As assistant director for care management in the Office of Student Conduct, Scott Hoffman is positioned to help students in need of resources related to their mental health and well-being.
Since 2021, Hoffman has chaired the UNLV Support Team, which connects students experiencing challenges in their personal lives with helpful university resources from across campus. The students are often referred to the team by concerned faculty, staff, or family members.
“The demand for support services — be it mental health, personal safety, or basic needs — has never been higher than it is today,” says Hoffman. “I’m hopeful that my communication to students experiencing these needs, the guidance I’ve provided them regarding university resources, and the relationships I’ve had the chance to develop with faculty from every corner of the university contribute to making this university a more caring and supportive place.”
Hoffman says he’s watched the UNLV Support Team grow over the years — from a small committee that meets once every couple of weeks to discuss a handful of student referrals into a large group that reviews a couple dozen cases per week. The team is made up of representatives from various campus units who represent a variety of specialties. The group meets once a week to discuss individual cases, any developments, and possible intervention strategies.
Hoffman's been a team member since he began at UNLV in 2016, but he was a Rebel long before that. He's also an alumnus; he earned a bachelor's in political science in 2012. In 2014, Hoffman received a master’s in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University in Boston.
He grew up in Edison, New Jersey (a suburb of New York City) and has had the privilege of shaking the hands of three U.S. presidents (but you’ll have to reach out to him to learn who they are!)
Here, learn more about the recipient of the 2024 Junior Administrative Faculty of the Year Award.
What inspired you to get into your field?
It was my own experience as a UNLV student that convinced me to pursue a career in higher education. Living on campus and getting involved completely changed my life. Taking on leadership responsibilities in the Residence Hall Association and other organizations as an undergraduate led me to develop a passion for helping students make the most of their time in college. My friends, family, advisors, and professors all made me feel like my contributions mattered; both to them and to the university. It made me feel great. So I just couldn’t see myself anywhere but on a college campus as my career began. To be able to contribute professionally at UNLV now makes it all feel like it’s come full circle.
What does being a UNLV Rebel mean to you?
I’m a double Rebel of sorts, having completed my undergraduate education here at UNLV and now working here as a professional. Being a Rebel means being willing to take risks. Willing to do things differently. To not feel stuck doing things a certain way because they’ve always been done that way. Being a Rebel means never remaining satisfied with the status quo, and always looking for ways to make the college experience better for our students.
What does being recognized as the Administrative Faculty of the Year mean to you?
It’s an odd kind of feeling. Thinking about all that our university has been through in the past few months, it’s impossible to really internalize this honor without also thinking about the tragedy we’ve collectively been through. My thoughts and praise immediately go to our team members who have moved mountains to make sure that every single student who needs help gets help. Without them, there is no UNLV Support Team. It gives me deep satisfaction and gratitude to know that I’m playing at least a little part in helping our community get through this challenge. It hasn’t been easy personally or professionally.
What is something that people likely do not know about you?
I don’t think people know how much I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe until they start talking to me about it. I’ve seen every movie in the franchise since Iron Man came out in 2008 multiple times, and wish I had some more free time to re-watch all the TV series. I’m excited to relive my childhood and watch X-Men (1997) and am looking forward to the upcoming Deadpool movie and the new Daredevil series.
What is the most memorable part of your time here at UNLV?
This university has been part of my life since starting college here in 2007, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that there are too many memories to even begin listing. I look back on my experience as a student here as the most formative years of my life. I met my wife here, I made an awesome group of friends here, I took on leadership responsibilities for the first time, my first job was on campus, and I figured out my ideal career path here. After a couple of years in Boston for graduate school and a couple of years in California for my first full-time job, getting the chance to come back to the university, which holds a huge place in my heart, was very special.
Other than that, I remember when the Stanley Cup was in the Student Union a couple of years ago when Las Vegas hosted the NHL All Star Game. Heading upstairs and seeing the trophy right there was pretty cool.
What is the best advice you have received that you would like to share?
Before I began college, a friend of mine who was beginning his junior year told me to enter with zero expectations. Be a blank slate, and let the experience shape you. And that's what I did. I went with the flow, took advantage of involvement opportunities, and ended up changing my career path due to the experience I had. To this day, I tell students, and professional staff, for that matter, the same thing.
What are your favorite hobbies when you are not busy at work?
I’ve recently started coaching my four-year-old daughter’s softball team. She started playing last year, and it’s so much fun to try and teach her and her friends the game. Even if their attention span lasts barely five minutes, it’s great outdoor time and good, healthy fun. I love keeping up with my beloved New York Mets from afar, and watching Marvel movies over and over again, at least until my daughter demands Bluey.
What keeps you motivated?
It’s wonderful to connect with students after they’ve experienced a hardship and learn that they’ve recovered, are performing well academically, and in a good place. That’s what it’s all about, really. Simply hearing students or staff say “thank you” also helps keep me feeling motivated. Here in Wellness, our jobs are often thankless, so a little positive messaging and notes of appreciation really go a long way. And the occasional Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, of course.
Favorite thing about living in Las Vegas?
Entertainment. We have everything that you can possibly imagine in our city when it comes to having fun, and it’s easy to take that for granted. Dining, shows, sports, outdoor recreation, museums, shopping, it’s all here. And except for those 110 degree days over the summer, the weather is perfect.
Biggest misconception about your job?
Many people who I interact with assume that I’m a mental health provider or that my job requires some expert knowledge of mental health issues. In reality, my job involves maintaining a strong awareness of what’s available to students here on campus and not being afraid to have candid, honest conversations with students facing tough times. It takes a willingness to listen, demonstrate empathy, present students with all available options that are in front of them, and empower them to make fully informed choices.
Future goals?
I think it would be awesome to plan a summer-long road trip and see games in all 30 Major League ballparks. That’s always been a bit of a dream of mine. I love traveling and seeing new places, and also love baseball, so that’s a nice goal to one day meet. Professionally, I love UNLV and really just want to continue making a positive impact for as long as I possibly can.
The Administrative Faculty of the Year Awards program is managed by the UNLV Administrative Faculty Committee.
