This month, Women’s Council member Dr. Karen Violanti will cross the stage once again to receive a Master of Education degree in Higher Education.  As a lifelong learner, this will be Karen’s third advanced degree, previously earning her master’s and Ph.D. in counseling in her hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Karen counseled K-12 students for several years, but felt drawn to helping students make the transition from high school to college.  When a position opened up to start a first year experience (FYE) department at CSN, Karen decided to move out West to continue on her new career path.  A few years later, Karen transitioned to UNLV, fulfilling a similar role as Executive Director for Student Success Programs.  She now oversees a broader portfolio that includes first- and second-year initiatives, success coaching, and collaborative efforts across advising, tutoring, and student support services.

After taking a non-degree course in the History of Higher Education, she fell in love with learning all over again and decided to pursue her Master of Education in Higher Education through UNLV’s College of Education. 

Returning to the classroom not only strengthened her theoretical foundation, but provided her an opportunity to experience college as a student once again. That perspective has influenced her leadership and insight into the realities students face today — from navigating hybrid learning environments to balancing personal and academic demands. In addition, her capstone project provided an opportunity to research the experiences of women in higher education executive roles and how institutions can better support women in leadership. 

As Karen looks ahead, she plans to expand her impact at UNLV as a leader, teacher and mentor for her students and women on campus.