 31, 2023

By: COE Communications Staff

Two UNLV COE alumni Elena Fabunan, ’09 M.Ed. Educational Leadership, and Lilianna Bonderov, ’06 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, ’09 M.Ed. Educational Leadership, have paired up to share a high school campus near downtown Las Vegas. In the new joint venture, the principals of Central Technical Training Academy and the Global Community High School are building the schools’ collective campus culture in the spirit of collaboration and partnership.

One Campus, Two Missions

Central Technical Training Academy is a vocational school offering various technical and trade programs, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and welding. Its programs provide hands-on training and prepare students for industry certifications and entry-level jobs. The academy shares its grounds with the Global Community High School is a small-scale high school of choice with a project-based learning and a multilingual approach to education for English language learners.

Despite their different approaches, both schools prepare students for college and career success by providing a culturally inclusive and supportive learning environment. This non-traditional approach to secondary education provides numerous opportunities for students who were likely to face delayed graduation in a traditional high school setting.

Central Tech’s programming features a uniquely flexible schedule allowing students the chance to make up credits. Global students are also afforded a path to graduation so long as they are under the age of 20 before commencement. 

Sharing is Caring

While sharing the space comes with its challenges, Lilliana and Elena recognize the many practical advantages. The collective student body of more than 200 is expected to rapidly grow each year, and the shared campus cultivates a space where the two principals stretch the traditional systems and structures in place to increase student success. 

“Just by the nature of our being on the same campus, we have a lot of opportunities to collaborate,” notes Lilianna, Central Tech’s principal. “Not only do we need to work together on operational aspects, like lunch, campus safety, and traffic, but we also have a chance to share resources and specialized knowledge.”

Sharing a high school campus is no easy feat, luckily it’s not the first time the pair have worked together. They were in the same UNLV graduate program cohort at UNLV and completed all of their coursework together. The two enjoy working together with their staff to overcome barriers to employment for the vulnerable student population they serve. For example, they jointly coordinate workforce presentations, career panels, job site tours, and provide access to the J4NG program, which helps students successfully transition from school into careers. 

The benefits of UNLV’s commitment to community and industry partnership shine bright on this campus. It has equipped Elena and Liliana with a shared experience and set of values founded in their studies at UNLV’s College of Education.

Student Profile: IPSM helps Alex Chackel continue family sport legacy

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 31, 2022

By: Kia Cummings

Learning what it means to be a great leader is never straightforward, but honing leadership skills in the face of adversity is critical to the process. Alex Chackel knows this all too well. His recent Special Teams Quality Control Internship with UNLV Football was truly a test of his ability to be a strong leader in the midst of a tumultuous season.

While the sophomore is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in a business entrepreneurship, he’s working to add a certificate in https://www.unlv.edu/ephe/sport-managementintercollegiate and professional sport management (IPSM), which is housed in the College of Education, to his academic credentials. Alex knows what it takes to find balance and maintain priorities while setting lofty goals for himself and his athletes. He’s sped his academic progress by enrolling in summer courses while juggling a full course load and traveling with UNLV Football. You may be wondering, where does he get the motivation to accomplish all of this? Well, it’s all in the family.

Alex’s parents were both NCAA student-athletes, with his mom playing tennis at the University of Washington and dad playing golf at both Oregon and Washington. In addition, his grandfather founded the University of Oregon Sports Network. Alex’s family fostered his love of sports, specifically collegiate athletics. He recalls attending events like the 2015 Rose Bowl, an event marked by his family’s love for the Oregon Ducks and a big victory over Florida State. It was only a matter of time that his academic and professional aspirations would reveal his desire to stay in the game. “I just wanted to take the next step to stay involved in sports since I could no longer play.” This is a sentiment shared by many IPSM students. There is a strong desire to bridge the gap between playing and transitioning to other roles in sport, a feeling Alex refers to as “wanting to get to the other side.” 

That other side, in Alex’s case, is coaching, a niche that IPSM uniquely encourages in comparison to other programs. UNLV’s program is well rounded and provides students with educational experiences that will serve them well no matter which professional path they take. Hands-on work is a perfect addition to classroom learning, and Alex’s internship offered him the chance to apply what he has learned in the classroom in real-life coaching and leadership scenarios.

Through this, Alex is developing his own leadership style, one that centers around consistency, high energy and a positive mindset, regardless of the outcome on the field. In a season riddled with close losses, he experienced first hand the need to be firm, never lowering the bar for excellence, maintaining team standards and pushing the envelope every day, practice and game regardless of yesterday’s score. Alex strives to elevate the team through his own game-day responsibilities like assisting in coaching, self-scout grading, and coordinating the players, as well as preparing reports concerning the opposing teams and compiling practice and game-day film.

The valuable experiences he’s had so far in the IPSM program have only amplified his passion for a career in sport. “This program is something anyone hoping to join the sport industry should enroll in,” says Alex. “Without the program, I’d be missing a lot of learning opportunities. Watching how the coaches interact with the players and each other, paying attention to behind-the-scenes management, and taking in the overall picture has shown me what I am learning in class is truly applicable in my position.”

Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Lohmeyer ‘24

July 13, 2026

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!

Alumni Spotlight: Cyndy Anang ‘15 ‘22

July 13, 2026

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!

Doctoral Student Sean Tory to receive Emerging Leader Award

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 26, 2022

Written by: James Howley

Sean Tory’s passion for educational empowerment runs deep. The doctoral student will be honored in February by the City of Las Vegas with the Tyrone Thompson Emerging Leader Award, which celebrates up-and-coming individuals with a demonstrated commitment to leadership and potential for innovation, creativity, vision, and positive influence.

Sean was recognized specifically for mentoring Southern Nevada’s youth for more than a decade. “I am delighted to receive the award for service that gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he said.

In addition to his doctoral studies, Sean works as a campus life development coordinator at the College of Southern Nevada. He also advises CSN’s Black Student Union Even with his busy schedule, Sean made time to develop a number of new initiatives, including the Coyote Closet that helps CSN students with access to professional clothing.

He also co-founded the King of Jewels mentorship program, which organizes workshops and conferences aimed to facilitate restorative and transformative justice practice. Taking yet another step, Sean and his colleagues formed “The Men’s Room” – a regular gathering that creates a safe space for black men of high school and college age to express themselves, their emotions, and share experiences. “Black men need to have a safe space to go and be vulnerable,” said Sean.

Slated to graduate in Spring 2023, Sean’s long-term goal is to build PK-12 curricula for critical mentorship programs that help implement restorative justice practices with hopes that, by starting early and providing consistent support, students can experience the power of educational reform and be empowered to continue the drive for positive change.

Noting the evolution of education over the past 20 years, Sean sees more change on the horizon, especially given the changing job market. With mentorships and other efforts, he aspires to be a part of that process.

If his passion for and commitment to mentorship are anything to go by, Tory is sure to play a big part in that transformative process and continue to impact lives for a long time to come.

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Esquejo ‘13

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 17, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Michael Esquejo

Degree: Class of 2013 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Current Role: Therapist at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

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

I wanted to pursue my master’s locally because it was the most convenient, both financially and in terms of opportunities. So, I enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I really like that UNLV has a diverse and multicultural environment. I also like that research opportunities are endless since it’s an R1 university.

What are you most proud of from your UNLV experience?

I’m most proud to know that I had the potential to take on different opportunities in professional counseling because of the diverse training and clinical experiences I had. The one-on-one relationships I also had with the faculty made me feel supported and helped me learn new things.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

No matter what track you are in, “ENJOY IT” as much as you can; it goes by fast, so just make sure you enjoy it while you can.

Why should alumni stay engaged at UNLV?

Life and career building do not end when you graduate; it’s important to stay connected and continue to build a network. It’s also a good way to give back to the community that helps build you as a professional.


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

Alumni Spotlight: Theodore Ransaw ‘12

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 16, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Theodore Ransaw

Degree: ‘12 Ph.D. Curriculum & Instruction

Current Employer: Michigan State University

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

All of the women in my family are teachers. All the way up to my great-grandmothers on both sides. When my mom started grad school at UNLV, she took me to the library with her. I remember watching my mother pull out books and go through the process of gathering stuff she needed. I enjoyed UNLV. I never had any thoughts about going elsewhere ‘cause it was the first place I went to.

Did you have a mentor while you were at UNLV? Why is this important?

Dr. Green and Ambassador Young are the last two remaining living icons of Dr. King’s inner circle. They spent a lot of time guiding me, preparing me, giving me advice, and going the right way. I still talk to them regularly. One of the reasons it has been most important to me is that I learned a lot about how to handle people, run meetings, and strategize.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I practice Kung Fu. I’ve been training in Kung Fu for around 27 to 28 years. Kung Fu is not really a competition. It’s more about the journey. I also wound up meeting a lot of the UFC fighters. When you’re a martial artist, very rarely do you get a chance to meet all of the top boxers, Jiu-Jitsu guys, and Muay Thai guys in one room. That was super cool.

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