Nikkole Liesse has served as director of the Lee Business School’s Executive MBA program for just over two years. In her role, she oversees all aspects of the EMBA, including student recruitment, student experience, alumni relations, and program marketing. During her time with the program, she has increased annual program inquiries by 23 percent and enrollment by over 40 percent.

Prior to joining UNLV, Liesse was the marketing director for The Howard Hughes Corporation, developer of the 22,500-acre master-planned community of Summerlin in Las Vegas. Her responsibilities included development and execution of all marketing strategies; oversight of consumer and market research; managing a multi-million-dollar budget; and participation in cross-functional projects such as community and neighborhood planning and business plan development. During her six years with Hughes, she introduced new and innovative marketing tools and techniques to her organization and industry, resulting in cost savings and investments in cutting-edge technology. Prior to her work at Hughes, she was the Operational Marketing Manager for Centex Homes in Las Vegas.

Liesse is a graduate of the EMBA program herself, graduating as a part of Cohort 7 in December 2009. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication from UNLV. In 2012, she was named to the “40 Under 40” in business by Vegas, Inc. and was also named one of 10 “Rising Stars” by Las Vegas Business Press in 2008.

She is a current member of Clark County School District’s West Career and Technical Academy High School Business Advisory Board, a board comprised of local educators and business leaders, providing high school students enhanced educational offerings and access to professional mentors. When not working, she spends her time with her husband and family, traveling and training for half-marathons.