The College of Education & Human Development held its annual Spring Celebration awards ceremony on April 16, 2024. More than 125 people gathered for the event at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Paradise Ballroom.

The celebration honored the outstanding accomplishments of the College's students, faculty and staff. It also recognized the generous donors who support the students and the impactful work within the College.

President Brian Sandoval opened the evening by describing the College's historical significance and remarking that it is close to his heart, as both his mother and daughter are graduates of the College. He also congratulated the award-winners and spoke about their commitment to excellence and outstanding work in advancing education in Nevada.

Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Development, thanked the donors for generously supporting the students through scholarships, the faculty for producing cutting-edge research, and the students for their incredible perseverance and hard work.

“The Spring Celebration honored the achievements of faculty and students and recognized our donors for their wonderful support,” Easton-Brooks said. “It also celebrated the profound impact these individuals have on our community and reaffirmed the College’s commitment to life-changing learning.”

Quentin Smith, M.Ed., director of development, was the master of ceremonies. He also held a silent auction featuring playful artwork creations from the children in the Child and Family Research Center.

Smith emphasized the importance of collaboration and working together to achieve any endeavor that a group can accomplish expeditiously. He exclaimed, "Why walk through life when you can run with the Pack?"

Keynote speaker Kristen Remington, 2 News Anchor, gave an inspirational message about an educator who made a difference in her life. By believing in her and having high expectations, her teacher helped shaped her from being a shy student to now a news anchor. She remarked that our faculty and students make such a positive impact through their mentorship.

The highlight of the evening was Associate Dean Eleni Oikonomidoy, Ph. D., honoring the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities with the Excellence and Innovation Award in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“It was wonderful to celebrate the numerous accomplishments of the College's students, faculty and staff," Oikonomidoy said. "We would like to thank President Sandoval and our keynote speaker Kristen Remington for their powerful words and Quentin Smith for a wonderful job hosting the event. A special thanks also goes to our donors for believing in our mission and contributing to the College’s success.”

Student awards included:

Eneida Castaneda-Sanchez: Dana Davis Award

The Dana Davis Award recognizes graduate students specializing in secondary education who exemplify the qualities of devotion to high academic standards, personal integrity and love for students. The award is in honor of Professor Dana Davis, who was a distinguished College of Education faculty member for 26 years. 

Nicole Murphy: Mary Demchak Memorial Award for Doctoral Student Research in Intellectual Disabilities

The Mary Demchak Memorial Award for Doctoral Student Research in Intellectual Disabilities was established in honor of Mary Demchak by her daughter, MaryAnn Demchak, Professor of Special Education. Mary enjoyed spending time with her daughter's special education doctoral students. It brought her joy to listen to them discuss their research areas. She was inquisitive about each student's progress and was known to motivate them by asking, "What's next?" in hopes of getting them to expand their research. Through this award, Mary will be remembered for inspiring doctoral students to move their research forward. 

Jake Yoxsimer: The Marshall R. Matley Distinguished Scholar in Special Education

This award recognizes individuals working toward a Master's Degree in Special Education and Disabilities Studies.

Joel Peixoto: Edwin S. Dodson Educational Leadership Award

This award recognizes students who are principals, administrators or others working toward administration preparation. 

Miranda Lopez: Dr. George Hill & Dr. Ginny Knowles Leadership Award

This award recognizes a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership. 

Argent Alvarez Maloof: The John A. Bailey Professional Expectancy Award in Counseling

This award recognizes the outstanding graduate of the year in Counseling and Educational Psychology. 

Alixandra White: Ross Family Outstanding Social Studies Education Award

This award was established to reward and encourage outstanding students to pursue a degree in the teaching of social studies and to bring attention to the importance of social studies as part of all students' education.

Outstanding College of Education and Human Development student awards:

• Suzanne Lewis, Outstanding Doctoral Student
• Peji Romo, Outstanding Master's Student
• Marina Vallejo, Outstanding Undergraduate Student

New this year was the Shane and Katherine Templeton Outstanding Doctoral Student in Literacy Award, presented by Dianna Townsend, Ed.D., professor of literacy studies to Stephanie Bacon, Monika Bharti, Rachel Knecht, Widya Ramsey and Vickie Smith Barrios.

College of Education and Human Development faculty and staff awards:

• Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED): Excellence in Innovation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Sarah Mitchell, Ph.D., CFLE, assistant professor of Human Development and Family Science: Judith S. Bible Teaching Excellence in Education Award
• Pamela Payne, Ph.D., CFLE, associate professor of Human Development and Family Science: Outstanding Outreach
• Dianna Townsend, Ed.D., professor of Literacy Studies: Outstanding Graduate Advisor and Outstanding Faculty Research
• Rose Ann Gutierrez, Ph.D., assistant professor of Equity and Diversity in Education: Outstanding Rising Researcher
• Shane Templeton, Ph.D.: Emeriti Faculty Legacy
• Ramya Fernandez, CPA, MPH, Fiscal and HR Officer: Outstanding Administrative Faculty
• Kristy Reynolds, Learning & Resource Center Administrative Director: Outstanding Support Staff