Sagebrushers

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval hosts the dean of the Honors College, Matt Means, for a discussion of his two-plus years in leadership and the college’s ongoing efforts to make honors education attainable for more students. During the episode, Sandoval and Means, who is also an associate professor of music and a professional violinist, discuss the evolution of honors during its 60-year history, the college’s holistic approach to admitting students and the benefits honors students receive on campus. They also discuss Mean’s background as a professional musician and some of his most memorable experiences performing abroad.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval hosts the athletic director of the Nevada Wolf Pack, Stephanie Rempe, for a conversation about her first months in the role and plans for the future of athletics at the University. During the episode, Sandoval and Rempe, one of the country’s most respected athletics administrators, explore Rempe’s 25-year journey to becoming athletic director, her thoughts to improve the game day experience and her family’s love for the Reno community. Rempe also shares updates on the student-athlete facilities projects underway and the University’s new ski team.

This episode of Sagebrushers was recorded in January 2023.

“Sagebrushers” season 2 kicks off with an important conversation about neurodiversity in honor of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, celebrated March 13 through March 17. During this first episode of the season, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval hosts University Neurodiversity Alliance member Dr. Jeffrey Hustler, an associate professor in the Psychology and Neuroscience departments. Sandoval and Hutsler explore the meaning of the term neurodiversity, the role the alliance plays on campus and ways faculty can support neurodivergent students in their classes. Hutsler also discusses ableism, common barriers that neurodivergent people face and his research working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

In celebration of Study Abroad Day, join host President Brian Sandoval as he and CEO and President of the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Alyssa Nota explore common myths surrounding studying abroad, the experience of participating in a USAC study abroad trip, and the types of extracurricular, internship and volunteer opportunities available while living abroad. Nota also shares details about new program offerings, including a brand-new program in Vietnam that will begin in 2024.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he, Reynolds School of Journalism Dean Al Stavitsky and Associate Professor Kari Barber discuss the 100-year history of journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, the creation of a documentary about the centennial, ways in which the school is commemorating the centennial celebration and more!

Join host President Brian Sandoval and his guest Assistant Professor of Basque Studies Mariann Vaczi as they discuss Vaczi’s journey from Hungary to play college basketball in Pennsylvania, her passion for Basque culture and her research endeavors as a sports anthropologist, including studying the Basque pelota game and releasing her newest book on human tower building in Catalonia, Spain.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Foundation Professor of Anthropology Richard Scott discuss Scott’s research focus on teeth, his recent trip to study medieval skeletons in Hungary, his experience of likely examining the remains of Norse explorer Erik the Red, his wife Þjódhild, and his son and well-known Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and more!

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor Steve Eubanks talk about how the Pride of the Sierra Marching Band prepares for its performances, what's new for the band this year, how Eubanks' experience in high school band inspired him to become a band director and more!

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Director of the Latino Research Center and Associate Professor Jafeth Sanchez talk about the Center's recent and upcoming celebrations (including Tu Bienvenida on Oct. 6), its goals for the coming year, Sanchez's experience as a Washoe County math teacher and more.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Nevada Wolf Pack Football Coach Ken Wilson talk about why Wilson decided to return to Nevada, how he plans to make his mark on the program, what he missed most since leaving in 2012 and more.