Heather Nepa, Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College
Years at UNLV: 10

 Heather Nepa is a remarkable individual whose contributions to the anthropology department at UNLV are invaluable. She has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the university and its students, earning her high praise from those who have worked with her. As described by Anthropology Ph.D student Katie Stansbury, Heather is a warm and supportive presence on campus, always ready to offer assistance and guidance. Her exceptional talents and dedication to her work make her an inspiration to both students and colleagues, and we are honored to shine a spotlight on her accomplishments.
 

Tell us about your experience at UNLV?

I am truly a lifelong UNLV fan and supporter. My dad graduated from UNLV in the 1970s and was always heavily involved in alumni activities. He would always bring me along as his plus one to whatever functions he was attending including all the home games for the 1989-1990 basketball season! When I graduated high school, I was the first set of students to receive the Millennium Scholarship and came to UNLV. In 2013 I came back to work at the university in the History Department and realized I was passionate about helping students get the same college experience I had.  I am 8 months away from completing my MBA through the Executive MBA program here and I could not be more excited to continue to help students through my new role in the Graduate College.
 

What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?

I have met so many amazing people from students, to faculty, to staff.  There are a lot of hardworking people on campus that are doing incredible work in a variety of areas. One of my favorite things is to ask about people’s projects.  It introduces me to areas I am not familiar with and sparks my desire to learn more.
 

What trait do you most like about yourself?

I am to my core a nurturer. Animals, babies, children, graduate students, I love to take care of and show as much love as I can. I am all about helping people realize their potential.
 

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

This is such an interesting question because there are so many directions I could go. To be completely honest I wish I could learn to master my anxiety. It is something I have struggled with most of my life and I work hard to put into place tools and techniques to manage the anxiety but I am far from a master.
 

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I would move to New Zealand tomorrow if the opportunity presented itself!
 

What inspires or empowers you?

I really take my inspiration from those around me.  I am so fortunate to have colleagues and friends who get up each morning to tackle the day. On days when I find myself not so excitedly going through the motions I look around and see what those around me are accomplishing and I know they are doing it while battling their own trials and tribulations.  This gives me the motivation to get keep moving forward even if it is one tiny step at a time.
 

Tell us about a woman who has been a mentor to you.

I was beyond fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and work with Esther Williams from the Anthropology department. In the few short years we worked together she encouraged me and coached me to grow professionally as well as personally. She was always reminding me to be an advocate for myself and don’t let fear or anxiety stop you from going after things you want. She was the very best cheerleader anyone could ask for. I would absolutely not be the person I am today without Esther.
 

Any advice for women starting careers on campus?

Make sure to take the time to build a network. I can’t tell you how many times I run into a question I don’t know how to answer and I reach out for guidance and advice.