Notable Alumni of Nevada State University: Leaders and Achievers

Nevada State University (NSU), formerly Nevada State College, has grown into a prominent public institution in Henderson, Nevada, since its establishment. The university prides itself on fostering leadership, community engagement, and dedication among its students. This article highlights some of the notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, embodying the spirit of NSU.

The Genesis of Nevada State University

The journey of Nevada State University began with a vision to provide accessible and affordable higher education to the residents of Nevada. In February 2000, a committee recommended the establishment of Nevada State College at Henderson. While some feared that its creation would divert resources from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), proponents argued that it would be a more cost-effective option for students.

The Board of Regents approved the project in April 2000, despite concerns about the proposed site's proximity to a toxic waste storage facility. Initial funding was secured in June 2000, with the Regents requesting $5.2 million for start-up costs and $7 million for instruction.

Nevada State College officially opened in 2002 and acquired accreditation. The first permanent building, the Liberal Arts and Sciences building, opened in August 2008. In March 2023, the Nevada Legislature officially changed the school's name to Nevada State University.

Accomplished Alumni

Nevada State University has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made their mark in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's mission of fostering leaders and contributors to society.

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Healthcare

Brian Callister, M.D.: A passionate advocate for the anesthesia field.

Education

Nellie Shaw Harnar, M.A.: Contributed significantly to the field of education.
Sheila Leslie, M.A. (1979): Made notable contributions to education.

Psychology

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.: A prominent figure in the field of psychology.
James Richardson, Ph.D.: Another distinguished alumnus in psychology.
Glenn Wilson, Ph.D.: Notable contributions to psychology.

Literature and Academia

William D. Lutz, Ph.D.: Made significant contributions to the field of literature.
William Dwight Billings: A notable figure in ecological studies.

Law and Politics

Judge Gershwin A.: Served as a respected member of the judiciary.
Frank J. Procter: Made contributions to the legal field.
Ralph Hug, Jr.: Another alumnus who excelled in law.
Sheila Leslie: Served in the Nevada Legislature.
Robin L. Titus: Served as an Assemblywoman in the Nevada Legislature.
Jason Frierson: Attorney for the District of Nevada and former Speaker of the Nevada Assembly.
Richard Perkins: President and CEO of The Perkins Company and former Speaker of the Nevada Assembly.

Athletics

Jeff Horton (1958): NFL assistant coach.
Jorge Alberto Cordova: Former professional football player.
Lise Mackie: Accomplished swimmer.
Gina Carano: MMA fighter.

Other Notable Alumni

Charles Douglass: Inventor who brought canned laughs to TV.
Grant Harvey: Notable figure in the entertainment industry.
Sue Desmond-Hellmann: A leader in the field of philanthropy, working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Marydean Martin: Educational advocate.

University Recognition

Nevada State University acknowledges the accomplishments and contributions of its alumni through various honors and awards. The Gibson Society recognizes donors who have provided significant financial support to the institution.

Nevada State University's Commitment to Student Success

Nevada State University is dedicated to providing resources and support to help its students and alumni achieve their career goals. The Career Services Center offers career advising on various topics, from exploring career options to landing a full-time position.

Career Exploration and Planning

NSU provides tools like Focus2, an online platform that helps students and alumni assess their interests and skills to identify suitable academic majors and career paths.

Networking Opportunities

Scorpions Connect, Nevada State University’s alumni networking platform, facilitates connections between alumni for professional development and support.

Career Development Workshops

The university offers career development workshops designed to help students and alumni explore their options, build critical career skills, and enhance their confidence.

Nevada State University's Recent Achievements

Nevada State University continues to make strides in higher education, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university has been recognized as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI).

Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president of Nevada State University, has been honored with the National TRIO Achiever Award by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). This award recognizes her outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.

Nevada State University Graduation

Nevada State University celebrated its 2025 commencement ceremony at the Thomas & Mack Center. The graduating class reflected the diversity and determination of the university's student body, with a significant number of first-generation college students and students from culturally diverse backgrounds.

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