During my first term on the NSHE Board of Regents, I have prioritized student affordability, physical accessibility, academic freedom, and defending the board's constitutional autonomy. Here is a brief summary of my key accomplishments:
Strategic Growth: I supported UNR's acquisition of Sierra Nevada College to preserve academic programs, as well as the landmark 50-year affiliation agreement between the UNR School of Medicine and Renown Health.
Academic Freedom & Safety: I have been a tireless champion of First Amendment rights and viewpoint diversity, and I supported the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism to protect Jewish students and combat discrimination.
Student Affordability: I drove the system-wide implementation of Open Educational Resources (OER) to lower textbook costs and actively voted against a sweeping package of student fee and housing increases in 2022.
K-12 Integration & Teacher Pipeline: As the NSHE representative to the Nevada State Board of Education, I expanded dual-enrollment programs and secured a $2 million budget enhancement for summer teacher education to address our statewide shortage.
Campus Investments: As Chair of the Academic, Research and Student Affairs Committee, I supported widespread capital and student-focused investments across the state, including directing over $275,000 in tuition assistance and securing a $4.3 million nursing lab grant for Great Basin College.
Academics & Mental Health: I voted in support of essential workforce-aligned degrees and oversaw the system-wide launch of the "BetterMynd" online mental health platform for students.
Autonomy & Collegiality: I aggressively campaigned against legislative efforts (like Question 1 and AB118) attempting to strip the Board of its constitutional autonomy and voted in favor of establishing the "Jason Geddes Rising Researcher Award" to honor a respected former colleague.
Disability Rights: Drawing on my own experience using a wheelchair, I publicly backed a successful ADA compliance lawsuit to guarantee proper physical accessibility at UNR’s Mackay Stadium.