Let's Talk UNLV

On this very special episode of Let’s Talk UNLV, Co-hosts Keith and Renee, producer Danielle and social media representatives Jenny and Ben with the Rebel Media Group join together to share some of their favorite episodes and memories on Renee’s last episode hosting Let’s Talk UNLV. Tune in to get an inside look into the podcast, hear about how it all began, the people behind the scenes, and what makes this podcast so important. Join us as we bid Dr. Rene Watson a farwell and highlight what she means to the podcast and entire UNLV campus.

On this episode of Let’s Talk UNLV hosts Keith and Renee meet with professors from the Department of Teaching & Learning, Dr. Norma Marrun and Dr. Christine Clark. Dr. Marrun and Dr. Clark discuss their passion for multicultural education and their desire to increase diversity in the field of education. The group highlights some of the Multicultural classes available for students at UNLV, as well as the history behind Multicultural education. Tune in to learn more about some of the department of Teaching and Learning initiatives, potencial programs, and more! 

On this episode of Let’s Talk UNLV guests Dr. Tanya Crabb with Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS) and Dr. Marinela Maskuti with the School of Public Health joined forces to share resources and promote overall mental and physical health. Hosts Keith and Renee, along with Tanya and Marinela discuss the impact 2020 has had on students, the resources available to both students and faculty and the importance of student wellness. The group even discusses mental health through the lens of some of our favorite superheroes. Tune in for a motivating and informative discussion about wellness and all of the resources available to you at UNLV!

For more information about CAPS call 702-895-3627 or visit their website at UNLV.edu/CAPS

The Rebel Media Group is a group of innovative thinkers and content creators led by Director, Benjamin Morse. On today’s episode of Let’s Talk UNLV, hosts Keith and Renee get the opportunity to learn more about  all of the work and details that go into social media management, marketing, and a successful podcast. Benjamin shares how his experience with Marvel Entertainment prepared him for his role with Rebel Media and even offers our hosts some pro tips! If you are interested in working in social media, journalism or podcasting, this episode provides listeners with a ton of insight into the world of digital media, how to get involved with the Rebel Media Group and more.

Benjamin Morse has led courses focusing on digital and social media, podcasting, public relations and marketing since 2018. Prior to joining the university, Morse worked in the entertainment industry, including 10 years at Marvel Entertainment where he served as editorial director of digital media to oversee content creation, social media, audio and video production, and more.

Morse has been involved with Rebel Media Group since its founding in 2018. He has worked with students to progress them through digital marketing training helping many to matriculate into professional roles within the field.

On this episode of Let’s Talk UNLV hosts Keith and Renee meet with Dr. Magdalena Martinez Assistant Professor for the School of Public Policy & Leadership. The group dives into some of the work Dr. Martinez does, on behalf of UNLV and Education Policy, the work that goes into policy making and how to make a difference for our community. Tune in to hear more about her work with women of color in legislature, Minority Serving institutes and economic recovery in Las Vegas. 

In the spirit of giving, Let's Talk UNLV is excited to highlight Rebels Give 2022! Keith and Renee meet with Associate Director of Digital Philanthropy, Arianne Yago and the Director of Annual Giving, Megan Black. Both Arianne and Megan share the importance of Annual Giving Day and the impact it has on student life and UNLV. Ever wonder how gift donations are decided and distributed? Or about all the planning that goes into Rebels Give? This is the episode for you. Tune in to get involved, learn about the process, and where to find powerful stories about past scholarship donors and recipients. 

https://rebelsgive.unlv.edu/

On this episode of Let’s Talk UNLV hosts Keith and Renee meet with a few of UNLV's MSI (Minority Serving Institution) council members Wade Noon, Harriet Barlow, Kristine Espinoza and Ashton Ridley to discuss all the fun that is MSI Week. From cultural food, music, video games, art, an essay contest and so much more! Tune in to hear more about the importance of MSI Week, and how to become a part of this vibrant new campus tradition.

What are MSI, HSI, and AANAPISI?

Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) are U.S. colleges and universities that enroll a high percentage of minority students. Because minority populations have experienced disproportionate barriers to higher education, the federal government provides financial support through various titles of the Higher Education Act.

MSI institutions under the Title III eligibility designation include Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Tribal Colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The federal government includes institutions that serve high percentages of Hispanic Americans and other underrepresented populations under Title V eligibility for the HSI designation.

Want to not only succeed, but thrive and matter at UNLV? Listen to this podcast episode with guest Trey Curtis-Brown a 2nd year Master's student studying Emergency and Crisis Management here at UNLV. Trey along with Dr. Sharon Jalene collaborated to bring a new platform to UNLV, geared towards student health and success. Keith and Renee have a conversation with Trey about the “You @ UNLV” app, and all of the resources available to students who download it. Tune in now to get a headstart on the “You at UNLV” app!

Dr. Sharon Jalene joined the Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition Sciences in 2013 as an instructor. After completing both master’s and doctoral degrees at UNLV, Jalene was hired as an Assistant Professor-in-Residence. She was then appointed Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, and in 2022, she was named the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs for the School of Integrated Health Sciences. She is also the Director of the B.S. of Applied Health Sciences.

In partnership with Student Affairs and the campus counseling center, Dr. Jalene secured funding and coordinated the implementation of the UNLV student and employee holistic web-based app, You @ UNLV. She also serves as the director of the steering committee for UNLV’s partnership with the Nevada Science Olympiad and is a member of the Young Rebels initiative.

Since 2013, Jalene has received seven teaching and service awards, including the 2019 UNLV Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award. In addition, she received three grants from the Office of Faculty, Policy, & Research and one from the Department of General Education at UNLV for course development. Jalene also directs a campus-wide service project, Fitness4Finals, twice yearly.

Jalene’s research examines the increasing incidence of college student depression, intervention preferences, and the bidirectional relationship between depression and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Trey Curtis-Brown, a two time UNLV alumni is joining the Division of Health Sciences Advising team. He has earned his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology Pre-Med and has a great understanding of the three schools departments and programs. Trey also received his Masters of Science in Emergency & Crisis Management where his research focuses on communications and policy writing. In his tenure, he spent his time as a graduate assistant in the dean's office, taught Anatomy and Physiology labs and was a part of over 25 different university committees. Trey is currently applying to be a three time UNLV student where he plans to receive his PhD in either Public Policy, Leadership, or Public Health. Graduating as an Outstanding Grad, and receiving several awards for his service to UNLV has given him loads of information to help students with a cohort of needs that may arise. Trey is excited to be a tool for students to succeed in their time at UNLV. GOOOO REBELS!

On this episode of Let’s Talk UNLV hosts Keith and Renee speak with the Director of Business and Economics research, Andrew Woods. During the episode Keith and Renee are surprised to learn more about Las Vegas’ economy and how the travel and leisure industry impact our city. The group also discusses what it means to be economically diverse and what groups of people are currently dominating the entrepreneurial field. Tune in to learn more about interesting Economic research topics like the number one thing employees want from employers, how the pandemic helped the utilization of economics and much more! 

Andrew Woods brings more than 15 years of experience as a business and public affairs professional, complemented with a B.A. cum laude in Political Science and Economics from American University, scholarly work at University College London, and a M.A. in Public Policy from The University of Chicago. Prior to joining UNLV’s CBER, Andrew started and ran a successful economic analysis, financial management, and public affairs consulting firm, as CEO of Woods Strategies, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His expertise in applying data and research to strengthen organizations and communities has led him to hold many leadership positions both in the public and private sector. He is known for his financial acumen, vision, reliability, and integrity.

From the Halls of Congress to Carson City, and in the C-Suite Andrew has been involved in the public policy process on behalf of his clients and has a passion for data driven solutions to complex problems. Originally from the suburbs of Seattle, Washington, Andrew’s academic and professional background has afforded him opportunities to travel and live in some of the most exciting metropolitan cities around the world. These experiences profoundly impacted Andrew to be more aware, curious, and thoughtful about economic development and sparked his interest to do more to strengthen research in education, transportation, workforce development and economic diversification, and other policy areas important to business and government. Andrew’s knowledge of and interest in a variety of diverse policy issues is why he is a regular contributor to journalism outlets such as Nevada Public Radio and the Las Vegas Sun.

In his free time, you will find Andrew reading The Economist and Wall Street Journal, practicing his French, starting conversations with strangers, or enjoying the great outdoors. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his longtime partner, Lisa, and their adopted pets.