Release | Media Contact: Mandi Enger
HENDERSON, Nev. Nevada State College (NSC) has announced the appointment of Edith Fernandez to the position of Associate Vice President of Community Engagement and Diversity Initiatives after a national search. In this new leadership role, Fernandez will work closely with the Southern Nevada community and the institution to support community outreach and diversity initiatives as well as coordinate internal efforts to retain and graduate students of all backgrounds.
The percentage of the NSC student population belonging to an ethnic or racial minority group has grown every year since the college’s inception, from 26% in 2002 to over 50% in fall 2013. This fall, the Hispanic student population has also increased to 22%.
As Nevada State College continues to see growth in ethnicity of our student population, it is important that we maintain a focus on fostering a welcoming and successful learning environment, said President Bart Patterson. With her vast experience in higher education, positive relationships with our community, and innovate leadership skills, the college is honored to appoint Ms. Fernandez to this new role within the college.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Fernandez is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno, Bachelor of Arts; Harvard University, Master of Education; and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Master of Public Administration. In 2006, she completed her Ph.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education, Academic Affairs and Student Development from the University of Michigan.
Holding various positions within the Nevada System of Higher Education for a total of eight years, Fernandez joins NSC with over 17 years of experience in higher education. Most recently, Fernandez served as the District Director for Congressmen Steven Horsford. Fernandez stated, it was an honor to have worked with Congressman Horsford. My experience with federal legislation served to reinforce the critical role higher education plays in fostering economic stability and strengthening civic, cultural, and community life.