Student sitting at the Student Union

Division of Diversity Initiatives News

The Division of Diversity Initiatives provides leadership and support for UNLV's diversity mission: to nurture equity, diversity, and inclusiveness that promotes respect, support, and empowerment.

Current Diversity Initiatives News

person working at desk in library with cityscape in view behind him
Business and Community | May 1, 2023

UNLV is emerging as a national leader in fostering the economic mobility of its graduates. For Southern Nevada, that means a healthier middle class.

professionally dressed woman poses outside
People | November 15, 2022

UNLV's new chief diversity officer on her immigrant experience, and the inspiration she finds in her rescued greyhounds.

two female students studying at an outdoor table
People | November 7, 2022

Ingrid Perez is among thousands of first-generation students at UNLV carving out their own path to success.

exterior image of hospitality hall
Business and Community | July 11, 2022

Leaders from the nation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities convene at UNLV for American Indian Higher Education Consortium annual summer meeting. 

woman in TV studio
People | June 29, 2022

UNLV senior Mae Agbilay's research shapes programming for Native American youth.

a woman and girl viewing Native American jewelry in museum case
Campus News | June 29, 2022

Research drives how programs serve youth.

Diversity Initiatives In The News

Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
April 8, 2021

There are many treasures in Las Vegas and one most valued notable will soon be retiring from her post: Dr. Barbee Oakes, Chief Diversity Officer for UNLV. Often described as a guru of diversity, equity and inclusion, Oakes has spent four years advancing inclusive programming that makes UNLV one of the most diverse universities in the nation. She has implemented a “Cultural Intelligence Leadership Series” that fosters a culture of inclusive excellence among senior administrators, academic leaders, and faculty.

Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
April 8, 2021

Spring is upon us, and we are grateful to be moving closer to our regular routines while staying safe.

Nevada Independent
February 24, 2021

State of the University addresses are, traditionally, fairly bland affairs. They are a chance for university presidents to be boosters, to laud the university’s successes and sell the school’s upward trajectory to an audience of administrators, faculty, students and donors. 

Las Vegas Review Journal
January 20, 2021

UNLV is retiring the Hey Reb! mascot, but retaining its Rebels nickname, university president E. Keith Whitfield announced Tuesday afternoon.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now
December 21, 2020

Thirteen community-based organizations that support Nevada’s immigrant communities have given out $1 million in funding.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now
October 5, 2020

More than a dozen community-based organizations in Nevada that help immigrants will be receiving an additional $516,000. That money will allow them to provide financial assistance to immigrant families.

Recent Diversity Initiatives Accomplishments

November 22, 2022
Jennifer Rennels and Rachael Robnett (both Psychology) co-chaired a symposium and panel discussion about Recruiting, Retaining, and Supporting Underrepresented students in STEM at the American Chemical Society's Western Regional Meeting in Las Vegas during October 2022. Seval Yildirim (Diversity Initiatives) and Eliza Wiggins (Community Programs)…
April 19, 2019
Mariana Sarmiento Hernández (Office of Diversity Initiatives) served as the Keynote Speaker at the 2nd Annual UNLV Impact Awards, hosted by the Office of Service Learning and Leadership.  The UNLV Impact Awards seeks to recognize students whose engagement activities advance learning, justice, and social change with the community.
November 1, 2014
Harriet Barlow (Diversity Initiatives) will deliver the keynote address at the 37th annual Carbondale (Ill.) Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet. This year's theme is "All In for Justice and Equality: Your VOTE is a Path."
September 1, 2014
Joanna Jezierksa (Diversity Initiatives & Government Affairs) was a panel presenter at the annual conference of the American Library Association in Las Vegas in July. She discussed "Sticking with STEM: How the Academic Library Can Help to Retain Successful Students."
December 1, 2012
Takiyah Ray (Diversity Initiatives) recently graduated from the state of Nevada Certified Public Manager Program. The Certified Public Manager (CPM) program is a nationally recognized and nationally accredited leadership development program for public managers and supervisors. Her capstone quality improvement project was adopted as a CPM training…