Business Affairs is proud to celebrate the dynamic individuals who are
first-generation graduates.
Business Affairs is proud to celebrate the dynamic individuals who are
first-generation graduates.
Nancy Dooley
Accounting Assistant III
Cashiering and Student Accounts
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Clothing and Textiles
minor, Business
University of Akron
"Complete your degree, it will help open the door to a position... Dream big, and don't let anyone tell you that you are not good enough."
Musa Pam
Associate Vice President
Facilities Management
Bachelor of Science, Marine Engineering
Bachelor of Science, Facilities and Plant Engineering
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
"Open yourself up to the possibilities your education offers and please remember to pay it forward."
Reggie Bailey
Project Manager
Administration Technology Services
Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Master of Science, Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
"Seek out mentors, ask a ton of questions, and don't be afraid to say you need help."
Rebecca Paulson
Executive Director
Administration & Division Shared Services
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"Things that are worth doing are usually hard. No regrets."
Michael Lawrence
Associate Vice President
Administration Services
Bachelor's degree, Business Administration
National University
Master's degree, Public Administration
Doctorate degree, Public Policy
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
“Your passion and perseverance are the keys that unlock doors others thought impossible.”
Chantel McDonald
Director
Strategic Project and Training Development
Bachelor of Science, Community Health Science
University of Nevada, Reno
"My experience as a first-generation student was incredibly challenging, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding. Empower yourself and be bold enough to create the future you desire."
Lesi Williams
Supply Chain Manager
Facilities Management
Associate's degree, Management
Barstow Community College
Bachelor of Science, Management
Master of Science, Business Administration
University of Phoenix
"Stay focused and never give up. I wanted to be a role model for my daughters since I am always preaching education is the key. I did not give up when feeling overwhelmed. I took it one class at a time, and remained focused until I held my degree in my hand."
Tad McDowell
Director
Parking & Transportation Services
Bachelor of Science, Political Science & Conflict Resolution
Master of Arts, Community & Regional Planning
University of Nebraska
"I was 32-years-old when I was able to break free of a non-degree related job... It was one of the most rewarding periods of my life..."
Rasheda Abdullah Hairston
Communications Specialist
Communication team
Bachelor of Science, Public Relations
minor, English Technical Writing
Master of Arts, Corporate Communication
Austin Peay State University
"Haters gonna hate. Do it anyway."
Heather Ortiz
Director of Communication
Business Affairs Communication
Bachelor of Arts, Dance
minor, Communications
Master of Arts, Journalism & Media Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
“UNLV gave me the chance to have an incredibly diverse network of support."
Jeffrey Berkbigler
Supply Technician 1
Delivery Services - Property Control
Associate of Arts
Jefferson College Degree
Associate's degree, Applied Science
Full Sail University
Bachelor of Arts
Webster University
Master of Library Science
University of Missouri
Chelsea Meggerson
Interim Executive Purchasing Director
Purchasing and Contracts
Bachelor of Liberal Arts
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"My professor asked all first gens to stand up on the first day of class. He walked around, looked us square in the eyes, and said, 'You are a trailblazer. You are shattering the glass ceiling. You are breaking the mold.' I will never forget it."
Calvin Milling
Program Officer 2
Facilities Management
Associate's degree, Munitions Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor of Science, Risk Management & Safety
Columbia Southern University
Alberto Munoz
Project Manager
Licenciatura en Architectura
Universidad de Guadalajara
Bachelor of Science
Master's degree, Architecture
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Casey Wyman
Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
Business Affairs
Bachelor's degree, Finance
Auburn University
Master's degree, Business Administration
Troy University
Master's degree, Military Operational Art/Science
Air Command & Staff College
Hugo Calderon Cortes
Senior Accountant
Financial Services
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration - Accounting
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Cherie Garrity
Executive Director
Real Estate
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Master's degree, Public Administration
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kotoe Kida
Accountant
Financial Services
Bachelor's degree, Hotel Administration
Bachelor's degree, Accounting
Master's degree, Accounting
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lorraine Schlimm
Senior Purchasing Analyst / Contract Administrator
Purchasing & Contracts
Bachelor's degree, Business Management
Master's degree
Project Management, specialization, Human Resource Performance
Colorado State University Global Campus
Leilani Brandes
Business Analyst
Cashiering and Student Accounts
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Master of Science, Management
Troy University
Chelsea Herrington
Senior Budget Analyst
Financial Planning, Budget & Analysis
Bachelor of Biological Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"To first-generation students, even if you have the most supportive group cheering you on, life can get in the way. For whatever reason you left school, keep your degree as a goal. If you think it'll take too long or I'll be however many years old, take it one class at a time. You will be that age anyway but now you will have that degree. How much sweeter it will be."