Jaime Carbajal can arguably say he’s worked in more departments than most people at UNLV ever have.

Since 2011, Carbajal has served in the admissions office, financial aid, as an engineering advisor, as a graduate assistant in the College of Education, in the Academic Success Center, as a health sciences advisor, and as an analytics and technology coordinator in the vice provost’s office.

Now, as an assistant professor in the School of Integrated Health Sciences’ applied health sciences program, Carbajal’s priority is the same as it ever was: the success of UNLV’s students.

“There are a lot of people who have been on campus a long time, whose main goal has always been to help our students. That’s really what makes the difference,” he said. “No matter where I’ve been, I’ve always worked to help our students.”

Even before UNLV, community had been a pillar of Carbajal’s ethos. Growing up in the small border town of Deming, New Mexico, Carbajal’s family knew everybody. Whether through church, community service, or athletics, he was raised by his community.

Carbajal still keeps in touch with his friends from pre-school. Now that they are grown and have children of their own, he looks back fondly on his time in Deming, how it shaped his educational journey at the University of Arizona and, eventually, his career at UNLV.

What was it like for you growing up?

Growing up, we had one middle school and one high school. It was a nice and simple life. I lived with my mom and stepdad. My dad lived in Tucson. I played basketball and ran track, which kept me busy. Family was always big to me, and so was community.

A lot of people in Deming went to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, but I wanted to break the norm. Every summer, I would go to basketball camp at the University of Arizona. I actually moved to Tucson for in-state tuition during my senior year of high school so I could go there after I graduated.

How did your college experience shape your eventual career as an educator?

I was a first-gen student and started as a civil engineering major. It was challenging, but I think it helped me relate to our students here at UNLV. When I started my college career, I was working at a Sears call center for 40 hours a week. I was also taking six courses and tried to be involved in student organizations. I was averaging like four hours of sleep a night and was still helping contribute to my family. I also worked as a front-desk student assistant, an admissions student recruiter, and a catering delivery driver during my time there.

I had a lot of faculty support at Arizona, especially those who pushed me to pursue a career in higher education. Eventually, I switched my major to sociology and I instantly got stronger as a student. 

What brought you to UNLV?

After finishing my master’s, I interviewed for jobs at schools all across the country. I wanted to work on a college campus and didn’t necessarily want to go for my Ph.D. I was burnt out from school and just wanted to start working. 

UNLV stood out the most to me. The staff were very friendly and personable. I was hired as an admissions and financial aid counselor in June 2011. 

You’ve served the university in many capacities for the past 15 years. How did you become a faculty member in the applied health sciences program?

I met [applied health sciences undergraduate program director] Sharon Jalene when I worked in Health Sciences Advising. We worked together on data compilation and assessment and found ways to improve student retention and success. When I found out that she was starting the applied health sciences program and seeking faculty, I applied because it sounded like a great program to be a part of, especially to have such a meaningful role teaching students. 

I was hired to help develop the first-year seminar course, along with a professional development lecture and seminar. I help students better prepare for healthcare graduate school programs or for employment after they graduate.

What excited you about joining the budding applied health sciences program?

I’m a person who finds it most rewarding to be in these new departments because you can more directly influence change and direction, especially for our students. Applied health sciences can help students earn a B.S. degree. We’re doing something unique and different and we’re helping connect them to whatever is next after graduation. It’s a very forward-thinking program. We are almost an intermediary between students, employers, and graduate programs. 

We had less than 30 students during our first semester in August 2024. Now, we’re close to 900 students. Applied health sciences not only has the general degree route, but we have different areas where students can take prerequisites for dentistry, medicine, nursing, physician assistant, etc. and still earn their degree. In the past, students needed to get their bachelor’s degree, then they’d have to take additional courses for their hopeful goal of graduate school. Our program allows them to earn their bachelor’s degree while earning those same credits.

What are some of your favorite locations on campus?

I’ve always liked our side of campus because there are so many trees by Bigelow Health Sciences. You see students and others sitting in the grass. It’s almost like a park, and it brings them a sense of enjoyment.

I also like the waterfall inside [White Life Sciences Building]. I really love Thomas & Mack during commencement — I help as a name reader — and seeing all the students celebrating their accomplishments. It really does take a village. 

You’ve been with UNLV for 15 years. What keeps you here?

The people. Not only the students, but the people on campus who make a difference behind the scenes without getting the credit they deserve. Our ultimate goal is to help our students and hopefully make their lives easier than what we experienced.