For Mariahsen Bautista, UNLV is the source for many of the good things that have come into her life — her degree, job, close friends, and even her husband!

Bautista began in the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Advising Center as a student worker while earning a bachelor’s in kinesiology from the School of Integrated Health Sciences. She graduated in 2020 into a tough job market due to the COVID pandemic and applied for a temporary job in the Pre-Professional Advising Center. 

A short while later, a position in Engineering Advising Center opened up, and she took on her current role as administrative assistant III. Her colleagues have been so impressed with her organizational skills that she’s the latest recipient of the 2025 President’s Classified Employee Rookie of the Year award.

“It’s been an honor to watch Mariahsen grow from a student employee to a young professional. She truly enjoys her position and understands how essential it is to our center,” wrote one of her nominators in a recommendation letter submitted to the Classified Staff Council.

So, what are Bautista’s tips for staying on task?

“Taking notes constantly,” she said. “I also keep a running to-do list. Writing things down instead of relying on mental notes has been a game changer. I use a notepad so I can physically check things off, which helps me stay on track and prioritize my week.”

Here, the Classified Employee “Rookie of the Year” shares more about her experiences at UNLV, both as a former student and as an award-winning employee.

Tell us a little about what you do.

No two days are ever the same. I support a team of 12 academic advisors and oversee three amazing student workers, so I’m always juggling a variety of tasks, which keeps things exciting and engaging. I like to think of myself as the glue that holds the office together — whether it’s organizing chaos behind the scenes or making sure students and staff have what they need. It’s a busy environment, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Do you have a project that you are particularly proud of so far?

The work I’ve done tracking course enrollment and pass/fail rates for the College of Engineering. I’ve been maintaining detailed semester tracking sheets that help our deans and department chairs monitor changes in course performance. This has been really useful in planning for future enrollment and spotting areas where students might be struggling. That data has directly contributed to changes in several courses and supported our college’s efforts to boost student success.

How does it feel being recognized as a Classified Employee of the Year?

It's such a humbling experience to know that the work I do is being recognized. I definitely couldn’t have done it without the support and guidance from the leadership in the College of Engineering. Their encouragement has meant a lot and has really helped me grow in my role.

What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your time at UNLV?

There have been a few, but one of the most memorable was definitely graduating from UNLV. It felt like such a major milestone after all the effort and late nights. It was one of those moments where everything came full circle. UNLV really shaped both my personal and professional life in ways I’ll always be grateful for.

Another moment that stands out was during COVID, when everything shifted to remote work almost overnight. It was a challenging time, but it pushed me to adapt quickly, learn new ways to stay connected, and support students from a distance. It also reminded me how strong and resilient the UNLV community really is.

What’s a quote that inspires you?

One that really sticks with me, especially as I get older, is “Never let yesterday use up too much of today.” I try to remind myself of this often because life really is short. Whether it's something in my personal life, at work, or just a tough situation I’m dealing with, this quote helps me shift my mindset. If something went wrong or didn’t turn out the way I hoped, I try not to dwell on it. Holding onto yesterday’s problems can weigh you down, and I’d rather move forward and make the most of today.

What’s something you enjoy in your free time?

I love doing outdoor activities with my husband — things like fishing, archery, golfing, and snowboarding. I really enjoy sharing those hobbies with family and friends whenever I can. It’s also a fun way to bring our mini Dachshund, Maru, along and let him explore new places with us. Getting outside, being active, and spending time with the people I love and my furbaby is something I really look forward to on my time off. 

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I know a little bit of sign language. It’s something I’ve been learning over time, and I’d love to eventually become fluent. I think it’s such a beautiful language. Being able to communicate with more people — especially in ways that aren’t always accessible — is something I really value. It’s definitely a skill I want to keep building on.