{"id":33413,"date":"2026-03-09T09:58:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/?post_type=news&#038;p=33413"},"modified":"2026-03-09T10:32:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:32:47","slug":"nshe-regents-awards-and-sam-lieberman-student-scholarships-announced-3","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/news\/2026\/03\/nshe-regents-awards-and-sam-lieberman-student-scholarships-announced-3\/","title":{"rendered":"NSHE Regents\u2019 Awards and Sam Lieberman Student Scholarships Announced"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents has announced the recipients of the <strong>2026 Regents\u2019 Awards<\/strong>, recognizing outstanding faculty and staff at NSHE institutions. The Board also awarded the <strong>Sam Lieberman Regents\u2019 Award for Student Scholarship<\/strong>, honoring nine exceptional students for their academic achievements, leadership, and service to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sam Lieberman Regents\u2019 Award for Student Scholarship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Formerly known as the Regents\u2019 Scholar Award, the \u201cSam Lieberman Regents\u2019 Award for Student Scholarship\u201d was renamed for Regent Sam Lieberman, who passed away in 2020, in commemoration of his service and dedication to public higher education in Nevada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each recipient will receive a $5,000 stipend funded by the Nevada System of Higher Education System Administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">honorees<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yan Arnaiz<\/strong>, UNLV \u2013 Undergraduate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Alyssa Ayers<\/strong>, WNC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Richard Chang<\/strong>, UNLV \u2013 Graduate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elena Chau<\/strong>, UNR \u2013 Undergraduate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Triniti Grance<\/strong>, NSU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Joseph Warren Ogden<\/strong>, CSN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kaycee Shulz<\/strong>, GBC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wendy Solorio Ramirez<\/strong>, TMCC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lauren Whitenack<\/strong>, UNR \u2013 Graduate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Board of Regents\u2019 Outstanding Classified Staff Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">2026 Board of Regents\u2019 Outstanding Classified Staff Award<\/a>\u202fhonoree is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Melinda Caskey<\/strong>, GBC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevada Regents\u2019 Creative Activities Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">2026 Nevada Regents\u2019 Creative Activities Awards<\/a>\u202fhonorees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. John Patrick Rice<\/strong>, GBC (Community College)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Javon Johnson<\/strong>, UNLV (University\/DRI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevada Regents\u2019 Teaching Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First established in 1996, this award recognizes outstanding instructional contributions within NSHE. Each recipient receives a $5,000 stipend and a medal. The\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">2026 Nevada Regents\u2019 Teaching Awards<\/a>\u202fhonorees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Angela Spires<\/strong>, CSN \u2013 Tenured\/Tenure Track (Community College)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. MaryKay Orgill<\/strong>, UNLV \u2013 Tenured\/Tenure Track (University\/DRI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kelly Keselica<\/strong>, UNR \u2013 Non-Tenured (University\/DRI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevada Regents\u2019 Academic Advisor Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">2026 Nevada Regents\u2019 Academic Advisor Awards<\/a>\u202fhonorees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Denesha Moore<\/strong>, CSN (Community College)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Monica Moreno<\/strong>, UNLV (Undergraduate &#8211; University\/DRI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Jenny Ouyang<\/strong>, UNR (Graduate \u2013 University\/DRI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevada Regents\u2019 Researcher Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">2026 Regents\u2019 Researcher Award<\/a>\u202fhonorees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Arya Udry<\/strong>, UNLV (Mid-Career)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Andrey Khlystov<\/strong>, DRI (Distinguished)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Valerie Fridland<\/strong>, UNR (Humanities and Social Sciences)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevada Regents\u2019 Rising Researcher Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nevada Regents\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First awarded in 2008, this honor recognizes early-career faculty members for their research accomplishments and potential for future contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/html\/wp-content\/uploads\/file\/BoardOfRegents\/Agendas\/2026\/03-mar-mtgs\/ref\/arsa\/ARSA-3.pdf\">2026 Nevada Regents\u2019 Rising Researcher Awards\u202f<\/a>honorees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Scott Allen<\/strong>, UNR<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Nathan Chellman<\/strong>, DRI<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Kara Christensen Pacella<\/strong>, UNLV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Samantha John<\/strong>, UNLV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Holly Martin<\/strong>, NSU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Sandhya Narayanan<\/strong>, UNR<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Katrina Nicholas<\/strong>, NSU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Elnaz Seylabi<\/strong>, UNR<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Shengjie Zha<\/strong>i, UNLV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at <a href=\"mailto:ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu\">ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu<\/a> or 702-522-7021.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":32992,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33413","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/33413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33413"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}