Wei Yang, Ph.D., M.D., first met Marena Works in 2005, when she was a school nurse and a student in his CHS 780 Biostatistics course. Yang, foundation professor and senior associate dean for the School of Public Health, remembers Works, ’95 BSN, ’07 MSN, MPH, as a proud member of the school’s first master of public health cohort.

Even then, Marena was building the foundation for a career devoted to serving Nevada’s communities.

“She was always a dedicated, reassuring presence at countless public health events,” Yang said. “Marena was a true force for a healthier Nevada.”

After her family announced her passing in early July of this year, Marena is being remembered as an alumna, public health leader and longtime supporter of the School of Public Health who devoted her career to improving the health of communities across Nevada.

Marena earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University’s Orvis School of Nursing in 1995. After gaining experience in nursing and hospice care, she joined the Carson City School District as a school nurse, primarily serving Carson High School. She later became chief nurse for the district while pursuing her graduate education.

In 2007, Marena earned dual master’s degrees in nursing and public health from the University. She later became director of Carson City Health and Human Services, where she championed public health initiatives, public health workforce development and community partnerships.

The School of Public Health collaborated with Marena on Carson City community needs assessment and strategic planning projects.

“Under her exceptional leadership, the Carson City Health Department and the School of Public Health built an enduring collaboration,” Yang said. “She championed critical initiatives across field studies, student employment, workforce development and research projects.”

"Marena demonstrated that leadership means giving back, mentoring the next generation and remaining engaged long after graduation. Her leadership, vision and willingness to serve provided an important foundation that continues to strengthen our school today." - Muge Akpinar Elci

That partnership created opportunities for students to gain practical experience while supporting public health efforts in Carson City.

Marena continued giving back to the School of Public Health long after earning her degree. She served on the school’s Community Advisory Board and became the first chair of the School of Public Health Alumni Chapter.

She also shared her experience through CASAT OnDemand, an online education and resource platform developed by the School of Public Health’s CASAT team. In a CASAT Conversations episode, Marena discussed the health disparities, workforce shortages and barriers to care facing rural communities, along with policies and strategies that could help address those challenges. Her recorded conversation preserves her voice and expertise as a continuing resource for public health professionals serving rural communities in Nevada and across the country.

“Marena connected people with purpose,” said Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH, dean of the School of Public Health. “She understood that improving the health of Nevadans required strong partnerships between academia and public health practice.”

Through her relationships across the state, Marena helped bring alumni, public health professionals and community leaders together in support of the school’s students and mission.

“Marena believed deeply in our school’s mission and helped build a strong bridge between the School of Public Health, its alumni and the public health workforce,” Akpinar-Elci said. “Her leadership, vision and willingness to serve provided an important foundation that continues to strengthen our school today.”

Marena’s dedication to public health also became a family legacy. Her daughter, Christy, later earned an MPH from the University while representing Nevada as a track and field student-athlete.

Akpinar-Elci said Marena’s example demonstrates the lasting role alumni can play in supporting students, strengthening communities and advancing the public health profession.

“I hope they see that public health is not simply a profession, but a lifelong commitment to serving others,” Akpinar-Elci said. “Marena demonstrated that leadership means giving back, mentoring the next generation and remaining engaged long after graduation.”

Marena's legacy lives on through the partnerships she built, the people she supported and the communities she served.

“Marena was respected because she led with both expertise and compassion,” Akpinar-Elci said. “She never sought recognition for herself; her focus was always on improving the health and well-being of Nevada’s communities and supporting those around her.”