With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of Cheryl Tillotson, a beloved colleague, proud two-time UNLV alumna, and longtime director of the Wilson Advising Center in the College of Liberal Arts. Her life was one of service and devotion to others, and her name is synonymous with academic advising at UNLV.

Tillotson came to UNLV as an undergraduate psychology student in the early 1990s and essentially never left. In fact, she laid the foundation for her future career during her undergraduate years when she created an academic advising position and counseled her peers in the Department of Psychology. She began her professional career in the Student Development Center, moved to the former University College, then the Academic Success Center, and finally the Wilson Advising Center in the College of Liberal Arts. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in higher education/educational leadership.

Tillotson joined Wilson in 2013 as assistant director, was promoted to associate director, and later interim director after the retirement of founding director Lea Sexton. She was so knowledgeable and her expertise so widely respected that in 2019, she was appointed director with the unanimous support of the college’s Executive Committee. 

As she ascended the ranks, Tillotson became as well known for her kindness and professionalism as she was her advising acumen. She had an unwavering dedication to student development and academic success and unmatched service to the campus community — all with an infectious smile.

Her impact can be felt in immeasurable ways across the campus. She served as vice president of UNLV’s Phi Kappa Phi (Chapter 100) Honor Society from 2011-2019, on the Academic Advising Council since 2001, and the UNLV Commencement Committee since 2002, helping thousands of students cross the stage at the Thomas & Mack Center to become Rebel graduates. For her work as an advisor, instructor, mentor, and volunteer, Tillotson was awarded the UNLV Alumni Association’s Patrick T. Smith Achievement in Service Award in 2022.

Her list of career accolades and service to the advising profession are impressive as well, including the UNLV Academic Advisor of the Year (2007-08), the 2010 Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Advising given by the National Academic Advising Association, and Outstanding Advising Administrator (Director Level) from the 2023-24 UNLV Academic Advising Awards. This year, she led the Wilson Advising Center team to receive the Students' Choice Advising Excellence in Efficiency Award at UNLV.

Tillotson served UNLV faithfully for more than 31 years, and her presence, spirit, tireless advocacy, and devotion will be greatly missed. Her passing leaves a tremendous void in the College of Liberal Arts and across the UNLV campus. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, students, colleagues, and all those who knew, worked with, and loved her.