High-profile campus events run smoothly thanks to the efforts of Kyle Kaalberg. As special assistant to the chief of staff for President Donald Snyder, Kaalberg's days are seldom routine. He might be revising documents or wrangling flowers for events such as the State of the University address. Kaalberg says his stint driving a school bus and managing drivers taught him many skills that he uses today.
How long have you worked here?
I've been at UNLV for more than five years -- just over three years as a part-time instructor and graduate assistant in the College of Education and two in my current role.
What's your job, in a nutshell?
I'm the event manager for all the presidential events, meetings, and media events. Most things that go before the Board of Regents come through me to get placed on their agenda. I also do a lot of special projects. Right now the Presidential Search Committee is a big one. I'm also co-coordinator of the Philip J. Cohen Scholars Program, which funds full-tuition scholarships for up to 50 UNLV students each year.
What do you do to organize the State of the University?
Well, first of all I have to identify all the key people who need to be involved. I need audio and visual support, the space, photography, floral. Last year, it involved coordinating about 40 different people from across campus for the 90-minute presentation.
What would make for a perfect day?
One in which no one complains.
What have you learned from your work as director of the Presidential Student Ambassador program?
I was actually an ambassador as a student. This is an elite program of very highly motivated students from across campus. These are students who represent the best of UNLV in terms of academics as well as their involvement and their willingness to make a difference. Busy people get things done. These students have crazy schedules, and yet they still do more and more.
What's the most rewarding moment in your life?
In 2004, I earned what's called the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. It recognizes the top 4 percent of teachers in the U.S. I set out to achieve this, and I was the first person in my county in Missouri to do so. Only 33 percent pass it in the first year. Somehow, I managed to pass in the first year. In recognition, I was invited onto the floors of the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives for resolutions on my behalf.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I worked as a school bus driver to earn my undergraduate degree and then went on to be the associate director of transportation for the bus company. I learned patience and perseverance. Once I took that job in management, my principal duty was to coordinate transportation for 5,000 students every day. It took a lot of careful planning and organization. That was in Iowa. I learned I should have moved to Las Vegas - there's no snow and there's no ice here.
What's your best piece of advice for students?
Always reach out, as there are many, many individuals on this campus who can and will provide support.
