Meet Jenn Waters, Associate Director of Student Life Technology in Student Affairs. Her 17 years at UNLV have been fueled by professional and academic growth. She is motivated by her interactions with student workers and inspired by her supervisors

Tell us about the work you do and your experience at UNLV?

My journey at UNLV is a story of continuous professional and academic growth. I began as a student worker and then served as a WebCampus Public Service Intern (PSI), which was my entry into classified staff. After earning my Bachelor's degree, I transitioned to professional staff as an Application Support Analyst, ultimately leading to my current role as Associate Director of Student Life Technology. In this leadership position, I oversee the Student Life Help Desk, manage vital applications like our Student Life locking systems, and drive key project management initiatives. I am also currently finishing my first year of graduate school in December as I pursue a dual MBA/MIS degree.

What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?

The most rewarding part of my job at UNLV is undoubtedly the impact I have on our student workers. I find immense joy in building relationships with them, watching their growth from the time they start until they graduate, and helping them launch their professional journeys. While I always miss them when they move on, seeing them return to visit and celebrate their successes is incredibly fulfilling. Furthermore, I love knowing that my work directly contributes to creating the most seamless and supportive student experience for our residents and the administrative staff across Student Life.

What inspires or empowers you?

I am deeply inspired and empowered by the supervisors I've worked with throughout my tenure at UNLV. For the bulk of my IT career, I've had the immense privilege of working almost exclusively under the guidance of influential and highly effective female leaders. Given that IT is often perceived as a male-dominated field, seeing these women in action has been truly eye-opening and inspirational. Their guidance and example have profoundly shaped my career journey, and now, my goal is to pay that forward. I sincerely hope to make the same, or even greater, impact on all the staff and students I supervise now and in the future.

What issues are women facing today that you want to help solve, and how are you helping to solve that issue?

The issues I want to help address are the underrepresentation and invisibility of women in leadership, especially in fields like IT, alongside the heavy pressure women face to be "superwoman" while balancing multiple roles. This impossible standard often leads to burnout because you simply can't pour from an empty cup. To help solve this, I choose to lead by example: I emphasize that no field is off-limits for women and actively model how to prioritize balance and well-being. I openly ask for help, encourage my team to do the same, and create a culture where asking for support and receiving constructive criticism is viewed as a strength, not a weakness.

What life lessons have you experienced recently or within the past few years that have really changed the way you look at life?

The most important thing I've learned recently is to trust that everything works out and to accept that it's okay not to know everything. Admitting you don't know something or asking for help isn't a weakness. I've also figured out that life isn't a race; the speed you're going at is the absolute perfect pace for you, so there's no need to rush. I can't stress enough how important it is to find a really supportive group of people (friends, family, and/or colleagues). Having a few good folks around you who will truly stand by you during the toughest times, and whom you can support in return, makes all the difference in the world.

Tell us about a woman who’s been a mentor to you.

The most profound mentors in my life are my mother and my grandmother. My grandmother, who had only a third-grade education, faced immense hardship but raised her family with fierce resiliency. That strength was passed down to my mother, whose own education was cut short as she was forced to work as a migrant laborer in the fields from a young age, enduring poverty and constant relocation. I can’t imagine the hardship of being pulled from school, yet my mother’s resilience shone through; she always figured it out and eventually earned her GED. She built a life to ensure I never had to worry about basic necessities, providing me with opportunities I use today to continue their legacy. Knowing their incredible sacrifices makes any current challenge manageable and fuels my drive to pursue my dual MBA/MIS degrees. My life and professional success are the clearest definition to my family that, because of their struggle, everything is going to be okay.

Who is an unsung hero at UNLV?

The true unsung heroes of UNLV are definitely our custodial, grounds, and maintenance staff. We take for granted that our environment is clean, neat, and functioning properly, often forgetting the hard work and diligence it takes to make it that way. We only really notice when something isn't working or isn't clean because their consistent, excellent efforts allow us to assume things will run smoothly. This work holds a special place for me. My own paternal grandfather worked in groundskeeping for a high school near where I grew up, so I have deep respect for the people who dedicate their efforts to keeping our school environment safe, beautiful, and fully operational. Though they are often not seen, we need to ensure they are appreciated!

Any advice for young women starting careers on campus?

My biggest piece of advice is to prioritize networking and get to know people in other departments, because you never know who might connect you to your next great opportunity. Be bold: don't be afraid to speak up and start conversations or share your ideas, as you won't know their value until you put them out there. Most importantly, embrace the fact that we all are doing the best we can, so give yourself grace and don't be afraid to fail. Even the most intimidating people you meet have their own challenges and certainly don't have it all figured out.

You’re stuck between meetings with 30 minutes to kill on campus, what do you do?

If I'm stuck between meetings, those 30 minutes are reserved for a quick recharge. The best thing you can do is get away from the desk, especially if you've been sitting there for hours. I'll take a short walk to get some sun and fresh air to clear my head, and usually grab a cup of coffee—that's my favorite mid-day treat to hit the reset button.

What did you do the last time you took time off?

The last time I took time off, I made a fantastic trip to the mountains, spending the Fourth of July weekend between Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite. I absolutely love being outdoors, and getting disconnected from phones, email, and other electronics is a huge necessity for my family. That time outdoors is incredibly important for recharging. If you ever have the chance, I would highly recommend watching the fireworks show over Lake Tahoe on the Fourth of July—it was truly spectacular and something everyone should experience at least once!

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

You might be surprised to learn that my true creative outlet is music. I love to write and play, and singing is one of the most simple things I do that always makes me happy. It’s a huge passion of mine that I look forward to dedicating more time to once I complete my graduate studies. This was a good reminder that I need to make space for that joy and share this part of my life more openly.

What trait do you most like about yourself?

I love my ability to maintain a positive outlook and make any situation manageable. My approach is to avoid taking things too seriously; instead, I seek out the humor in almost everything. I believe in actively choosing to make the best out of any situation, and I find that bringing that perspective helps to lighten the mood and ensure that our team environment remains upbeat and productive, even during tough times.

If you could learn to master one thing, what would it be?

While writing and singing are my core passions, I've always wanted to master the piano. It's widely regarded as the foundational instrument that significantly improves overall musical talent, making it a powerful tool for composition and understanding theory. I've only dabbled in it so far, but I know the sense of accomplishment from achieving mastery on the piano would be amazing.