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  • Political science graduate, Matthew Gomez
  • A speaker presenting to his audience
  • Speaker presenting research

A Lifetime of Learning and Discovery

Being well educated involves developing an array of intellectual skills, having the ability to use a variety of methodologies to understand our changing world, and having a broad base of diverse knowledge.

Departments & Programs

Anthropology
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English
History
History professor
Interdisciplinary, Gender, and Ethnic Studies
Women holding awards
Philosophy
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Political Science
Political Science class
Psychology
Faculty working in a lab.
Sociology
Sociology professor lectures to a class.
World Languages and Cultures
A globe sitting on a table
Great Works
An open book
Social Science Methods
Students sitting at a table outside the student union.
Wilson Advising Center
Academic advisor talks with a student.

Centers & Institutes

19,000
alumni
30
different degrees
3,700
students
835
degrees awarded since 2017

What's Happening

L’Italianità di Las Vegas: The Italianness of Las Vegas
Sociology doctoral student Marta Soligo poses at Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas
Dec. 4, 2018

A native of Italy, Marta Soligo researches the Italian "flavor" of some Southern Nevada tourist attractions.
Keep it Complex: New Study Shows that Previous Research Oversimplified Schizophrenia Symptoms
Nov. 27, 2018

UNLV psychology professor hopes study will influence treatments.
UNLV History Department Selects Renowned North American Historian as Harry Reid Endowed Chair
image of desert mountains
Nov. 15, 2018

Susan Lee Johnson will serve as first endowed chair in Liberal Arts; position will elevate history program to leader in the study of the Intermountain West.
The Interview: Sara Ortiz
Sara Ortiz, program manager for the Black Mountain Institute. She manages events, readings, etc. for the fellows and writers-in-residence, poses in front of trees on campus.
Nov. 13, 2018

As program manager for the Black Mountain Institute and "The Believer," the former vocalist lifts her voice to advocate for literacy in Las Vegas.
The Moth Premieres in Southern Nevada at UNLV Nov. 14
illustration of a moth
Nov. 9, 2018

Five storytellers to share authentic experiences with a live audience.
Face the Music: Explicit Anti-Piracy Warnings Are Best Deterrent
CDs with stickers featuring pirate crossbones symbol
Nov. 7, 2018

Privacy threats are just as effective at scaring off illegal downloaders as big fines, UNLV study finds.

Announcements

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Class Notes

Mac Macdonald

December 10, 2018
Mac Macdonald, '71 BA Psychology, was chosen to be one of the speakers during the 70th-year commemorations of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. Speaking to several hundred international high school students at the Colville Cemetery, he warned about the addiction to cell phone and entertainment options versus contributing to society through volunteerism, engagement, and participation. "World War II is a fading memory, and the stunning success-against-all-odds of that Allied effort against Hitler's Atlantic fortress is something to be remembered and honored. Civic participation, civil discourse, voter participation, and upholding the values outlined by our Founding Fathers is what those service people died for." He presents slideshows around the country at various conferences showing the re-enactors who annually return to Normandy to honor the sacrifices of their relatives. June 6, 2019, will mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.  A corporate trainer in Seattle, he lives in Sequim.

Dahn Shaulis

November 2, 2018
Dahn Shaulis, '93 Master of Exercise Physiology, '98 PhD Sociology, continues to conduct research focusing on higher education and college choice in his College Meltdown blog. His work includes research on savage inequalities in the K-12 pipeline, lower college enrollments, the student loan debt crisis, subprime colleges, and the adjunct crisis. His latest essay for the Military Times was "8 Tips to Help Vets Pick the Right College. He lives in Pleasantville, New Jersey.  

Julie Gorriz

October 18, 2018
Julie Gorriz, '06 BA English, has been working for more than a year at the Bakery Gallery in Yerington. She lives in Smith.

Brittany Walker

October 15, 2018
Brittany Walker, '09 BA Political Science, recently was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve in his administration, working with the assistant secretary for administration in the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. A lawyer, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2013. 

Herb Santos

August 15, 2018
Herb Santos, '85 BA Sociology, has been selected as the 2018 Trial Lawyer of the Year. A 1991 graduate of the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, he lives in Reno.

Melissa Waite

August 8, 2018
Melissa Waite, '03 BA Psychology, '07 JD and '07 MBA, has joined the Las Vegas office of Dickson Wright. Her practice focuses on licensing, compliance, business transactions, and real estate transactions. It extends to business and private licensing, including those clients from the liquor, gaming, auto dealership, and transportation industries. Most recently, she has become involved with licensing and compliance for medical and retail marijuana establishments in Nevada, and emerging legal issues related to marijuana businesses. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Nevada, the National Cannabis Bar Association, the Clark County Bar Association, and the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys. She also is a member of the Alumni Leadership Circle and the Dean’s Council of the William S. Boyd School of Law.  

Jamie Bichelman

August 6, 2018
Jamie Bichelman, '13 BA Psychology, is a public information officer and department spokesperson for a government agency in Carson City. He is wrapping up a master’s degree and has learned a new language. He also has become a strong social voice for advocating a vegan and animal cruelty-free lifestyle. Proceeds from his photo shoots go to organizations assisting victims of domestic violence. In his free time he enjoys running and hiking.

Marjorie Vielka Landron

August 6, 2018
Marjorie Vielka Landron, '13 BA Interdisciplinary Studies, is the CEO of the Healing Tree Wellness Center, a behavioral and mental health center; CEO of The Healing Tree - Regenerative Therapies, a stem cell and IV hydration clinic; and CEO of Power Moves, BT, a nonprofit designed to raise funds for people in need of medical advancements that are not covered by insurance. She also is co-partner of Information Opportunities, a consultation firm focused on catering to business needs in insurance, medical, or behavioral necessities. After leaving UNLV, she earned a master's degree in social work with a concentration in mental health. Currently a doctoral student at Arizona State University, she received a Rising Star award in the social work field in 2016 from the National Association of Social Workers and a commendation from U.S. Sen. Harry Reid. She enjoys Reiki, meditation, and playing poker.  

Luke Cavener

July 31, 2018
Luke Cavener, '05 BA Political Science and '05 BA Journalism and Media Studies, is director or government relations for the American Cancer Society cancer action network and a member of the Meridian (Idaho) City Council. He and his wife, Adrean, have two children, Gunner and Lincoln.

Russell Leavitt

July 12, 2018
Russell B. Leavitt, '78 BS History, recently received the Special Achievement Award from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Leavitt is executive chairman of Telgian Holdings, a worldwide provider of comprehensive fire, security, and life safety consulting and engineering/design services. The award, which was presented during the technical committee session, celebrates the significant contribution of a committee member to a single project that has enhanced the NFPA standards development process. Leavitt’s active role as chair of the NFPA 13 Restructuring Task Group for the 2019 edition led to the recognition. NFPA 13 is recognized globally as the benchmark standard for the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems. The reformatted NFPA 13 is designed to make this widely used document easier to use and interpret for non-expert users. Over the course of 18 months, Leavitt exhibited incredible dedication to the project, attention to essential details, and strong leadership skills, according to Kerry Bell, Standards Council chair. Leavitt lives in Phoenix.    

Helpful Links

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The College of Liberal Arts offers students a well-rounded education in the humanities and social sciences, and provides students with a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery. Below are helpful links for students, faculty and the community.

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