Nevada State University’s School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business (LASB) has announced the launch of its inaugural External Advisory Council, composed of distinguished leaders from a variety of industries and disciplines across the Southern Nevada region. This new council is a critical step in advancing the LASB mission to educate and nurture Southern Nevada’s diverse workforce while strengthening its impact and visibility in the community.
The LASB External Advisory Council serves as a bridge between the School of LASB and the broader community, offering guidance, fostering partnerships, and creating new opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. The council’s members will play a pivotal role in advising on networking, experiential learning, mentorship, and fundraising initiatives, aligning LASB’s goals with the needs of the region.
The inaugural set of council members brings a wealth of expertise and leadership that includes the following individuals:
- Dr. Bo Bernhard: Vice President of Economic Development at UNLV, renowned for his research on the global “fun economy” and his role in securing the Oakland Raiders’ relocation to Las Vegas.
- Malika El Bakkal Lees: Vice President and Community Manager at JP Morgan Chase, dedicated to advancing racial equity and fostering financial independence within the Las Vegas community.
- Zach Bradford: Co-founder and CEO of CleanSpark, an expert in Bitcoin infrastructure economics, energy markets, and mergers and acquisitions, with extensive leadership in public and private sectors.
- Leo Murrieta: Executive Director of Make the Road Nevada, a lifelong advocate for Latine, LGBTQ, and education equity, committed to creating a better Nevada for all.
- Grace Njoroge: Education Director at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and a doctoral candidate in Curriculum & Instruction, recognized for her innovative programming and partnerships for diverse populations.
- Doa Ross: Deputy General Manager of Engineering for the Las Vegas Valley Water District and the Southern Nevada Water Authority, is instrumental in advancing critical water infrastructure for Southern Nevada.
“Each member of our School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business External Advisory Council brings unparalleled expertise, passion, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on Nevada State and our community. My goal in launching this Council is to forge new pathways for growth, innovation, and opportunity,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gunn, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business.
The council will meet quarterly to provide strategic advice and support LASB’s efforts to enhance its programs and foster connections that benefit students and the community. Members will also contribute to fundraising and experiential learning initiatives, ensuring that the School of LASB continues to be a leader in preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.
For more information about the Nevada State University School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business, visit https://nevadastate.edu/academics/lasb/.