A Las Vegas native, Jennifer Vaughan graduated with a degree in journalism, with emphasis in public relations, from the University of Nevada, Reno. After several years managing the public relations efforts of local and national clients within Las Vegas agencies, she joined UNLV in July 2001 as the communications director for the College of Fine Arts & Performing Arts Center. Her job responsibilities include media relations and communications for the departments of art (including the Barrick Museum and Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery), dance, film, theatre, the School of Architecture, the School of Music, and the Performing Arts Center.