The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents announced on Mar. 9 the recipients of the 2026 Regents’ Awards, which honor outstanding faculty, staff, and students across NSHE institutions. The announcement also included the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship, recognizing nine students for their academic achievements and service.
These annual awards highlight individuals who have made significant contributions to higher education in Nevada. The recognition aims to support excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, advising, and community engagement within the state’s public colleges and universities.
The Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship was renamed in memory of Regent Sam Lieberman, who passed away in 2020. Each student recipient receives a $5,000 stipend funded by NSHE System Administration. Honorees include Yan Arnaiz (UNLV), Alyssa Ayers (WNC), Richard Chang (UNLV), Elena Chau (UNR), Triniti Grance (NSU), Joseph Warren Ogden (CSN), Kaycee Shulz (GBC), Wendy Solorio Ramirez (TMCC), and Lauren Whitenack (UNR).
Other awards announced include the Board of Regents’ Outstanding Classified Staff Award to Melinda Caskey (GBC); Creative Activities Awards to Dr. John Patrick Rice (GBC) and Dr. Javon Johnson (UNLV); Teaching Awards to Angela Spires (CSN), Dr. MaryKay Orgill (UNLV), and Kelly Keselica (UNR); Academic Advisor Awards to Denesha Moore (CSN), Monica Moreno (UNLV), and Dr. Jenny Ouyang (UNR); Researcher Awards to Dr. Arya Udry (UNLV), Dr. Andrey Khlystov (DRI), and Dr. Valerie Fridland (UNR). The Rising Researcher Award was renamed in 2024 after Regent Emeritus Jason Geddes and recognizes early-career faculty such as Drs. Scott Allen, Nathan Chellman, Kara Christensen Pacella, Samantha John, Holly Martin, Sandhya Narayanan, Katrina Nicholas, Elnaz Seylabi, and Shengjie Zhai.
The Nevada System of Higher Education promotes values including equity, excellence, and inclusion to benefit the community according to the official website. It encompasses institutions such as the University of Nevada Reno; University of Nevada Las Vegas; one state university; four community colleges; and one research institute according to its official website. A Board of Regents consisting of 13 elected members directs policies for NSHE according to its official website.
NSHE operates through institutions across Nevada with a focus on delivering quality higher education and advancing knowledge for regional advancement according to its official website.
