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Women's Council Spotlight: Jean Munson

Jean Munson of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada credits professor Joanne Goodwin, the institute's director emerita, as having been an important mentor.

Program manager Jean Munson works to get the community involved with research on gender and policy issues for women in Nevada. (Amanda Keating/UNLV Photo Services)    

Editor's Note:

This is part of a regular series of interviews by the UNLV Women's Council. It highlights employees who have been recognized by colleagues and peers for being knowledgeable and helpful, and for working hard behind the scenes without seeking recognition. This interview was conducted by council member Joanna Medrano.

Jean Munson

Program manager of the Women’s Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN)

Years at UNLV: 3

Immediate family: Husband, Coy; father-in-law, Coy Sr.; and an adorable basset hound, Mia.   

What do you do here at UNLV?

I am very fortunate to have this position with WRIN working on getting the community involved with research on gender and policy briefs for women in Nevada. I am also an adjunct professor and excited to a part of the art department illustration program.

Any advice for young women starting careers on campus?

From my own story, I graduated during the recession in 2009 (BA History at UNLV) and had a liberal arts degree, but it was hard to land a job. The National Education for Women’s (NEW) Leadership Nevada program pushed me to explore my own interests and step out to be an entrepreneur. I ended up starting my own comic business, Plot Twist Publishing. The path is not always linear so be sure to pay attention to what matters to you and what you are most passionate about.

Tell us about a woman who’s been a mentor to you.

I need to shout out to (history professor and WRIN director emerita) Dr. Joanne Goodwin. I was a history student in her class and we bonded over our common interests in art and history. She has been a constant advocate for me and I appreciate her so much!

If you could learn to master one thing, what would it be?

Time management! They call me the woman with a “million jobs.” I would love to enjoy an afternoon siesta every day. Sometimes, I get home and just want to sleep.

You just won Megabucks and want to give back to the university. What would you do?

I would support the National Education for Women's (NEW) Leadership Nevada program. This program encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I would love to give others that opportunity. The NEW Leadership Nevada program happens on our campus, but is open to women at all NSHE institutions.

You’re stuck between meetings with 30 minutes to kill on campus. What do you do?

I would grab a pastry from the café at Rebel Grounds in the Hospitality building. It always has the shortest line.

Are you a dog person, cat person, or something else?

I am a dog person, but seem to attract stray cats all the time.

Topics:

alumni

Campus Units:

Department of Art,  College of Fine Arts,  Department of History,  College of Liberal Arts,  Women's Research Institute of Nevada,  Alumni Engagement

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