UNLV College of Education Alumni

08/24/2026

🎉 We’re celebrating the latest UNLV College of Education Rebels to earn a doctoral degree!
Today we’re honoring Dr. Erin E. Dunn who finished her program this summer to earn a PhD. in School Psychology! 🎓
When asked about her favorite UNLV moment, Erin shared, “Walking back from late night class to the parking garage and taking a moment to pause and just look at the lights of the Strip. Such a surreal and beautiful experience.” 🌆
When not at work, you might find Erin cheering on the Las Vegas Aces. 🏀 “The House always wins :) Shoutout A'ja Wilson; 4xMVP.”
On how she got to the field of school psychology, Erin said, “I have always loved kids; my passion in life is to help the children who are different, unique, and see the world through a special lens. A friend once reminded me of words I said almost 15 years ago; ‘A Ph.D. would be a lot... but I think it's what I would need to do the work that matters.’ That is, and has always been my why.” ❤️🩶
UNLV Alumni UNLV Graduate College

08/21/2026

The first UNLV Teacher of the Game Award goes to... Ms. Yesenia Talavera!

This Orr Middle School Computer Science teacher is bringing the right game plan to the classroom, challenging students to think critically, solve problems and push beyond what they thought possible.

Her nomination praised her for “removing barriers and creating multiple pathways” for students to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

Now, she’s taking the field! Ms. Talavera will be honored during the Rebels home opener in front of thousands of fans. Congratulations, Ms. Talavera!

08/19/2026

“Running through the desert was exactly where I belonged,” Kim shared. 🏜️
Read more about Kimberly Reed '04 M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction and her passion for competitively running and mountain biking. 👟
https://www.unlv.edu/announcement/college-education/courage-and-purpose
UNLV UNLV College of Education UNLV Alumni

Of Courage and Purpose: How Kimberly Reed is Forging Her Trail Kimberly Reed, '04 M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, loves a challenge. When she’s not teaching five AP classes at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon, advising seniors, or coordinating student clubs, she runs competitively and mountain bik...

08/18/2026

🎉 We’re celebrating the latest UNLV College of Education Rebels to earn a doctoral degree!
Congratulations are in store for Dr. Haeeun Lee who has earned their Ph.D. in School Psychology this past summer. 🎓
Haeeun’s favorite UNLV memory? Her dissertation defense, of course! “I was incredibly fortunate to have a supportive committee that guided me through every stage of the process with kindness, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback. They not only helped me complete my dissertation, but also inspired me to continue pursuing the area I am most passionate about. The entire dissertation journey taught me so much, and my defense was the moment when all of that hard work came together. It was one of the most fulfilling and memorable days of my time at UNLV.” ❤️🩶
How did Haeeun get into the field? She shared, “My interest in psychology began when friends often told me that I was a good listener. Over time, I realized that I wanted to do more than simply listen—I wanted to develop the skills to meaningfully support others. That curiosity led me to therapy and eventually to the broader field of psychology. 👂🏽
“I was especially drawn to school psychology because of its unique and multifaceted role. School psychologists have the opportunity to work with children and adolescents while also collaborating with families, teachers, and other professionals. That combination of direct support, advocacy, and collaboration reflects the heart of what motivates me and continues to strengthen my passion for the field.” 💗
Haeeun also shared two unique pastimes: “Two of my favorite pastimes are building miniature book nooks and going to U-pick farms. I enjoy visiting local farms with my family to pick different kinds of berries, which we often share with friends and relatives. 🍓🫐 When I need some quiet time to recharge, I like working on book nooks. I love the creativity and attention to detail they require, and as a bonus, they make charming night-lights.” 📔
UNLV Alumni UNLV Graduate College

08/17/2026

❗Deadline: This Friday!
📢 Are you a UNLV College of Education Alumni and interested in giving back to your alma mater? Or, are you a recent graduate interested in being matched with a mentor?
📝 Priority deadline for the next Alumni Mentorship Program cohort is this Friday, August 21.
ℹ️unlv.edu/education/alumni
UNLV UNLV Alumni

08/12/2026

🎉 We’re celebrating the latest UNLV College of Education Rebels to earn a doctoral degree!
Let’s congratulate Dr. Travis Wilstead who recently earned his Ph.D. in Teacher Education! This is his second degree from UNLV, having previously earned a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership in 2006. 🎓🎓 He’s pictured with his wife Jessica.
Travis shared that his favorite UNLV moment was passing his dissertation defense. “After years of work, it was meaningful to share the study, answer questions from my committee, and realize I had reached that milestone.” ❤️🩶
His “why?” “I became an educator because I believe schools can change the direction of a child’s life. What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to support teachers, build strong school communities, and help students feel known, challenged, and encouraged.” 🍎🍏
When not working, you’ll most likely find Travis spending time with his family. He said, “I recently became a grandpa, which has been one of the best new roles in my life.” 🚼
UNLV Alumni UNLV Graduate College Diamond Valley Elementary School

08/11/2026

We’re celebrating wherever they are!
Who will be this semester’s Wonderful Washoe Rebel?! Nominations are open for any alum that works or lives in the Washoe County area! Let’s honor our awesome alumni who do so much for the community! Self-nominations are accepted.
Nominations are due Sept 30. Visit https://forms.gle/fGqfXV7QvEy7N9B37 for more details.
UNLV UNLV Alumni Washoe County School District

08/10/2026

✨Alumni in Action Spotlight✨
This month we’re highlighting Dr. Ted Weisman! Ted earned his Ph.D. in Teacher Education from UNLV College of Education in 2022. He serves as the Digital Teaching Manager for UNLV Online and has also taught for the College of Education. 🎓
Despite working for UNLV Online, you may find Ted all around campus. He says, “One of my favorite things to do is walk outside on main campus in the evenings. I live close to campus so I drive up here at least 3 times a week and walk when the sun sets. 😎 I also love walking at the Student Wellness Recreation Center. There is a track on the 4th floor and it has one of the best views of the strip! 🌆 I also enjoy the new outdoor space at the Student Union connected to Scarlet and Sage.”
Ted never wears the same pair of shoes two days in a row? 👞 Or that he won “prettiest eyes” in high school? 👀
features that work at UNLV. Drop us a note if you know someone we should highlight. ❤️🩶
UNLV College of Education Alumni UNLV Alumni

08/07/2026

alumni, check your inboxes! 📩 The latest alumni e-newsletter dropped earlier this week! Lots of awesome alumni spotlights and upcoming events. ❤️🩶
See here for a digital copy: https://mailchi.mp/71a86b5407f5/eduaction-april-19885101
Didn’t receive “EduAction,” the UNLV College of Education Alumni newsletter? Sign up at unlv.edu/education/alumni for the next edition.
UNLV UNLV College of Education UNLV Alumni

08/05/2026

📢 Are you a UNLV College of Education Alumni and interested in giving back to your alma mater?
Attend an info session and apply by the next cohort deadline.
===Next info session via Zoom===
📅 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 4-5 PM
Drop into an info session to learn more about the program.
📝 Priority deadline for the next cohort is Friday, August 21.
ℹ️ unlv.edu/education/alumni
👋🏽 New this year: alumni within five years of graduation seeking additional support can sign up as a mentee!
UNLV UNLV Alumni