Sagebrushers

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval welcomes newly appointed Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Melanie Duckworth on this episode of Sagebrushers.

Dr. Duckworth has been a member of the university faculty for more than two decades, serving in a number of administrative roles. She has served as an associate dean in the College of Science and interim chair in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.

During the episode, Sandoval and Duckworth delve into Duckworth’s plans as she takes on the role of senior strategist advising diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives at the university. They discuss how diversity is a crucial ingredient in ensuring and strengthening the vitality and success of a university campus and the global business landscape. Additionally, they explore the importance of creating spaces and opportunities for open and ongoing dialogue to understand the needs of all campus groups, fostering engagement and ensuring leadership that values the contributions of every team member

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with College of Business Dean Gregory Mosier.

During the episode, Sandoval and Mosier discuss the future of business education, the new business building that will foster collaboration with business leaders and allow students to develop the soft skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) President Boris Carpio Guerra and University Graduate Student Association (GSA) President Matthew Hawn.

During the episode, Sandoval, Guerra and Hawn discuss why they wanted to get involved with University student government, some of the struggles that students face and how they are helping to find solutions, the history of students at the University as we celebrate the sesquicentennial and more.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Louisa Hope-Week, dean of the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno.

During the episode, Sandoval and Hope-Weeks discuss finding a valuable place here at the University, sparking interest in younger students visiting campus, the impact of the Gillemot Foundation gift, how the College plans to build on the impressive history of the Mackay School since its founding in 1888 and more.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Catherine Cardwell, dean of the University Libraries for the University of Nevada, Reno.

During the episode, Sandoval and Cardwell discuss the impact of the University Libraries, the University's sesquicentennial and the archivists who are helping to bring stories to life, open educational resources, the ways in which the libraries support students and researchers at this Carnegie R1 institution and more.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Sasi Pillay, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer for the University.

During the episode, Sandoval and Pillay touch on Pillay’s impressive background working for NASA and dive into topics about information technology at the University including Pillay’s approach, focusing always on the end-user, how artificial intelligence is transforming the technology landscape, what’s in store for the future of our campus and more. In addition, Pillay discusses meeting the technology needs of researchers as a Carnegie R1, very high research institution.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Jessica Keefhaver, the director of the Path to Independence Program within the College of Education and Human Development. The program, known as P2I, is an inclusive, two-year, non-degree certificate program offering a college experience to students with intellectual disabilities through the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities. The program currently accepts eight to 10 students into each cohort.

During the episode, Sandoval and Keefhaver discuss Keefhaver’s background as an educator working for Washoe County School District for 17 years. They also explore how the P2I program supports its students, assisting with course selection, offering social activities and providing housing options. In addition, Keefhaver shares the experience of watching P2I students graduate during spring commencement each year and gives insight into future plans for the program.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval visits with Senior Editor for News & Features John Trent. Trent is a two-time graduate of the 

Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism, earning his bachelor's degree in 1987 and his master's degree in 2000. He has a long history of telling the University’s stories and of writing award-winning articles and high-profile speeches in Northern Nevada. Trent is currently under contract with the University of Nevada Press for a 150-year history book of the University, which is scheduled for release sometime in 2024. 

During the episode, Sandoval and Trent discuss Trent’s personal history and ties to Northern Nevada and the University where his father was a faculty member starting in 1967. From meeting his wife while they both worked for the student newspaper to some of the discoveries he has made through his research for the 150th book, particularly about the University’s early faculty including Hannah Clapp, Leroy Brown and Fred Hillman, Trent shares a wealth of information about how this campus has transformed many lives, including his own. 

During Native American Heritage Month, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval visits with Director of Indigenous Relations Daphne Emm - Hooper. Emm - Hooper has dedicated her career to public service, most recently serving as the city manager for the City of Fernley and previously holding the role of executive director for Nevada Urban Indians. She is also the co-founder of the Nevada Tribal Leadership Development program at the University.

During the episode, Sandoval and Emm - Hooper talk about the Office of Indigenous Relations’ efforts to support University compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, returning ancestorial remains and Native American items to their communities. They discuss the new benefits offered by the Native American fee waiver after Nevada legislation was passed during the 2023 session and the role of the land acknowledgment on campus. Emm - Hooper also shares how her team supports the 28 Indigenous communities around the state and the role of higher education in her career and life.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval visits with the School of Social Work Interim Dean Lillian Wichinsky and Associate Dean Eugenia Weiss. In addition to her leadership role, Dr. Wichinsky is an associate professor and a community practice social worker. Dr. Weiss is also an associate professor, whose research interests include promoting well-being for vulnerable populations such as Latinx, women and military and veteran populations.

During the episode, Sandoval, Wichinsky and Weiss discuss Wichinsky and Weiss’s education and research backgrounds as well as what led them to the University. Wichinksy and Weiss also define social work for listeners and describe the many job opportunities that the field includes. They also talk about the importance of moving into their new building on campus during the summer of 2023 as well as the school’s plans for the future as it continues to expand.