Sagebrushers

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with the University’s Sustainability Manager Phoebe Judge.

In this special Earth Day episode, Sandoval and Judge discuss the University’s strategic goal of "Making Silver and Blue the New Green." They delve into the progress the University is making and examine future strategies that will help to reduce our campus' carbon footprint.  Additionally, they talk about the possibilities and growth of the new sustainability certificate that will be offered at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus starting in fall 2024.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval welcomes newly appointed Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Melanie Duckworth on this episode of Sagebrushers.

Dr. Duckworth has been a member of the university faculty for more than two decades, serving in a number of administrative roles. She has served as an associate dean in the College of Science and interim chair in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.

During the episode, Sandoval and Duckworth delve into Duckworth’s plans as she takes on the role of senior strategist advising diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives at the university. They discuss how diversity is a crucial ingredient in ensuring and strengthening the vitality and success of a university campus and the global business landscape. Additionally, they explore the importance of creating spaces and opportunities for open and ongoing dialogue to understand the needs of all campus groups, fostering engagement and ensuring leadership that values the contributions of every team member

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with College of Business Dean Gregory Mosier.

During the episode, Sandoval and Mosier discuss the future of business education, the new business building that will foster collaboration with business leaders and allow students to develop the soft skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) President Boris Carpio Guerra and University Graduate Student Association (GSA) President Matthew Hawn.

During the episode, Sandoval, Guerra and Hawn discuss why they wanted to get involved with University student government, some of the struggles that students face and how they are helping to find solutions, the history of students at the University as we celebrate the sesquicentennial and more.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Louisa Hope-Week, dean of the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno.

During the episode, Sandoval and Hope-Weeks discuss finding a valuable place here at the University, sparking interest in younger students visiting campus, the impact of the Gillemot Foundation gift, how the College plans to build on the impressive history of the Mackay School since its founding in 1888 and more.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Sasi Pillay, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer for the University.

During the episode, Sandoval and Pillay touch on Pillay’s impressive background working for NASA and dive into topics about information technology at the University including Pillay’s approach, focusing always on the end-user, how artificial intelligence is transforming the technology landscape, what’s in store for the future of our campus and more. In addition, Pillay discusses meeting the technology needs of researchers as a Carnegie R1, very high research institution.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Catherine Cardwell, dean of the University Libraries for the University of Nevada, Reno.

During the episode, Sandoval and Cardwell discuss the impact of the University Libraries, the University's sesquicentennial and the archivists who are helping to bring stories to life, open educational resources, the ways in which the libraries support students and researchers at this Carnegie R1 institution and more.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval visits with Senior Editor for News & Features John Trent. Trent is a two-time graduate of the 

Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism, earning his bachelor's degree in 1987 and his master's degree in 2000. He has a long history of telling the University’s stories and of writing award-winning articles and high-profile speeches in Northern Nevada. Trent is currently under contract with the University of Nevada Press for a 150-year history book of the University, which is scheduled for release sometime in 2024. 

During the episode, Sandoval and Trent discuss Trent’s personal history and ties to Northern Nevada and the University where his father was a faculty member starting in 1967. From meeting his wife while they both worked for the student newspaper to some of the discoveries he has made through his research for the 150th book, particularly about the University’s early faculty including Hannah Clapp, Leroy Brown and Fred Hillman, Trent shares a wealth of information about how this campus has transformed many lives, including his own. 

During Native American Heritage Month, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval visits with Director of Indigenous Relations Daphne Emm - Hooper. Emm - Hooper has dedicated her career to public service, most recently serving as the city manager for the City of Fernley and previously holding the role of executive director for Nevada Urban Indians. She is also the co-founder of the Nevada Tribal Leadership Development program at the University.

During the episode, Sandoval and Emm - Hooper talk about the Office of Indigenous Relations’ efforts to support University compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, returning ancestorial remains and Native American items to their communities. They discuss the new benefits offered by the Native American fee waiver after Nevada legislation was passed during the 2023 session and the role of the land acknowledgment on campus. Emm - Hooper also shares how her team supports the 28 Indigenous communities around the state and the role of higher education in her career and life.

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval visits with the School of Social Work Interim Dean Lillian Wichinsky and Associate Dean Eugenia Weiss. In addition to her leadership role, Dr. Wichinsky is an associate professor and a community practice social worker. Dr. Weiss is also an associate professor, whose research interests include promoting well-being for vulnerable populations such as Latinx, women and military and veteran populations.

During the episode, Sandoval, Wichinsky and Weiss discuss Wichinsky and Weiss’s education and research backgrounds as well as what led them to the University. Wichinksy and Weiss also define social work for listeners and describe the many job opportunities that the field includes. They also talk about the importance of moving into their new building on campus during the summer of 2023 as well as the school’s plans for the future as it continues to expand.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval meets with Rick Parsons, director of the Holman Arts & Media Center located at the University’s Wayne L. Prim Campus. Parsons, who also serves as the director of the Summer Arts Workshops, is a sculptor whose work has been showcased around the country.

During the episode, Sandoval and Parsons talk about the Holman Arts & Media Center, a recently remodeled space that allows students and faculty to work on projects in a variety of mediums including pottery, sculpture and 3D printing. They also discuss the Summer Arts Workshops, hosted on the Prim Campus throughout the summer for members of the public to attend. In addition, Parsons shares his passion for incorporating environmental sustainability and stewardship into his teaching. This episode was recorded in the summer of 2023.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval meets with Dr. Paul Hauptman, dean of the University’s School of Medicine and chief academic officer for Renown Health. Hauptman is a nationally recognized researcher of advanced heart failure, cardiac care delivery and clinical trials.

During the episode, Sandoval and Hauptman explore Hauptman’s medical background working with underserved populations and pioneering new clinical protocols. They also discuss the impacts of the new affiliation agreement between UNR Med and Renown Health, the importance of graduate medical education and other plans that Hauptman has for the school. Hauptman even shares some of his favorite activities since moving to Reno, including checking out the food scene.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval meets with and Dr. Sarah Bisbing, director of the Whittell Forest and Wildlife Area and an associate professor of forest ecosystem science in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. The Whittell Forest is a 2,650-acre property owned by the University that serves as a living laboratory of forested mountain land in a primitive state for research and instruction.

During the episode, Sandoval and Bisbing explore Bisbing’s journey to the University, her research related to forest persistence potential (ensuring that there are forests in the future), and her role as director of the University’s forest. They also discuss what the biggest threats facing forests are, what it means to work in a living laboratory and what makes the Whittell Forest unique. In addition, Bisbing shares some of the recent community partnerships her team has worked on and their efforts to recruit and train the next generation of foresters.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval meets with Dr. Jake DeDecker, director of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension and associate dean for engagement in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. DeDecker, who began his role with Extension in the summer of 2022, previously worked with Extension at Michigan State University.

During the episode, Sandoval and DeDecker explore DeDecker’s background growing up on a pig farm in Illinois as well as their shared experience of participating in the 4-H program as children. DeDecker also talks about the broad-reaching impact of Extension, which is located in all 16 Nevada counties and Carson City, and the unique roles it plays in each community. In addition, they discuss the evolution of Extension from its agriculture and mechanical arts roots to the community education and economic development program that exists today.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval meets with Dr. Jill Heaton, senior vice provost of the University. A professor of geography, Heaton served as Sierra Nevada University’s (SNU) executive vice president and provost during the acquisition year of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe location from 2021 to 2022. 

During the episode, Sandoval and Heaton discuss her nearly 20 years on campus and her research related to reptiles in Africa. They also dive into Heaton and her team’s work with the SNU acquisition, plans for the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe location and exciting opportunities available through the Semester at Lake Tahoe program.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval hosts the dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Erick Jones. Jones was most recently a senior science advisor in the Office of the Chief Economist at the U.S. State Department prior to joining the University in September of 2022. Sandoval and Jones discuss Jones’s background working with supply chains as an industrial engineer, his first nine months as dean and the partnerships the College of Engineering has made with corporations and government agencies. They also discuss the lithium initiative and the ways in which the College of Engineering and other schools and colleges on campus are giving students hands-on learning opportunities that they cannot receive anywhere else in the world.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval hosts the dean of the Honors College, Matt Means, for a discussion of his two-plus years in leadership and the college’s ongoing efforts to make honors education attainable for more students. During the episode, Sandoval and Means, who is also an associate professor of music and a professional violinist, discuss the evolution of honors during its 60-year history, the college’s holistic approach to admitting students and the benefits honors students receive on campus. They also discuss Mean’s background as a professional musician and some of his most memorable experiences performing abroad.

In celebration of Study Abroad Day, join host President Brian Sandoval as he and CEO and President of the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Alyssa Nota explore common myths surrounding studying abroad, the experience of participating in a USAC study abroad trip, and the types of extracurricular, internship and volunteer opportunities available while living abroad. Nota also shares details about new program offerings, including a brand-new program in Vietnam that will begin in 2024.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he, Reynolds School of Journalism Dean Al Stavitsky and Associate Professor Kari Barber discuss the 100-year history of journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, the creation of a documentary about the centennial, ways in which the school is commemorating the centennial celebration and more!

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Foundation Professor of Anthropology Richard Scott discuss Scott’s research focus on teeth, his recent trip to study medieval skeletons in Hungary, his experience of likely examining the remains of Norse explorer Erik the Red, his wife Þjódhild, and his son and well-known Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and more!

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor Steve Eubanks talk about how the Pride of the Sierra Marching Band prepares for its performances, what's new for the band this year, how Eubanks' experience in high school band inspired him to become a band director and more!

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Director of the Latino Research Center and Associate Professor Jafeth Sanchez talk about the Center's recent and upcoming celebrations (including Tu Bienvenida on Oct. 6), its goals for the coming year, Sanchez's experience as a Washoe County math teacher and more.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Nevada Wolf Pack Football Coach Ken Wilson talk about why Wilson decided to return to Nevada, how he plans to make his mark on the program, what he missed most since leaving in 2012 and more.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and the Associate Students of the University of Nevada, Reno President Dionne Stanfill and Vice President Bayla Fitzpatrick talk about why they chose to study at the University, how they got involved in student leadership, what goals they plan to accomplish this year and more. 

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Coordinator of Indigenous Student Services Markie Wilder talk about supporting Indigenous students on campus, advocating for Nevada's tuition waiver, playing basketball for the Nevada Wolf Pack and more.

Join host President Brian Sandoval as he and Director of Advancements in Teaching Excellence and award-winning Teaching Professor Sarah Cummings talk about teaching, sustainable chemistry, Wolf Pack Athletics and more.

In the second episode of Sagebrushers, President Brian Sandoval hosts Dean of the College of Engineering Manos Maragakis. After nearly 40 years at the University, Dean Maragakis will be stepping down from his role this June and joining the faculty of the College. He and Sandoval talk about the William Pennington Engineering Building, what it's like being a dean while your children attend the University, marathon running and a lot more.

Hosted by University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval, the podcast’s inaugural episode features Director of the Student Health Center Dr. Cheryl Hug-English, who has held that position since 1994 and graduated from the University twice (once with a bachelor’s in biology and four years later with a medical degree). Dr. Hug-English’s connections to the Wolf Pack stretch well past her own status as an alumna and current faculty member, starting from her alumni grandparents, running through to her own alumni children and even including a handful of campus love stories in between. Listen to learn about her family history, time at the University, leadership throughout the ongoing pandemic and the resultant poetry, and more.

Each month, subscribers will hear the stories behind the people, events and history of the University and get a window into the lives of people who truly exemplify the Wolf Pack Way. Go Pack!