Celebrating Our Alumni’s Success

While we think that all of our 25,000 (and counting) alumni are amazing, we like to recognize those who have gone above and beyond through college-specific awards in addition to the annual UNLV Alumni Association awards.

Criteria

Past award recipients have demonstrated a history of outstanding service to the field, program, UNLV, and/or the community in which they reside. Nominees must meet minimum eligibility requirements and may not be:

  • An elected official during an election year for their race/office
  • A current member of the chapter alumni board or in a leadership position within the college

Our Awards

Alumni Association's College of Education Alumni of the Year

For more than 45 years, UNLV’s Alumni Association has awarded their Alumni of the Year Awards to recognize exceptional individuals from each college who represent the ideals of higher learning and Rebel pride. Through the awards program, we recognize individuals for their outstanding achievements and leadership at the university as well as throughout our community. These recipients truly serve as inspiration for the generations of students who will follow. 

2025: Debbie Palacios, '07 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, '18 M.Ed. Educational Policy and Leadership

2024: Lynn Manning-John, '04 M.Ed. Educational Leadership

2023: Kyle Konold, '04 Ph.D. Special Education

2022: Jhone Ebert,'96 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction

2021: Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan, '93 B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, '98 M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, '09 M.Ed Educational Leadership

2020: Tonia Holmes-Sutton, '04 M.Ed. Special Education, '12 Ed.D. Educational Leadership

2019: Tiffany Tyler-Garner, '11 Ph.D. Educational Psychology

2018: Wayne Nunnely, '75 B.S. Physical Education

2017: Tina Kunzer-Murphy, '75 B.S. Physical Education, '77 M.Ed. Physical Education

2016: Ruben Kihuen, '05 B.S.Ed. Workforce Education

Counselor Education

The Counselor Education Alum of the Year award recognizes graduates of the Master of Education in School Counseling or the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs.

2025: Maria Aladjova, '19 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Maria has served the Southern Nevada community and contributed to the clinical mental health counseling field in various capacities. The assistant clinical director at Next Chapter Therapy also works as a part-time instructor at UNLV. In her spare time, she also serves as a mentor, holds multiple leadership positions in her field, and volunteers with agencies like the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. In short: Maria finds purpose in inspiring and uplifting others. 

2024: Diana Petraza Harrison, '22 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Diana's commitment to serving underserved communities is evident in her work as a Spanish-speaking clinical professional providing services that focus on radical healing and trauma-informed care. She has been an advocate for unhoused youth through HELP of Southern Nevada for more than 12 years and serves as a program specialist for ReInventing Integrated Student Supports in Educational Environments (RISsEe Program). In addition, she founded The Promise LV, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing relationship-centered care to unhoused individuals in Las Vegas.

Educational Policy & Leadership

The Educational Policy & Leadership Alum of the Year awards graduates of the Master of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership or Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership programs.

2025: Ignacio Prado, '12 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, '21 M.Ed. Educational Policy and Leadership
A passionate leader and educator, Ignacio Prado serves as the executive director and principal of Futuro Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in East Las Vegas which is known for its support of English language learners and students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Thanks to his efforts, his school ranks in the top 14% of all Title I schools in Nevada.

Higher Education

The Higher Education Alum of the Year award recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni whose personal lives, professional accomplishments, and service to the community exemplifies the mission and values of the following programs:

  • Master of Education – Higher Education or Educational Leadership (emphasis in Higher Education)
  • Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership (emphasis in Higher Education)
  • Doctor of Philosophy – Higher Education or Educational Leadership (emphasis in Higher Education)

2025: Kim Nehls, '07 Ph.D. Higher Education
From her time in the UNLV president's office to her current role as executive associate dean for the School of Dental Medicine, Kim uses policy-driven research to develop strategies to strengthen student success and deepen community partnerships. Her career blends research, leadership, and service—helping students thrive in higher education and creating better outcomes for their communities. She’s also a leader in the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), co-teaches classes. and mentors future scholars.

Intercollegiate & Professional Sport Management

The Intercollegiate and Professional Sport Management Alum of the Year award recognizes graduates of the IPSM program.

School Psychology

The School Psychology Alum of the Year award recognizes graduates of the school psychology educational specialist or doctoral programs.

2025: Jennifer Guyer, '05, Ed.S. School Psychology
In her 20 years at Clark County School District, Jennifer's noteworthy contributions to mental health support in Southern Nevada elementary and secondary schools include developing Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Teams (RTI/MTSS) and mental health support teams. These frameworks aid in identifying and assisting students struggling academically or behaviorally. Beyond her work at the district, Jennifer teaches an introductory assessment course at Nevada State University, nurturing those who will follow in her footsteps.

2024: Michelle Zochowski-Tullio, '15 M.S. Educational Psychology, '20 Ph.D. Educational Psychology
Dr. Zochowski-Tullio currently serves as the clinical director at Ellie Mental Health of Las Vegas, where as a licensed psychologist, specializes in autism assessment. She extends her impact to accommodate the unique needs of neurodiverse populations within special education and broader school systems. In 2022, she returned to UNLV as a part-time instructor, sharing her wealth of knowledge and clinical experience with the next generation of school psychologists. 

2023: Dr. Keri Altig, '01 Ed.S. Special Education, '06 Ph.D. Special Education
With a remarkable record of service spanning over 13 years, Dr. Altig is a psychological services coordinator for the Clark County School District. She actively participates in giving back to UNLV and ensures that students receive the highest level of training. She connects student trainees with site-based supervisors for field experience practice and internships. In addition, she has taught for the program and continues coordinating and leading seminars for students at UNLV.  In addition, her exceptional leadership qualities and expertise has earned her widespread admiration from local school psychologists.

Wonderful Washoe Rebels

This biannual award recognizes the outstanding College of Education alumni that live and/or work in Washoe County. All College of Education graduates are eligible, including but not limited to: educators, administrators, counselors, human service professionals, and higher education staff. Self-nominations are also accepted.

Nominate someone today!

Fall 2025: 

  • Sabrina Adkins, '06 B.S. Secondary Education, Damonte Ranch High School
  • Courtney Graylow, '11, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, Smithridge Elementary School (honorable mention)

Spring 2025: 

  • Crisy Coulon, '05 Ed.S. Educational Psychology, Washoe County School District
  • Mark Farthing, '24 M.A.T. Elementary Education, Mamie Towles Elementary School (honorable mention)

Fall 2024:

  • Marissa McClish, '05 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, Washoe County School District

Spring 2024:

  • Jennifer Dahlen, '00 B.A. Elementary Education, Nick Poulakidas Elementary School
  • Kim Polson '96, B.S. Elementary Education, Lena Juniper Elementary School (honorable mention)

Get Involved

Did you know there are many ways you can stay involved with the UNLV College of Education?