The MGM College Opportunity Program (MGM-COP) is helping working adults attain their degrees while supporting the state's demand for an educated workforce. The program helps these nontraditional students overcome barriers, such as cost and university procedures, that can delay the graduation process.
The program started in fall 2019 and soon awarded its first degree to an undergraduate student in spring 2020, a semester that brought a sudden shift to remote learning to address the pandemic.
At winter 2020 commencement, seven women who make up the inaugural MGM-COP cohort will graduate. They all work at MGM Resorts International in different departments and properties across the United States. Each has earned a Masters of Art in Urban Leadership, having persisted through the 15-month online program.
“Although I was motivated pre-COVID for my degree, my motivation grew even more in the midst of layoffs,” said Tiana Ethridge, an event services supervisor at MGM Grand Garden Arena. “Instead of taking it as a setback, I used that time that I now had to focus all of my efforts in the program."
Cross campus collaborations and a strong partnership with Online Education, along with personalized support and flexibility, play a crucial role in helping students stay engaged, said Christopher Stream, director of the UNLV School of Public Policy and Leadership. By spring 2021, the Urban Leadership program is expected to achieve 100% retention and graduation for the fall 2019 cohort.
Here, three of the graduates share their journey to graduation in the face of a public health pandemic and economic uncertainty as proof that cross-system partnerships can close the achievement gap.
Tiana Ethridge
Event Services Supervisor
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Why did you choose to enroll in UNLV and the Urban Leadership Program?
One of my life goals was to obtain a master’s degree. I had heard nothing but great things about UNLV. Their strengths in hospitality and diversity stood out to my strengths, and it was an institution that I knew I would be proud to be a part of. Making a difference and becoming a successful leader was always a goal for me. To find a program such as the Urban Leadership Program that combined both factors felt like a dream come true.
How did the Urban Leadership Program support you through furloughs and employment uncertainty resulting from COVID-19?
The Urban Leadership Program supported us through the furloughs by reaching out and making sure to provide us with resources and information that may be useful to us.
The program entails doing a community engagement legacy project. How was this capstone project applicable in your professional or personal life?
The Legacy Project was the most impactful portion of the Urban Leadership Program. It was an unforgettable, positive experience to work with my wonderful teammates and make a difference with a wonderful organization.
Our project was focused on the opioid crisis in Las Vegas. We were fortunate to partner with a treatment organization called WestCare. We wanted to provide the organization with something that they needed. They informed us that [they needed to advertise services] but they didn't have the resources for it. With our team's resources and network, we provided a professional advertisement video and made a difference. I learned the importance of a great team, and that goals are achievable.
Any other information that you would like to share?
I am thankful for the MGM and UNLV team that has supported us through our journey. We truly would not be here without you all, and you have made a positive impact in all of our lives.
Jazmyne Drawhorn
Internal Auditor of Ethics/Investigations
MGM Resorts International Corporate
Why did you choose to enroll in UNLV and the Urban Leadership Program?
My mom went to UNLV, and she wasn't able to finish school because she had me. She has always pushed me to continue my education, and this essentially was a dream come true. Also, my job was paying for me to go to school, and that was a huge plus. Without that, I probably wouldn't have continued my education.
I love my community, and I am always looking for ways to help, not only monetarily but with my time. The Urban Leadership program and its connections to the community really stuck out to me. Through this program, I looked to become a better leader and assist marginalized and disenfranchised communities.
What motivated you to continue working on your degree during the pandemic, and in the midst of furloughs and layoffs?
My children and my husband. Having four children, I can't let them see me get down, and we have to keep pushing for them. If they see that mom and dad are OK, then they know that everything will be fine. They drove me to be the best version of myself, and I knew I couldn't let them down!
The program entails doing a community engagement legacy project. How was this capstone project applicable in your professional or personal life?
The Legacy Project has been incredibly thought-provoking. The knowledge that I gained while working on our Ward 1 project is that community members hold power, having their voices heard for developments in their area. During the project, I sat in on many calls and attended City Council meetings via Zoom. In those meetings and calls, the level of detail was really interesting because I had no idea what to expect. I know now that I will be attending as many City Council meetings as I can because I need to know more about what is going on in my city and what its future will look like.
This project also taught me how to work better in a group project setting. Everyone has differences in their processes and opinions, finding the common ground, while difficult, can breed great results.
Any other information that you would like to share?
This has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I've learned so much and worked really hard to make my work matter. I am extremely appreciative and thankful for the ability to continue my education at a high level.
Shana Vanegas
Casino Host
Borgata Casino, Hotel and Spa
Why did you choose to enroll in UNLV and the Urban Leadership Program?
I chose this program because I wanted to learn ways to make a difference in my community.
What motivated you to continue working on your degree during the pandemic?
I was almost at the finish line during this time, and giving up was not an option. I knew that I was blessed to have this opportunity to attend school at no cost, and I didn't want to take that for granted.
How did the MGM-COP help you graduate from UNLV?
This program was the only way I would have attended a master's program at UNLV. The company investing in me created an opportunity that I would have never had.
Any other information that you would like to share?
It has been a great experience attending UNLV through the MGM-COP Program. I gained knowledge, connections, and friends that will last a lifetime.
