For Riana Durrett, some of the most meaningful moments at UNLV have come from helping students gain experience and confidence early in their careers.
“The ‘job well done’ feeling I get from connecting students to a job or getting them published for the first time has the most lasting effect on me,” she said.
As director of UNLV's Cannabis Policy Institute, Durrett creates opportunities for students to engage with cannabis research and policy through initiatives like the institute’s Student Research Showcase and National Policy Symposium.
A triple alumna, Durrett earned degrees in political science, law, and gaming law and regulation before building a career in cannabis policy during the early years of legalization in Nevada. Before joining UNLV in 2023, she served as executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association and as the first vice chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. She also teaches cannabis law and regulation courses at the William S. Boyd School of Law.
She is 2026 Administrative Faculty of the Year Rising Star award recipient. The award reflects what Durrett says she appreciates most about UNLV: a sense of collaboration across campus. “Being a UNLV Rebel means a sense of community and that everyone shares in everyone’s wins,” she said.
Outside of work, she coaches her children’s Lego robotics team — an interest that has connected back to UNLV through faculty who have volunteered their time to support the team.
How does it feel to be recognized as Administrative Faculty of the Year?
My work with the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV has centered around making meaningful connections and contributions to our school community, but also to our state and national discourse on cannabis research and policy. I have been fortunate to work with an advisory board made up of accomplished and respected leaders in their fields, university leadership with an open door, and colleagues that go out of their way to help from departments across campus, including the Graduate College and Division of Research. This award reflects the support and collaboration that helped create an institute that has quickly become a credible voice in cannabis policy discussions.
What inspired you to get into your field?
I was a practicing attorney, but working on cannabis law and policy after legalization in 2015 became especially engaging. The laws were changing so quickly, and I had the opportunity to help shape some of those changes.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
That all cannabis research is federally prohibited. It is legal under certain circumstances, and those circumstances are continuing to expand through federal rescheduling efforts.
What’s something people likely do not know about you?
I am a member of the Suquamish Tribe.
Best advice you have received?
Once an attorney told me he “respects everyone and everything,” and that has stayed with me for 20 years. I appreciate the reminder to avoid, or at least try to avoid, being dismissive.
How do you stay motivated?
Seeing the Cannabis Policy Institute continue to grow and develop as a respected voice in cannabis research and policy keeps me motivated, especially knowing students are gaining opportunities and experience through that work.
Name a favorite thing about living in Las Vegas.
I appreciate how accessible everyone and everything is in Las Vegas. I think students can call up almost any elected official and ask for a meeting or interview. Maybe I have rose-colored glasses, but that was my experience as an undergraduate.
What’s the most memorable part of your time at UNLV?
Law school was probably the most transformative part of my time at UNLV. I also appreciate that, under Dean Leah Chan Grinvald, the law school has created opportunities for alumni to return and share their experiences and knowledge from “the real world.” The opportunities for students to participate in various fields has also dramatically increased.
Finally, I have to say, receiving this award will be an indelible memory and I’m very grateful for the support!
