Many students are achieving great things at UNLV. Help us recognize these students by celebrating their accomplishments through the Outstanding Graduate Recognition Program.
Both undergraduate and graduate students may be recognized for outstanding academic or personal achievements, including significant research, academic excellence, community service, or perseverance in overcoming obstacles to achieve their educational goals.
Nomination Process
Beginning with Fall 2026 Commencement, UNLV has implemented a new nomination process for the Outstanding Graduate Recognition Program. Nominations are now coordinated through individual academic colleges and schools rather than submitted directly to the Office of the President.
Each college and school manages its own nomination process and submits candidates for university-level consideration. The Outstanding Graduate Recognition Program is administered by the Office of the President, which oversees the university-wide selection process and recognition of students during commencement.
Those interested in nominating a student should contact the appropriate college or school coordinator listed below for information about nomination procedures and deadlines.
College and School Nomination Coordinators
The following individuals serve as nomination coordinators for their respective colleges and schools. Please contact the appropriate coordinator with questions about submitting a nomination.
- Lee Business School | Han-fen Hu (han-fen.hu@unlv.edu)
- College of Education | Joseph Morgan (joseph.morgan@unlv.edu)
- Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering | Chris Parker (christopher.parker@unlv.edu)
- College of Fine Arts | Nancy Uscher (nancy.uscher@unlv.edu)
- Graduate College | Daenne Dolce (daenne.dolce@unlv.edu)
- Honors College | Daniel Coyle (daniel.coyle@unlv.edu)
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality | Rhonda McElroy (rhonda.mcelroy@unlv.edu)
- School of Integrated Health Sciences | Sharon Jalene (sharon.jalene@unlv.edu)
- College of Liberal Arts | Robert Futrell (robert.futrell@unlv.edu)
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV | Sara Jordan (sara.jordan@unlv.edu)
- School of Nursing | Dr. Reimund (Rei) Serafica (reimund.serafica@unlv.edu)
- School of Public Health | Shawn Gerstenberger (shawn.gerstenberger@unlv.edu)
- College of Sciences | Javier Rodriguez (javier.rodriguez@unlv.edu)
- Greenspun College of Urban Affairs | Tara Emmers Sommer (tara.emmerssommer@unlv.edu)
As UNLV transitions to this new nomination process, this page will be updated with additional information, coordinator contacts, and relevant deadlines as they become available. Please check back regularly for updates.
Professional Schools Eligibility
The following professional schools conduct separate commencement ceremonies and therefore operate outside the university-wide Outstanding Graduate nomination process outlined in this guide:
- School of Dental Medicine
- William S. Boyd School of Law
General Program Questions
The Outstanding Graduate Recognition Program is administered by the Office of the President.
For general questions about the program, please contact Jordan Fischette (jordan.fischette@unlv.edu) in the Office of the President.
For questions about submitting a nomination, including college-specific procedures and deadlines, please contact the appropriate college or school coordinator listed above.
Past Outstanding Graduates
Learn more about our past Outstanding Graduates and their inspiring accomplishments.
Last Updated: October 2026