Chris Jones, ’10 BA Psychology, is completing his doctorate in health sciences, researching the relationship between moral foundations and the supervisory working alliance among clinical supervisors and their supervisees in mental health training. He is the clinical supervisor at Child Haven, an emergency children’s shelter operated by the Clark County Department of Family Services, and operates a private practice, Anchor & Sail Psychotherapy. He also teaches graduate-level courses at University of Massachusetts Global. Jones is getting married to his longtime partner, Tara, in October and is enjoying mentoring her as she completes her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Go Rebels!

Nick Podar, ’88 BS Hospitality Management, recently opened a new branch of Hoskins Equipment in Henderson, where he serves as a sales executive. A 30-year veteran of the Las Vegas construction industry, Podar works with a company that provides construction rental equipment for major projects throughout Las Vegas, Phoenix, Southern California, and Salt Lake City.

Aidan Neshite, ’24 Marketing, is building and operating his own health insurance agency as an independent broker. Licensed in multiple states, he was one of Nevada’s top producers this year. Outside of work, Neshite has entered his “ultramarathon phase,” spending more time trail running and working toward eventually competing in 100-plus-mile races.

Herb Santos Jr., ’85 BA Sociology, was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization of experienced trial attorneys and judges. Santos has spent more than three decades representing injured Nevadans and advancing the civil justice system through his work as a trial attorney, educator, and community leader.

Larissa J. Fekete, ’07 BS International Business and ’07 BS Business Administration, is the assistant dean of academic support at Oberlin College.

Kelcey A. West, ’96 BA Communication Studies, is celebrating 30 years of Nehemiah Ministries, where he has served as founding pastor for the past 21 years. He also is the founder of Unity Through Knowledge College Preparatory Program, which has helped more than 3,000 students gain exposure to higher education. His wife, Carmen L. West, also is a UNLV alumna.

Bryce Ackerman, ’97 Communication Studies, is a Workforce Management Leader at Roche and was recognized by CX Network as one of its “Top 30 contact center leaders to follow in 2026.” Ackerman credits How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie with changing how he approached and listened to others when he began his career as a supervisor.

Ronnie Terry Robinson, ’22 BSBA Management, ’24 MS Information Systems and MS Cybersecurity, and ’26 MBA, completed a seven-year academic journey at UNLV after retiring as a U.S. Army master sergeant following 28 years of service. During his time at UNLV, he served as a peer mentor, president of the Lee Transfer Student Club, faculty assistant, and student security analyst with the university’s Information Security Office. Robinson plans to continue working part time with UNLV IT Information Security Operations while pursuing his cybersecurity career. He enjoys gaming, traveling, and learning about languages and cultures.

Alex Marquez, ’92 BS Electrical Engineering, is celebrating 10 years as founder and global managing director of Experian Ventures, which has $500 million in assets under management.

Seth Grabel, '05 BS Hospitality Management, is an investor, broker, and magician who buys motels and gives them themed makeovers. He also uses magic to make people smile. His wife, Tammy Grabel, is also a UNLV alumna and worked as a publisher for Las Vegas Woman magazine.

Kristina Carmona, ’18 BA Special Education, teaches high school students with autism at Basic Academy while leading the school’s Best Buddies Leadership program. She recently won a brand-new car, an unexpected milestone she describes as a reminder that great opportunities can come when you least expect them. Carmona credits the professors and mentors who supported her as a Rodman Scholar with helping shape her career as an educator.

Charles E. Lewis, ’84 BS Hotel Administration, joined the Brook Casino in Seabrook, New Hampshire, as chef for banquets and special events. He recently opened Secret Gardens, an event space accommodating 50 to 2,500 guests. The employee-owned casino has a sister property in Eureka, Nevada. Lewis credits UNLV with some of the best years of his life, citing his professors, the career opportunities and the fun of living in Las Vegas.