For this proud Las Vegas native, UNLV has never been just a campus. It has been a constant thread in her personal and professional journey.

A 1995 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing, Lorri Jackson shows that education, when paired with ambition and community, can create lasting impact. From balancing full-time work while attending classes held in trailers on a growing campus to building a two-decade career in wealth management, her story is one of determination, leadership and purpose.

Today, she is a vice president and wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch, where she has served clients for more than 20 years and holds five financial licenses. As chairperson of the UNLV University Libraries Advisory Board, she continues to give back to the institution that helped shape her confidence and career. Her dedication to mentorship, philanthropy and advocacy reflects a deep belief in the power of staying connected to UNLV.

What brought you to UNLV, and why did it feel like the right place at that time?

After graduating from Western High School, I began pursuing a business degree at Arizona State University, but I ultimately decided to return home to be closer to my family. It felt like the right fit for where I was in my life.

I worked at law firms and in bank trust departments, gaining hands-on experience while earning my degree. UNLV was geared toward working students, which made it ideal for me. My employer even helped pay for my education, which was an incredible opportunity.

The campus was still growing then. It was an exciting time; the university was young, evolving, and full of energy. I felt like I was growing alongside it.

How did your academic experience shape your personal and professional path?

People often say you go to college, put in your time, earn your degree, and move on. But for me, it was much more than that. UNLV gave me confidence as an educated professional. It taught me that learning never stops; you’re always evolving, always discovering something new.

My professors gave me the tools to communicate effectively, think critically, and challenge myself. They encouraged me not to be afraid of the next level. I truly believe that experience transformed me into a more confident and capable person.

When I started at UNLV, my cousin gave me a calendar and told me to write down one thing I learned each day. I actually did that. It instilled in me a mindset of lifelong learning that I carry to this day.

Walk us through your career journey since graduating.

I earned a paralegal certification because I was interested in law, though not enough to become an attorney. I worked in several law firms before moving into a bank trust department, where I handled estate planning, escrow processes, and legal matters with financial components. That experience gave me a strong foundation in estate planning, taxation, and financial strategy, all of which I use today in wealth management.

I later transitioned into branch banking, working for Bank of America before being recommended for a role at Merrill Lynch’s Las Vegas office. I was drawn to the firm’s comprehensive approach to wealth management. I truly love my clients and helping them achieve their financial goals.

How did your education prepare you for finance and wealth management?

One of the biggest lessons I learned at UNLV was perseverance. I remember a challenging business class where we had to build out every aspect of a company, from legal structures and marketing strategy to advertising and hiring. It was a comprehensive look at how businesses operate.

We also studied crisis management, which was a major eye-opener. We were taught to look beyond the obvious and think through how to overcome challenges and turn crises into opportunities. That lesson has stayed with me. Whenever I see a company navigating difficult circumstances, I find myself thinking through solutions the way I was taught at UNLV.

What inspired you to stay involved with UNLV?

UNLV is my school; I’m a proud alumna. After graduating, I realized how much I missed being on campus and feeling connected to that energy and purpose. I wanted to bring that connection back into my life and continue contributing to the community that had given me so much. I’ve always believed that some of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas are right here at UNLV.

One of the first programs I became involved with was the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, a master’s-level theatre program. We helped build a partnership with Broadway studios in New York, bringing instructors to Las Vegas and creating opportunities for students to train in New York. It was incredibly rewarding to see students gain exposure to world-class training while representing UNLV.

I later became involved with the Women’s Leadership Institute of Nevada, supporting leadership development for young women. One of the projects I’m most proud of was the Women’s Suffrage 100-Year Celebration. Over four years, we partnered with Vegas PBS to produce a three-part series, Women in Nevada History, highlighting 40 women whose stories are now used as educational resources across the state.

That work naturally led me to deeper involvement with the UNLV University Libraries, particularly in Special Collections and oral history projects. I became engaged with the Latinx and Asian American community histories and eventually joined the Libraries Advisory Board, where I now serve as chairperson. As we approach Lied Library’s 25th anniversary, I’m incredibly proud of the work being done to support students and preserve Nevada’s history.

In addition, I began working with UNLV Community Relations, serving as a judge for the Community Engagement Awards, which recognize outstanding students, staff, and faculty. I often get emotional reading those applications because they remind me how deeply UNLV continues to serve and uplift our community, often in ways that go unrecognized.

Why are alumni engagement and advocacy so important?

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that younger generations don’t always recognize the value of wisdom and lived experience. Mentorship is incredibly important. Alumni can offer guidance, perspective, and encouragement in ways that make a lasting difference.

UNLV offers meaningful mentorship programs, including through the law school, that help students and young professionals navigate important transitions. Staying engaged allows alumni to share knowledge and ensure future Rebels are prepared to succeed.

Why is community engagement important to you?

I truly believe we all have a responsibility to give back in ways that align with our passions and values. I’ve been involved with various nonprofits and professional organizations throughout Las Vegas, and I always encourage others to volunteer in areas that personally resonate with them.

For me, that included getting involved with the American Heart Association after my brother experienced heart issues. Supporting heart health became deeply personal. I’ve also dedicated time to organizations such as Nevada CASA Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada. I value my time, and when I commit to something, I do so intentionally because giving back truly matters to me.

Every time I invest in the community, I feel like I receive 10 times more in return. 

What excites you most about UNLV’s future?

I’m excited to see enrollment increasing at a time when many universities across the United States are experiencing declines. That growth tells me UNLV is providing value to the community. The university continues to evolve, expand, and serve Nevada in meaningful ways, and I hope that growth continues.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Legacy includes giving. I strongly believe in planned giving and endowments. Many major universities thrive because their alumni remain invested financially and philanthropically.

If state funding is limited, we must look within our own community to build resources for future generations. I hope my legacy reflects a commitment to building long-term sustainability for UNLV.

What is your favorite place on campus — then vs. now?

Then: The Student Union. It was where everyone gathered and connected. I also loved the theatre department — it truly was one of the best-kept secrets on campus — and attending lectures and ballet performances.

Now: The library. Every time I walk into the library, I discover something new. The innovation, programming, and dedication to preserving history inspire me.

What’s one thing you wish every student knew about staying connected to UNLV?

Every time you give — whether it’s time, talent, or treasure — you receive it back tenfold. The university exists to serve students and the broader Nevada community. Staying connected allows you to leave a lasting mark not only on the institution but also on the state itself.