Dr. Jessica Robbins has never been one to seek the spotlight. In fact, she would likely tell you that research was never her strongest skill. But the work she has accomplished—both in scholarship and in practice—tells a very different story and is the reason why she’s been named the Educational Policy and Leadership (EPL) Alumni of the Year. 

Dr. Robbins has become a transformative force as principal of Clark County School District’s Ruthe Deskin Elementary School, one of Las Vegas’ most underserved communities. Leading a high-needs Title I campus with a large English learner population, her work lifted  the school from a one-star to a three-star rating on the Nevada School Performance Framework in just three years. During that time, student achievement in reading and math climbed by double-digit percentages, surpassing district averages and demonstrating what strong, trust centered leadership can accomplish. 

That same commitment to meaningful change became the foundation of her doctoral work in the executive educational leader program. Her dissertation tackled one of education’s most urgent post-pandemic challenges: rebuilding trust between school leaders and teachers in Title I schools. Rather than stopping at theory, Dr. Robbins designed and piloted a practical tool to help principals cultivate faculty trust, work that went far beyond traditional doctoral dissertation expectations. 

What makes Dr. Robbins’ story especially compelling is not only her professional success, but the resilience behind it. While leading a demanding school community and completing a rigorous doctoral program, she also balanced life as a single mother raising three children. Colleagues describe her as disciplined, humble, and remarkably composed under pressure—someone who embraces challenges head-on while remaining deeply committed to the people she serves. 

Dr. Robbins represents educational leaders who create lasting impacts through service, perseverance, and action. She embodies the spirit of leadership the Educational Policy and Leadership faculty strives to cultivate: a leader who creates meaningful solutions that improve lives and communities. Her work continues to shape stronger schools, leadership, and outcomes for students and educators across Nevada with trust.