NSHE Regents’ Awards and Sam Lieberman Student Scholarships Announced

Large of graduates with black graduation caps and gowns sitting in rows.

March 9, 2026

Las Vegas, NV

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has announced the recipients of the 2026 Regents’ Awards, recognizing outstanding faculty and staff at NSHE institutions. The Board also awarded the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship, honoring nine exceptional students for their academic achievements, leadership, and service to their communities.

Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship

Formerly known as the Regents’ Scholar Award, the “Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship” was renamed for Regent Sam Lieberman, who passed away in 2020, in commemoration of his service and dedication to public higher education in Nevada.

Each recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend funded by the Nevada System of Higher Education System Administration.

The honorees include:

Yan Arnaiz, UNLV – Undergraduate

Alyssa Ayers, WNC

Richard Chang, UNLV – Graduate

Elena Chau, UNR – Undergraduate

Triniti Grance, NSU

Joseph Warren Ogden, CSN

Kaycee Shulz, GBC

Wendy Solorio Ramirez, TMCC

Lauren Whitenack, UNR – Graduate

Board of Regents’ Outstanding Classified Staff Award

This award recognizes a full-time classified staff member for distinguished service in support of their institution. The honoree receives a $3,000 stipend. The 2026 Board of Regents’ Outstanding Classified Staff Award honoree is:

Melinda Caskey, GBC

Nevada Regents’ Creative Activities Award

Established in 1993, this award honors significant creative accomplishments that bring national and international recognition to NSHE. Each honoree receives a $5,000 stipend and a medal. The 2026 Nevada Regents’ Creative Activities Awards honorees are:

Dr. John Patrick Rice, GBC (Community College)

Dr. Javon Johnson, UNLV (University/DRI)

Nevada Regents’ Teaching Award

First established in 1996, this award recognizes outstanding instructional contributions within NSHE. Each recipient receives a $5,000 stipend and a medal. The 2026 Nevada Regents’ Teaching Awards honorees are:

Angela Spires, CSN – Tenured/Tenure Track (Community College)

Dr. MaryKay Orgill, UNLV – Tenured/Tenure Track (University/DRI)

Kelly Keselica, UNR – Non-Tenured (University/DRI)

Nevada Regents’ Academic Advisor Award

Established in 1998, this award honors outstanding academic advising. One award is granted to a community college advisor, while two are granted to university/DRI advisors. Each honoree receives a $5,000 stipend. The 2026 Nevada Regents’ Academic Advisor Awards honorees are:

Denesha Moore, CSN (Community College)

Monica Moreno, UNLV (Undergraduate – University/DRI)

Dr. Jenny Ouyang, UNR (Graduate – University/DRI)

Nevada Regents’ Researcher Award

Established in 1992, this award recognizes faculty members with substantial research accomplishments, national or international stature, and a significant record of grants and scholarly work. The honoree receives a $5,000 stipend and a medal. The 2026 Regents’ Researcher Award honorees are:

Dr. Arya Udry, UNLV (Mid-Career)

Dr. Andrey Khlystov, DRI (Distinguished)

Dr. Valerie Fridland, UNR (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Nevada Regents’ Rising Researcher Award

The Nevada Regents’ Rising Researcher Award was renamed in 2024 in honor of Regent Emeritus Jason Geddes, a longtime advocate for education and research within NSHE, who passed away that year. The renaming commemorates his legacy and dedication to mentoring young scholars and advancing research across the state.

First awarded in 2008, this honor recognizes early-career faculty members for their research accomplishments and potential for future contributions.

The 2026 Nevada Regents’ Rising Researcher Awards honorees are:

Dr. Scott Allen, UNR

Dr. Nathan Chellman, DRI

Dr. Kara Christensen Pacella, UNLV

Dr. Samantha John, UNLV

Dr. Holly Martin, NSU

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan, UNR

Dr. Katrina Nicholas, NSU

Dr. Elnaz Seylabi, UNR

Dr. Shengjie Zhai, UNLV

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

About NSHE

The Nevada System of Higher Education, comprised of two doctoral-granting research universities, a state university, four comprehensive community colleges, and one environmental research institute, serves the educational and job training needs of Nevada. NSHE provides educational opportunities to more than 100,000 students and is governed by the Nevada Board of Regents. The System includes the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada State University, Desert Research Institute, the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada College.