Dr. Jake Thompson Expands Career Pathways With UNLV’s Innovative Microcredentials Program Let's Talk UNLV podcast

29:10

Dr. Jake Thompson, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at UNLV, discussed the university's new microcredentials program. Microcredentials are bite-sized, skill-specific credentials that can be for or not for credit. Examples include podcasting, DNA analysis, and hospitality management. These credentials are designed to enhance students' employability by certifying specific skills. Thompson emphasized the program's ease of access, with automatic enrollment and awarding upon completion of courses with a grade better than C. He also highlighted the integration of industry partnerships and the potential for stacking microcredentials into larger qualifications.…

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Dr. Chris Heavey Outlines Vision for UNLV, AI, and Prioritizes Student Success and Mental Health 27:15

13 weeks ago27:15

27:15

Dr. Chris Heavey, the new interim president of UNLV, discussed his background, including his PhD from UCLA and his return to Las Vegas in 1992. He emphasized AI's impact on higher education, advocating for a "brace AI" approach to empower students. Heavey highlighted UNLV's priorities: student success, efficient resource management, and community support. He mentioned the need for a new business building and a housing complex for freshmen. He also stressed the importance of mental health support and engagement for students. Heavey plans to balance administrative duties with his academic interests, particularly in mental health research.…

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Explore On-Campus Living, Build Community, and Navigate Student Life at UNLV 30:00

14 weeks ago30:00

30:00

In the "Let's Talk UNLV" podcast episode from May 11, 2025, hosts Dr. Sammie Scales and guests Makaylen and Kyle Broyard discuss the benefits of living on campus versus commuting. Michael, the Housing Operations Coordinator, highlights the convenience, support services, and community aspects of on-campus living, including theme floors for diverse student groups. Kyle, the Housing Assignments Coordinator, emphasizes the ease of room changes and the amenities like mail lockers and 24/7 staff. They also discuss the First Year Experience housing requirement and the value of dining plans. Both guests share their personal experiences and advice for incoming students.…

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UNLV Celebrates Student Success with Cultural Ceremonies Honoring Diverse Graduates 30:00

15 weeks ago30:00

30:00

The UNLV cultural celebrations for student success are set to begin on May 6 with the Lavender Celebration for LGBT graduating students, followed by the Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Celebration on May 8 and the Latinx Celebration on May 11. The African Heritage Celebration will be held on May 16, coinciding with the post-baccalaureate graduation. Each event allows up to five guests per student, except for the African Heritage Celebration, which allows two. Special guests and performances are featured at each event, and volunteers are needed for setup and ushering. The celebrations are student-centered and aim to recognize and honor the achievements of historically marginalized students.…

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Srishti Avesti Highlights UNLV’s Holistic Wellness Programs and Essential Student Resources 29:59

16 weeks ago29:59

29:59

Srishti Avesti, a graduate assistant at UNLV's Wellness Center, discussed the university's comprehensive wellness programs. She highlighted the wellness wheel, which includes eight dimensions: occupational, spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, social, financial, and environmental wellness. UNLV offers various resources, such as the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Wellness Zone, which provides free wellness supplies and training. Avesti emphasized the importance of Narcan for opioid overdose prevention, fentanyl test strips, and free menstrual products to address period poverty. She also mentioned the availability of free condoms and massage chairs for students.…

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Monesia Hobbs Celebrates African Heritage, Student Achievement, and Community at UNLV Graduation 29:03

17 weeks ago29:03

29:03

Monesia Hobbs, co-chair of the African Heritage Affinity Graduation Celebration at UNLV, discussed the significance of the event, which honors students with African heritage. The celebration, now in its 38th year, has evolved from an awards ceremony to a graduation event, emphasizing cultural elements like African drumming and elements of the Black Church. Hobbs highlighted the importance of recognizing students' achievements and providing a supportive community. She also mentioned the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Outstanding Student Award and the Thomas Wilson Community Service Award, which honor academic and community service excellence. The event will take place on May 16, 2025, at the Strip View Pavilion, following the traditional commencement ceremony.…

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Lisamarie Tomassetti Champions Campus Living, Student Engagement, and Housing Innovation at UNLV 4o 29:59

19 weeks ago29:59

29:59

Lisamarie Tomassetti, Program Coordinator for Residential Education at UNLV, discussed the benefits of on-campus living, including convenience, access to resources, and community engagement. She highlighted the "Rebel Ready Week" for new students, free programming funded by housing fees, and the role of RAs in fostering student success. Theme floors, such as engineering and fine arts, enhance academic engagement. Dining options include mandatory meal plans with various options, and security measures ensure student safety. Lisa also mentioned upcoming events like a scooter raffle and a banquet for housing staff. She emphasized the importance of early student involvement and the modernization of housing facilities.…

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Championing Diversity: Jose Melendrez on UNLV’s Inclusion Efforts and Student Support 29:56

22 weeks ago29:56

29:56

Jose Melendrez, Interim Vice President for Diversity Initiatives at UNLV, discussed his journey from a UNLV political science graduate to his current role, emphasizing his 18-year tenure and contributions to diversity initiatives. He highlighted UNLV's diverse student body, the growth of minority enrollment, and the institution's designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Melendrez stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment, addressing student concerns, and ensuring access to mental health services. He also noted ongoing efforts to maintain DEI programs despite political pressures and the need for continuous communication and support for students.…

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Coach Cooper Shapes Champions: Accountability, Growth, and UNLV’s Rise 29:59

24 weeks ago29:59

29:59

Coach Cooper, the Director of Football and Player Development at UNLV, shared his journey from East Texas to becoming a successful football player and coach. He emphasized the importance of accountability, availability, and durability in player development. Cooper highlighted UNLV's recent successes, including winning more games in the past 24 months than in the previous 50 years and achieving the highest GPA. He discussed the challenges of the transfer portal and the need for players to develop life skills beyond football. Cooper also reflected on his experiences in arena football and the importance of community engagement and mentorship.…

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Celebrating Black Culture: Imani Patterson on UNLV’s Inaugural Black Mini Con 28:17

25 weeks ago28:17

28:17

Imani Patterson, Senior Assistant Director for Student Diversity Programs at UNLV, discussed the upcoming Black Mini Con, a new event inspired by the Queer Mini Con and featuring various lectures on Black history and culture. The event, scheduled for February 25, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM, will cover topics like Black joy, the mis-education of Black America, and community organizing. Patterson emphasized the importance of collaboration with departments like African American and Diaspora Studies and the College of Education. The event is free and open to all, with no registration required. Patterson also highlighted other cultural events planned for the year, including Lunar New Year and Woman Herstory Month.…

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Kyle Fairweather on Leadership, Mentorship, and Building Community at UNLV 29:59

26 weeks ago29:59

29:59

Kyle Fairweather, president of UNLV's Collegiate 100 and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, shared his journey from Houston to UNLV, where he pursues an International Business major with a Japanese concentration. Kyle discussed his military background as a combat medic and his transition to UNLV. He highlighted the Collegiate 100's focus on professional development, networking, and mentorship, including recent trips to Atlanta and Colorado. Kyle emphasized the importance of leadership, accountability, and public speaking skills gained through his roles. He also mentioned Alpha Phi Alpha's values and his aspirations for the Collegiate 100, including fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.…

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Dr. Nicole Hudson Bridges Academia and Industry Through Workforce Development and Employer Partnerships 29:59

27 weeks ago29:59

29:59

Dr. Nicole Hudson, Executive Director of Workforce Education at UNLV, discussed her non-traditional educational journey and career progression, including her roles in opening campuses and teaching online. She highlighted her current role in bridging academia and industry, focusing on workforce development and employer partnerships. Hudson emphasized the importance of internships, paid opportunities, and career readiness programs, such as the Career Internship Fair on February 26. She also mentioned the Rebel Career Champions Network and the Rebel Employer Partners Program to enhance student-employer connections. Hudson stressed the need for students to develop soft skills and adaptability for the evolving job market.…

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Building Connections: Justin Griffin on Fundraising, Mentorship, and UNLV’s Future 29:52

28 weeks ago29:52

29:52

Justin Griffin, Director of Development for the Lee Business School at UNLV, shared his journey from Tallahassee, Florida, to his current role. He discussed his background in football, education, and sports management, and his mentorship experiences. Griffin highlighted the importance of building relationships with alumni and donors, and detailed the fundraising process, including cold calls and aligning donor interests with university needs. He emphasized the significance of experiential learning and networking. Griffin also mentioned upcoming events, such as the Nevada Business Hall of Fame, and his vision for UNLV's growth, including new buildings and increased scholarships.…

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Imani Patterson Highlights Black History Month and Welcome Weeks Events at UNLV 28:14

29 weeks ago28:14

28:14

Imani Patterson, Senior Assistant Director for Student Diversity Programs at UNLV, discussed upcoming events for Black History Month and Welcome Weeks. Key events include meet and greets for various groups, such as African American, LGBTQ+, Latinx, and Native American students, with faculty and staff present to provide mentorship and resources. Patterson emphasized the importance of networking and building connections. Specific events include a line dance class, intergroup dialog, and a bus tour of the historic West Side. She highlighted the challenges in event planning, particularly marketing, and stressed the importance of feedback for improvement. The goal is to connect students with resources and foster a sense of belonging.…

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UNLV Police Officers Discuss Safety, Community Outreach, and Campus Inclusivity 33:13

35 weeks ago33:13