New York native Valarie Burke began her studies at Sacred Heart University. But after her move in 2002, she became a three-time UNLV alumna, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, her master's degree in educational leadership, and her Ph.D. in sociology. Her roles at UNLV have progressed from serving as a senior academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts to student academic integration coordinator for the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs to assistant dean of graduate student services. She now leads the National Institute for the Advancement of Education housed within the College of Education.