News Stories

Dr. Sharolyn Pollard-Durodola named Dunn Endowed Chair for Educational Assessment

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: May. 14, 2023

By: Nancy Weaver

Dr. Sharolyn Pollard-Durodola has been selected as the Dunn Endowed Chair for Educational Assessment effective July 1, 2023. 

The Dunn Endowed Chair of Educational Assessment is expected to lead, innovate, and conduct research to support the strategic advancement of educational outcomes and assessment among diverse learners, with particular attention to multilingual learners. The Dunn Endowed Chair builds and sustains:

  • Strategic interdisciplinary research partnerships to support educational outcomes and assessment
  • Doctoral education program capacity that enhances doctoral students’ scholarship and practice in educational outcomes and assessment
  • Strategic community partnerships to increase and coalesce knowledge regarding educational outcomes and assessment

Dr. Pollard-Durodola arrived at UNLV in 2015 as a professor in the English Language Learning program. Prior to her arrival, she served as the Morgridge Endowed Associate Professor of Literacy at the University of Denver as well as held faculty and research positions at Texas A&M University, Houston Medical School, and University of Texas-Houston. As a UNLV faculty member, she has served as the English Language Learning (ELL) program coordinator, faculty liaison for the Holmes Scholars program, and chair of the English Mastery Council, to name a few roles. She recently received the Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award, which allowed scholarly activity in India. Throughout her career, she received more than $10 million in federal grants to advance ELL scholarship and promote educational outcomes and assessment.

(Google) Meet-ing and Exceeding Expectations – Alumni Profile: Allison Crawford

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 13, 2022

By: James Howley

For Allison Crawford, receiving a 2020-21 Clark County School District New Educator of the Year Award was the culmination of a first-year teaching experience that was both challenging and rewarding in equal measure.   

Allison, a 2020 College of Education alumna (who was previously featured before her graduation), was recognized for her outstanding efforts teaching honors algebra at Sunrise Mountain High School. Reflecting upon her experiences with being a rookie teacher during the pandemic, she noted the challenges of teaching and the rewarding feeling she gets from stepping into the classroom and helping her students be the best they can be.

“My first year of teaching was challenging in the sense that I knew what I needed to do to make sure my students were successful online,” she said. “I would say I learned three main things – firstly, staying positive about the situation, never being afraid to ask for help as it’s important for your students to see this is okay, and the most important thing was just being myself.”

Her experiences at UNLV set her on the path for what is sure to be a long and successful career as an educator. Touching upon how her program helped her, Allison noted, “I am very grateful to the college. I particularly appreciated the number of opportunities that I had to get into the classroom before student teaching and was always encouraged to get my substitute license, which is very important. The college also did a great job pairing me with a fantastic mentor, Matthew Moyle, who teaches math at Clark High School.”

Looking back at receiving the award, Allison spoke of her pride in being honored for her early achievements in education and noted her desire to keep improving. “On the day I was presented with the award, the kids were all cheering on the Google Meet. It was a little surreal,” she said. “I don’t like to mention my award too much because being a teacher isn’t about being the best – it’s really about improving every day.” 

Taking the Lead: Alumni Profile: Brione Minor-Mitchell

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Apr. 13, 2022

By: COE Communications Staff

Whether she’s in the classroom as a student, a teacher, or as a principal, Brione Minor (BA ’04, M.Ed ’05 and ’16) is undeniably a leader. The Vegas local is currently working on her doctorate in executive educational leadership at UNLV while serving a the recently-promoted principal at Cunningham Elementary School within the Clark County School District. In case you had any doubt, she is happy to share her passion for diversifying educational leadership positions.

Brione is a lifelong learner (this is her fourth degree from UNLV) and her desire to change the education system fuels her progress on her current academic path. Brione appreciates that the degree program encourages visionary thinking, innovative solutions to current and future educational challenges for public school leaders, and uses a problem-based learning approach. It also helps educators promote the success and well-being of each student, teacher, and leader they encounter in the educational system.

After more than 13 years in the classroom, she transitioned to a leadership role to “change the trajectory of students who were stuck in the school-to-prison pipeline due to unconscious bias and misaligned opportunities.” Increasing diversity in educational leadership positions is a key element of her strategy. “For the achievement to increase in students of color populations, students of color must have a diverse workforce around them, and leaders of color will naturally attract more teachers and staff of color. This is crucial in the success of urban districts.”

Brione’s experience as a doctoral candidate has made her a stronger advocate for equity in education. “To be a person of color in an educational leadership position means that I can make a difference for those who come after me. It means that students of color could see themselves as leaders as well.” She says that pursuing this degree has helped her find her voice and connect to the people, places, and spaces that amplify that voice.

More than Screen-Time and Pizza Parties: Using Technology and Motivation Theory to Help Shape Science Education

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Feb. 6, 2024

By: Kia Cummings

A million dollars is a lot of money, and Adjoa Mensah and Mayra Marquez-Mendez are determined to make the most out of every penny.

The two experienced teachers-turned doctoral students stepped up, helping Assistant Professor Tina Vo and Associate Professor Erica Marti,on a new endeavor funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program.

Adjoa and Mayra’s value and dedication to improving the landscape of science education was proven on Dr. Vo’s previous projects. “Adjoa and Mayra brought a really great perspective. They could anticipate the needs of teachers in a way that somebody who hasn’t been in the classroom for a long time or spent very little time in the classroom can’t.” 

Teaching with Tech

Adjoa is enthusiastic about the role she plays in investigating the intersection of technology and science education. Her journey into the world of education research began with a desire to help Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board teachers understand how to leverage technology in their classrooms. While teaching eighth grade, Adjoa found herself asking questions about the tech teachers were using. “Why this tool? Why not that one?” Her curiosity has since steered her toward a path of educational research that has become invaluable to the team.

After completing her master’s and lengthy teaching career overseas, Adjoa realized that her calling extended beyond the classroom. Her desire to contribute to the development of effective teaching practices while using tech. “I knew I had more to contribute to teachers,” she shared. Now, as a research assistant on the grant project, she focuses on understanding where teachers stand with technology integration. She aims to empower teachers to use technology effectively, making a meaningful impact on how they prepare to deliver science education curriculum.

Methods, Mentorship, and Motivation

Mayra’s expertise in mentorship and self-determination theory developed during her journey from a second-grade teacher to an educational psychology student.  Her commitment to understanding and enhancing positive motivation for educators’ continued improvement.  Her goal is to support teachers directly, helping them improve their teaching methods and approaches.

Only five years into her career, she recognized the gaps in teacher preparation programs. “I wanted to dive into how post-secondary school and teacher prep programs were teaching our teachers to teach,” she explains.

Mayra also understands the challenges teachers face. Her work on mentorship and self-determination theory aims to unravel the intricacies of teacher support systems. She highlights that “the types of support we provide teachers will impact their motivation.” Her findings may pave the way for more effective support systems, ensuring teachers are excited and motivated to teach.

Practical Applications + Motivational Mojo = Excited Educators

Adjoa and Mayra’s collaboration on the Investigating the Impact of a District-Wide Implementation of Science Curricula project is characterized by a commitment to providing teachers with a seamless professional development experience while supporting faculty research. The grant project seeks to understand how Clark County School District teachers, using Amplify Science curriculum, can engage with their customizable science curriculum software to meet student needs. The team also collaborates with teacher leaders and district representatives to support more than 100 teachers using high-leveraging science instructional routines.  

Adjoa’s focus on technology integration expertise ensures that teachers’ uses of technology are not overlooked. By understanding where teachers currently stand with technology, she hopes to empower all educators to use the tools they have available for the benefit of themselves and their students.

Mayra’s work on mentorship and self-determination theory brings a nuanced perspective to the project. By examining the support systems that teachers seek and receive, she aims to uncover the elements that truly motivate and excite educators, including financial compensation. “If a teacher participates in a [professional development event] in the summer and they know they’ll be compensated fairly for their commitment to professional growth, they’ll be motivated to continually participate.” She wants teachers to look forward to growth opportunities, viewing them not as a checklist item, but as an exciting opportunity to learn how to better engage students.

Making a Big Bang in Science Education

As the project unfolds over its three-year timeline, Adjoa and Mayra’s contributions are set to leave a lasting impact. Their work aligns with a broader mission—to retain highly effective science teachers within a high-needs district. By addressing the nuanced needs of educators, they aim to foster a community where science teaches a source of inspiration, as well as a career.

Alumni Spotlight: Lily Swan ’07

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Feb. 28, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Lily Swan 

Degree: M.Ed. Educational Leadership 

Current Role: Director of International Service at the University of Detroit Mercy

How did UNLV prepare you for your career?

My graduate assistantship position at the international office at UNLV is what prepared me most for my career. I originally went into higher education with a different career path in mind, orientation programming or first year programming, but I ended up loving to work with international students, which made me seek out my current position. I started my GA position not knowing anything about international work and the staff helped and trained me to really get prepared. It feels like I travel all around the world by meeting so many new and diverse individuals.

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

I would have to say diversity. UNLV is so diverse in so many ways, not just cultural wise. At UNLV, so many individuals had different ways of thinking, different mindset and would approach things differently. Yet, it was so welcoming to all. The atmosphere was just so welcoming and different then what I was used to as someone from the Midwest, but I liked it because it didn’t matter who you were; they tried to be inclusive to all and would accommodate appropriately when necessary. 

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

Being able to pivot and adjust quickly. It’s cheesy to say especially after the pandemic, but it’s true. Everyone needs to know how to adapt to the different life changes. Learn to communicate quickly and appropriately.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

Do what you love! Do what really interests you, because that will help you be successful. 

P.S. Check and read your emails!

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.

Dr. Sterling Saddler Named Incoming Chair of CSH

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Mar. 6, 2025

By: Nancy Weaver

We are pleased to share that Dr. Sterling Saddler has been approved as the incoming chair of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services (CSH) effective July 1, 2025. 

Dr. Saddler brings a distinguished leadership, scholarship, and service record to this role. He currently serves as associate chair for CSH. In this role, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to advance academic programs, support faculty development, and foster student success. Prior to this role, he served as dean and assistant to the president at Western Illinois University as well as a department chair at UNLV (during his previous employment).

We want to thank the outgoing CSH Department Chair, Dr. Chris Wood, for his extensive service to CSH. Under his leadership, the department has increased its number of doctoral programs, earned three accreditations (CACREP,  APA, and NASP, and grown enrollment and national recognition for CSH’s academic programs. 

Alumni Spotlight: Gregory Cole ’03

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Mar. 28, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Gregory Cole

Degrees: Class of  2003 M.Ed. Special Education

Current Role: Clark County School District ( CCSD), Mojave High School

How would you describe your career path since graduation?

UNLV helped me develop my leadership skills especially when it comes to getting along with parents, administrators, and community members. UNLV helped make me a more rounded educator and put me on the pathway to leadership.

Would you change anything about your time at UNLV?

UNLV was ahead of their time in terms of wanting to make sure people have access to quality and higher education. It was just such a positive experience for me. It offered and was a great opportunity for me to get involved with the Vegas community and helped me feel like I belonged even though I was new to town.

How important is continuing education in your field?

ALWAYS important! I don’t think you can ever stop being a learner. We found out through COVID that you need to be ready to change overnight.

I love the quote: “Be better tomorrow than you were today!”

Alumni Spotlight: Jennefer Salazar ’23

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Mar. 14, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Jennefer Salazar

Degrees: Class of 2023 B.S. Elementary Education

Current Role: Kindergarten Teacher at C.H. Decker Elementary School 

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

Flexibility; as a teacher you need to be able to adapt quickly to different situations. Time management is also very important because some courses are fast-paced and I have to teach different topics.

Being DEI inclusive is also important as you are exposed to different cultures and backgrounds. I try to provide as much cultural diversity as I can. The multicultural classes at UNLV are what helped me most with teaching; it really shows you how to become culturally diverse and be mindful of the different populations you work with.

Tell us about you as a person!

Although I am a kindergarten teacher I strive to be an art teacher one day. I want to be able to express my creativity and my problem solving skills through my art work but still helping and teaching others.

Would you change anything about your time at UNLV?

I would spend more time on campus. I’d meet more people. I think it would have been easier to manage classes if I’d have taken advantage of the resources provided on campus.


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

UNLV/CSUN Preschool Breaks Ground On Expansion Project to Double Capacity

July 27, 2026

Originally posted: Feb. 24, 2025

By: Nancy Weaver

UNLV’s College of Education broke ground on the first and second phases of the new preschool expansion project today, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who has contributed $10 million toward the $21 million needed for the expansion’s first two phases.


“This project exemplifies UNLV’s ongoing commitment to meet the needs of families throughout Southern Nevada,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. “Expanding access to early childhood education for our campus and the surrounding community is a priority, and this important project – made possible by incredibly generous philanthropic support – will nearly double our preschool’s current capacity. Our university’s future is dependent on our children growing up in a supportive environment that promotes education.”

Phase I expansion will add one new 6,900-square-foot building to the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center and make improvements to the current site. In addition to serving as an entrance for the center, the new building will include:

  • Two new classrooms 
  • A parent resource center
  • A family lounge
  • A conference room

The project also includes 20,000 square feet of site improvements including a new fenced playground, landscape areas, metal canopies, and fabric shade structures as well as reconfiguration of the adjacent parking area.

“We’re looking forward to new spaces for our 3-5-year-old students,” explains Center Director, Claire Tredwell. In addition to creating space for about 40 more students, the classrooms will feature observation areas for student teaching. “In addition to caring for the next generation of Rebels, we’re providing real classroom experience for student teachers in our early childhood and special education programs.”

The $10 million received from a generous donor provided the launchpad for this campaign, which now has $16 million set aside for the first two phases of the expansion. “There is perhaps nothing more noble than building bright futures from the beautiful foundation that is our UNLV preschool,” said Interim Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, Bo Bernhard. “Thanks to our generous donors, today is a special day in our university’s history. And we’re not done yet— we are still looking for more supporters who share our vision and hope to bring an even bigger preschool expansion to life.”   

Renderings of the expansion project are available online.