Juanita Saucedo’s history in higher education spans the course of two decades. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from 51ԹϺ in 2006, Saucedo spent some time working in private higher education. Her career at 51ԹϺ began in the controller's office before she eventually became assistant dean of Business and Finance at the in fall 2022.
When not at work, the Texas native enjoys being with her family and watching her children participate in various sports. In her “downtime,” she enjoys binge watching Ted Lasso, anything Star Wars-related, and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Dodgers play. Her eclectic taste in music spans across many genres — Prince, Tupac, U2, Taylor Swift, and the oldies — all of which she listens to when traveling with family and friends
Is this job what you thought you’d do when you grew up?
Absolutely not. I knew I wanted to help people and be in some sort of service industry and initially when I started college I actually wanted to go into pharmacy.
We know our faculty and staff can have a profound effect on their students — but tell us about a lesson you learned from a student.
One of the ones that really sticks out to me is - having dealt with students so much throughout my career here – some students are afraid to ask for help. The ones that made it to my office and asked for help were the ones who I’ve been able to follow throughout their careers and stay in touch with. What I’ve learned from the students is learn to ask for help along the way.
When did you realize campus had changed from the time you got here?
When I returned to interview for the student accounts manager position. What was once the area I used to park as an undergrad was now an entire student services building, so just seeing the campus grow and add new buildings would be the tangible changes. Culturally, we know it has been very challenging the last few years with the pandemic. Also, there has been a significant change in terms of mental health resources and the availability of resources on campus since I was a student here.
If you weren’t working at 51ԹϺ, where do you think you’d be?
I would be consulting or working for the U.S. Department of Education because my skillset is strange with compliance, accounting skills, a criminal justice background and a love of math and numbers.
What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?
“Go ahead and get the black car” was the worst advice I was ever given, especially living here in Vegas where it gets so hot.
What’s your biggest pet peeve at work?
At work it’s when I receive emails and people do not use the right form of there, their, and they’re as well as too, two, and to. Also, people that complain about not liking change. I ask them how their smartphone is working out for them.
What’s the last celebrity death that really affected you?
My childhood friend was a celebrity within the Buffalo Bills fanbase. He lost the battle to cancer but lived a positive life until the end. His family and friends carry on with his Pancho Billa legacy. He definitely left an impact on so many lives.
Another was Robin Williams because it speaks to the hidden struggles of mental health. Both losses were tragic for very different reasons. One I knew was a matter of time. The other shocked the world; but to me my world was shaken when my friend passed away.
Now that summer is here, what is your best tip for staying cool in the summer?
Don’t get a black car in Vegas. *Laughs*
Find a pool and just stay in it with a big sun hat. Don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen and hydrate.
You went to go see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour earlier this year. Which of Taylor Swift’s eras best represents you?
That was by far one of my favorite moments to share with my daughter.
1989. She did such a great job with the album. It took me back to being my daughter’s age. It makes me feel like I’m living my childhood again.
