Women's Council Spotlight
Our Spotlight stories highlight UNLV employees who have been recognized by fellow colleagues for working hard behind the scenes to support our students and campus community. If you would like to nominate someone for a featured Spotlight story, please complete the nomination form.
Dr. Karen Violanti, Executive Director of First Year Success Programs at UNLV, reflects on her journey since joining in 2022. She values the people most, finding joy in connecting with faculty, staff, and students. Karen's traits of kindness and empathy drive her interactions, while her pursuit of balance between work and life remains ongoing. Karen draws inspiration from her family and…
Jenn Oshiro Rivers, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement in the College of Education.Worked for thirteen years at UNLV in various positions, including her time as a Graduate assistant. Meet Jenn Oshiro Rivers, a vibrant member of the UNLV community with a diverse background. From student to volunteer, she's immersed herself in various roles, finding purpose and growth along the way. In our…
The Women’s Council is delighted to Spotlight Michelle Shannon, the Institutional Repository Manager at the Scholarly Communication & Data Services unit within the University Libraries at UNLV. Michelle has been an invaluable member of the UNLV community for the past two years. Her enthusiasm for her role is matched only by her appreciation for the vibrant workplace culture at UNLV. Michelle'…
As the only female Native American professor at UNLV, Danielle Finn has made it her mission to increase the number of Native American students pursuing law at UNLV. A trailblazer at the William S. Boyd School of Law, Danielle is inspired by the resilience of her ancestors and works to empower Native women. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a citizen of the Standing Rock…
Spotlight: Amber Sewell, Teaching and Learning Librarian, University libraries, two years at UNLV Tell us about your experience at UNLV? I came to UNLV two years ago from Knoxville, Tennessee. I moved out here without ever having visited this part of the country, and I’ve got to say, I’m loving it! My work at the Libraries is primarily with first- and second-year students,…
Women's Council Spotlight: Samantha M. Coogan, MS, RDN, LD, FAND Samantha M. Coogan, MS, RDN, LD, FAND Director, Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPND)/Undergraduate Coordinator Nutrition Sciences/Senior Lecturer Years at UNLV: 11 years (2 as a GA, 2 as a PTI, 7 as full-time Faculty) Tell us about the work you do and your experience at UNLV? As DPND…
Laura K. Gryder, M.A. Campus Accreditation Coordinator for Academic Effectiveness, Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Years at UNLV: Working: Since 2007, or 16 years, As a student: started in 2003 – so 20 years now! Tell us about your experience at UNLV? I’ve been a part of the campus community since 2003, when I started at UNLV as a freshman. My first…
Heather Nepa, Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College Years at UNLV: 10 Heather Nepa is a remarkable individual whose contributions to the anthropology department at UNLV are invaluable. She has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the university and its students, earning her high praise from those who have worked…
In celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, the UNLV Women's Council is spotlighting Kavita Batra, an assistant professor and medical research biostatistician. She has been recognized for her exceptional work as a colleague and mentor, and for her instrumental role in supporting residents and fellows with their projects. Batra provides statistical and research training…