Outstanding New Advisor Award Winner
Ismaray Fernandez Cordero
(Academic Success Center)

What does being recognized as the UNLV Outstanding New Advisor mean to you?

UNLV is a very special place to me. It's a place of light, love, opportunity, and connection. UNLV has given me a lot, and now it means the world to me to share those opportunities for success and growth with my students. This award is just another way UNLV continues to honor our time and connection together. 

What has been one of the most memorable moments in working with students in your time at UNLV?

My most memorable moments as an Exploring advisor come when I can enlighten new paths to success for my students. I think oftentimes we can get stuck in patterns or think the only way to do something is by doing it exactly the same way as someone else. This isn't the case, and there are multiple ways to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. This is what I look forward to the most with my students!

What does being recognized as the UNLV Outstanding New Advisor - Certificate of Merit mean to you?

Being recognized alongside my colleagues means a lot to me and is something I am proud of. It’s really encouraging to know that the efforts I’ve put into supporting students and helping them find their paths have made a real difference. This recognition motivates me to continue growing and improving as an advisor. It’s also a reminder that even early in one’s advising career, it’s possible to have a lasting impact. 

What inspired you to get into academic advising?

Honestly, getting into academic advising felt like a natural step. I was already working in higher education and pursuing my graduate studies in the same field, so I was fully immersed in the environment. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference the right support can make, especially for students navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind. That’s what really drew me in. For me, it’s always about making sure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. 

What does being recognized as the UNLV Outstanding New Advisor - Certificate of Merit mean to you?

It’s nice to be recognized, especially because much of the work advisors do is relatively “unseen” (i.e., just me and a student in an advising space).  

Do you have a project that you are particularly proud of so far?  

I’ve revamped and streamlined the entire ASC’s Dean’s Award Scholarship process.

What does being recognized as the UNLV Outstanding Advisor mean to you? 

It’s truly an honor to have been nominated and recognized among all of the outstanding advisors on campus who invest so much into our students and the University. 

What is the biggest misconception about academic advising? 

I’m not sure what others think about academic advising; therefore not sure of any misconceptions. I struggled while in college, so having this opportunity to help students navigate this time in their lives is a blessing; something I wish I had. We do so much more than pick classes for students. We ask questions, build relationships, and help guide them. 

What does being recognized as the UNLV Outstanding Advising Administrator and UNLV Undergraduate Advisor mean to you?

I’m grateful and honored to be recognized with both awards, and this recognition validates the hard work and dedication of both myself and my team.

What inspired you to get into academic advising?

I enjoy working in higher education, where students have the opportunity to explore their potential and overcome new challenges. I find it incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to witness and play a part in students’ academic, professional, and/or personal growth. Throughout my own academic journey, I was fortunate to have been surrounded by mentors, colleagues, and friends who helped me find my direction. My educational experiences had a profound impact on me, and I wanted to be able to offer that same support and empowerment to others.

What does being recognized as the UNLV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion mean to you?

Being recognized as the UNLV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion is a meaningful affirmation of the work I care deeply about to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, staff, and faculty. It is an honor to be recognized, and I hope this award reflects the university’s dedication to fostering a culture where diversity is embraced and equity is prioritized.

What inspired you to get into academic advising?

What inspired me to pursue a career in academic advising was my deep passion for student success and a strong desire to create inclusive, supportive environments where all students can thrive. For many students, college can be overwhelming and confusing; I aim to support them not just academically, but holistically. Academic advising allowed me to help demystify the academic experience, empower students, and guide them toward their academic goals. 

Region 9 Excellence in Advising
Primary Role Advisor Award Winner
Jacquee deJesus
(Academic Success Center)

What does being recognized as the NACADA Region 9 Excellence in Advising - Primary Role Advisor mean to you?

It was honestly such a heartwarming surprise! It has so much more meaning than any one thing to me. I am grateful to be surrounded by a team, not only my immediate advising team, but a team across campus of caring and dedicated individuals - students and colleagues who not only work to make the UNLV experience fulfilling, but are also willing to take the time to write about their experience working with me. Without them, I wouldn’t have even had a chance at this award, and with them, it makes doing “the job” so much better. I’m grateful to feel like I’m having an impact, something I don’t get to see day-to-day. I’m grateful that what I am doing resonates with other advisors across the 3 states and 3 territories in our region. It’s encouraging and motivating not only to just “do good work,” but also to stay curious enough to ask about how we can improve on that work. What we do matters. I’m hoping that I continue to do things that live up to this recognition and its impact ripple out from me to those around me, and beyond.

Do you have a project that you are particularly proud of so far?

I think I’m particularly grateful that I’ve stayed curious. Staying curious has led to so many interesting projects. Paired with having supervisors supportive of improving processes, open to creating more opportunities for students, and proponents of professional development for the team, it feels I’ve won a magical jackpot. Because of this, I’ve got to do a few exciting things over the last couple years (& upcoming), including:

• Facilitating the Proposals to Impress workshop for UNLV Advisors
• Developing the ActiviTEA event for all Exploring Majors
• Hosting the craft session during Rebel Ready Week - College Welcome Day
• Coordinating the Nano Exchange, where members from OIT got to shadow Exploring and Urban Affairs Advisors
• Designing the EXPL Index for advisors to use as a reference hub that compiles reminders, important dates, files, and links coming from different sources and that may change frequently

Region 9 Excellence in Advising
Primary Role Advisor
Certificate of Merit
Kevin McVay
(Sciences)

What does being recognized as the NACADA Region 9 Excellence in Advising - Primary Role Advisor Certificate of Merit mean to you?

I’m proud and humbled to be recognized alongside some of my outstanding UNLV colleagues. Involvement in NACADA has provided me with invaluable opportunities to expand my knowledge about research-based advising approaches to support students and connect with a welcoming network of enthusiastic and knowledgeable professionals. It also reaffirms my dedication to continue advocating for the transformative role all advisors play in student development and institutional success. Many of my colleagues have become my close friends, and witnessing their passion for collaboration, equity, and empowerment encourages me to keep growing professionally while staying true to my values in the midst of change and uncertainty.

What is the biggest misconception about academic advising?

As higher education continues to adapt to the needs of new generations of students, it would be a misconception to say that advising is a solely transactional process. Advisors care deeply about students and take to heart their holistic wellbeing. Our practice is deeply relational, and we help students make meaningful decisions that help them engage in their learning, build their confidence, and realize their potential for academic and personal success. Advisors not only serve as advocates, mentors, and resource connectors, but also strive to address student challenges with empathy while balancing institutional priorities and navigating the ever-changing collegiate policy landscape. We wear multiple hats, and when we’re not directly advising students, we’re working to improve the student experience behind-the-scenes, which may include planning intentional programs, outreach initiatives, retention interventions, and more.

Region 9 Excellence in Advising - Advising Administrator
Certificate of Merit
Dr. Jeffrey Orgera
(Office of the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success)

Region 9 Conference Scholarship Winner
Maria Aladjova
(Health Sciences)

How has the Region 9 Conference Scholarship helped you?

The Region 9 Conference Scholarship has been instrumental to my academic and professional development by making it possible for me to attend and actively participate in the 2025 NACADA Region 8 and Region 9 Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. This experience not only broadened my understanding of current trends in higher education and student affairs but also allowed me to connect with colleagues and thought leaders across the region. In addition, serving as the 2025 Annual NACADA Conference Co-Chair, I took the opportunity to further promote the conference taking place in October in Las Vegas, NV. 

What has been one of the most memorable moments in working with students in your time at UNLV?

One of the most memorable moments in my time working with students at UNLV was supporting a first-generation student through their first year of college. As a first-generation student myself, I deeply relate to the unique challenges many students face, such as navigating unfamiliar campus systems and balancing academic demands with family responsibilities. In supporting one particular first-generation student during their first year at UNLV, I provided consistent check-ins, personalized guidance, and encouragement. Over time, I witnessed them grow in confidence, develop effective strategies for success, and become more actively engaged in the campus community. Watching their transformation - from feeling uncertain and overwhelmed to thriving both academically and personally - was a powerful reminder of the difference that intentional, compassionate support can make. This experience continues to inspire my commitment to student advocacy and holistic advising.