Women's Council Spotlight
Our Spotlight stories highlight 51ԹϺ 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 .
Dawn K. Johnson, Administrative Assistant IV, has been with 51ԹϺ for just over a year and a half, supporting the Women’s Research Institute, Women’s Council, and Reid Public History Institute. A proud Las Vegas native, Dawn loves the sense of community at 51ԹϺ, which is made even more special by sharing the campus with her husband and son. Her favorite part of 51ԹϺ? “The people!” she…
In this month’s Women's Council Spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Yaa Obeng, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Diversity Initiatives & Chief Diversity Officer, whose journey and dedication to 51ԹϺ exemplify the essence of mentorship and empowerment. Yaa has had the unique opportunity to work in multiple departments across campus, allowing her to impact countless students…
Ren McMullin’s typical work day leverages her creativity as well as her interpersonal and analytical skills. As content marketing specialist for the Division of Integrated Marketing and Branding, Ren’s role includes writing articles on cool classes, developing messaging for ad campaigns, and gathering market research and web analytics for academic programs. She was recently selected for…
Dr. Karen Violanti, Executive Director of First Year Success Programs at 51ԹϺ, 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 51ԹϺ in various positions, including her time as a Graduate assistant. Meet Jenn Oshiro Rivers, a vibrant member of the 51ԹϺ 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 51ԹϺ. Michelle has been an invaluable member of the 51ԹϺ community for the past two years. Her enthusiasm for her role is matched only by her appreciation for the vibrant workplace culture at 51ԹϺ. Michelle'…
As the only female Native American professor at 51ԹϺ, Danielle Finn has made it her mission to increase the number of Native American students pursuing law at 51ԹϺ. 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 51ԹϺ Tell us about your experience at 51ԹϺ? I came to 51ԹϺ 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 51ԹϺ: 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 51ԹϺ? As DPND…
Laura K. Gryder, M.A. Campus Accreditation Coordinator for Academic Effectiveness, Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Years at 51ԹϺ: Working: Since 2007, or 16 years, As a student: started in 2003 – so 20 years now! Tell us about your experience at 51ԹϺ? I’ve been a part of the campus community since 2003, when I started at 51ԹϺ as a freshman. My first…