The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has announced the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Nevadan Award and honorary degrees to be presented at NSHE’s spring commencement ceremonies.
The Distinguished Nevadan Award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to Nevada’s cultural, economic, scientific, or social advancement. This year’s honorees include Lois Esther Tarkanian, Ph.D., recognized posthumously for her contributions as an educator and public servant. She co-founded Nevada’s first full-inclusion program for deaf children and played a key role in developing the UNLV School of Medicine. Claytee White is also honored for her work as a historian and founding director of the UNLV Oral History Research Center, preserving Southern Nevada’s history.
Honorary degrees are awarded to those who have improved academic programs and student life across NSHE’s institutions. At Great Basin College, Caroline McIntosh will receive an Honorary Baccalaureate Degree for her advocacy in education and workforce development in rural Nevada.
Nevada State University will confer Honorary Master’s Degrees on Jason Frierson, noted for his advocacy in justice and education; Marydean Martin, recognized for her philanthropy in literacy; and Richard Perkins, acknowledged for his influence on higher education policy.
At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Joe Murphy will receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his philanthropic efforts supporting scholarships and athletics. Claytee D. White will also be honored with an honorary doctorate for her contributions to cultural preservation through oral histories.
The University of Nevada, Reno will award Honorary Doctorate Degrees to Ralph Burns, a Numu Elder dedicated to preserving Paiute language and culture; and Marilyn Newton, a photojournalist whose work has documented Nevada’s history over five decades.
