A group of people posing in front of the Honors building

Advising

Honors Academic Advisors understand the unique perspectives, challenges, and stresses of high-achieving students. But we do much more than check boxes on a degree worksheet; our goal is to help you design the LIFE you want by guiding you toward all the tools and experiences you need.

Advising Appointments

We strongly recommend that you meet with an Honors Advisor at least once each semester. During these 30-60 minute appointments, we’ll cover your academic progress, plan future semesters, and personal and professional goals. Bring us your questions and concerns – we want to help you overcome challenges and celebrate your successes!

We work closely with your Major-specific Advising Center(s) to create your individualized plan of study at UNLV. For select majors, we offer "joint advising" where students consult with an Honors and Major-specific advisor in the same meeting.

Appointments

Students may schedule an advising appointment with the HC advisor in one of two ways:

Advisor Assignments

Honors students are assigned to an academic advisor based on the college in which their major resides:

  • Dr. Tony Terrell, Director of Advising and Recruitment
    • Pre-Nursing/Nursing
  • Derek Sommer, Associate Director of Advising
    • Sciences (+ Pathway)
  • Marlon Urquico, Assistant Director of Advising, RPC Management & Initiatives
    • Engineering (+ Pathway)
    • Liberal Arts (except Psychology)
  • Dr. Mary Vance, First-Year & Second-Year Success Coordinator
    • Business (+ Pathway)
    • Fine Arts
    • Hospitality
  • Dr. Rachel Ali Rodriguez, Academic Advisor/Counselor 
    • Education 
    • Exploring 
    • Health Sciences (except Nursing)
    • Psychology
    • Urban Affairs

Meet Your Honors College Advisors

Tony Terrell, Ph.D.

Director of Advising and Recruitment
Headshot of Tony Terrell
Dr. Tony Terrell is a three-time graduate of UNLV (B.A.’02, M.Ed.’07, Ph.D.’12), UNLV Athletics Hall of Famer, and Rebel Pride Ambassador. He has been a higher education professional for 15 years at UNLV and Nevada resident for over 18 years. His employment history at UNLV is unique and centered around student learning, service, and advancement. Working with students as an admissions/recruitment…
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Derek Sommer

Associate Director
Derek Sommer
Derek is a Las Vegas native and completed his undergraduate degree in English and a Masters of Education at UNLV. Derek loves the Las Vegas community and especially the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team. He started as a graduate assistant in the Wilson Advising Center in 2006 and has been working in academic advising ever since. Joining the Honors College in 2019 is the pinnacle of Derek's…
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Marlon Urquico

Assistant Director of Advising, RPC Management & Initiatives
Marlon Urquico
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Marlon received both his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in political science in 2009 and master’s degree in history in 2013 from UNLV. His fields of interests are in African American history, the Atlantic Slave Trade, U.S. political and presidential history, and U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War era. Before becoming the Assistant Director of…
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Rachel Ali Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Academic Advisor/Counselor
Headshot of Rachel Ali Rodriguez
Dr. Rachel Ali Rodriguez leverages her rich background in teaching, research, and mentorship to help empower students on their educational journeys. A three-time alumna of UNLV, Rachel holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience ‘21, a master’s degree in Psychology '19, and a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences '14. As an undergraduate, Rachel was a recipient of the Engelstad Scholarship and a proud…
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Mary Vance, Ph.D.

First-Year & Second-Year Success Coordinator
Photo of Mary Vance
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Dr. Mary Vance completed her undergraduate and graduate work at UNLV (B.A. in Theatre and English '09, M.A. in English '12, and Ph.D. in English '16) and is a proud alumna of the Honors College. Before joining as Senior Academic Advisor, Second Year Programs, she served as a graduate student instructor in the English department and taught high school students from…
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