Aug. 24, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada is ready for tens of thousands of students to hit our campuses on Monday with a Welcome Back Crew and all the information they’ll need to navigate the start of a new semester.
Classes start Monday, August 27, and we’ll deploy faculty, staff and students who know their way around our three campuses to help new students get where they’re going. This year, there will be something a little different on each campus: The construction of new student unions has begun, and they’re set to open in the fall 2019 semester.
Students can still sign up for classes through September 2, but for those who can’t, our Department of Recruitment and College Connections is hosting several information sessions for those who want to learn more about the state’s largest college. They’ll cover the degrees and certificates available, answer questions about financial aid, and show off the campuses to those who are interested. For more, visit www.csn.edu/infosessions.
What: CSN First Day of Classes
When: Monday, August 27
Where: CSN Charleston, Henderson and North Las Vegas campuses
The new degree will be one of seven four-year degrees offered by the college
LAS VEGAS, August 1, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada is pleased to announce a new bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies, designed to help overcome a critical shortage of nationally certified interpreters in the state.
Both the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents have approved the new degree.
“We are thrilled to add this important program that supports those with hearing disabilities in our region,” said CSN President Margo Martin. “This will help eliminate the shortage of interpreters for the deaf, who often need assistance with legal, medical, educational and social service matters.”
CSN was the first college in Nevada to offer a degree program for sign language interpreters back in 2002. The college has previously offered associate degrees in Deaf Studies and Interpreter Preparation. The interpreter degree will be replaced with the new Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Deaf Studies with an emphasis in American Sign Language/English Interpreting. To obtain national interpreter certification, interpreters for the deaf are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree prior to qualifying for testing. There are fewer than 100 nationally certified interpreters in Nevada to serve more than 39,000 people with hearing disabilities.
The new Bachelor of Applied Science degree program will launch this fall. It will be one of seven bachelor’s degrees offered at CSN, each of them in areas with high needs, including emergency services, dental hygiene, medical laboratory science, project management and cardiorespiratory science.
Courses in Swift programming language will teach students to make iOS apps from scratch
LAS VEGAS, July 9, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada is about to make it easy for just about anyone to make an iPhone or iPad app. Launching this fall, new classes offered by the Division of Workforce and Economic Development will teach Swift, Apple’s open-source programming language.
The public and media are invited to join CSN officials and business and community leaders at our Everyone Can Code launch event, scheduled for 1-3 p.m. July 12 on the CSN Charleston Campus.
“We’ve designed these courses to accommodate students who come to app development with little or no experience,” said Clarissa Cota, CSN interim vice president of academic affairs. “Preparing southern Nevadans for high-demand jobs in STEM fields will always be one of our top priorities. As Nevada’s economy diversifies, CSN will be at the forefront, training the next generation of skilled workers.”
CSN is among a growing number of community colleges nationwide teaching Swift programming as the app industry continues to grow, creating jobs and transforming the software development industry. Popular apps built with Swift include Lyft, LinkedIn and Airbnb.
Industry leaders have expressed their support for CSN’s new courses.
“Switch supports the CSN Division of Workforce and Economic Development’s Apple Swift coding program because it opens a world of opportunity for students of any race, age, or gender to learn to code in order to prepare them to meet the challenges of the ever evolving, fast-paced world of technology,” said Missy Young, chief information officer for Switch. “This program truly leverages the talent within our state and helps secure Nevada’s future economic strength and growth by preparing a workforce for the jobs of the future.”
Classes start in September. For more information or to register, visit www.csn.edu/dwedswift.
What: Everyone Can Code launch event
When: 1-3 p.m. July 12
Where: CSN Charleston Campus, B Building lobby
Dr. Federico Zaragoza has extensive experience in higher education & workforce development
LAS VEGAS, May 11, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada announced today the appointment of Dr. Federico Zaragoza as its ninth president.
Zaragoza has been the vice chancellor for economic and workforce development at Alamo Colleges District in Texas since 2004. He will begin his tenure at CSN on August 15.
“CSN is positioned to really be an institution of greatness and prestige,” Zaragoza said. “I feel privileged and honored to be given this opportunity. I want this community college to be the best in the country.”
Zaragoza was recommended to the Board of Regents by a Nevada System of Higher Education presidential search committee and an advisory committee comprised of CSN students, faculty and staff, as well as community members. The Board unanimously approved the recommendation today.
CSN faculty, staff and stakeholders overwhelmingly said Zaragoza would be a good fit for the college presidency after a series of on-campus forums this week, describing him as driven, passionate and approachable. He succeeds Acting President Dr. Margo L. Martin. Martin, who has served since the retirement of President Dr. Michael D. Richards in February, will return to her position as vice president for academic affairs.
Zaragoza comes to CSN with more than 30 years of experience in higher education and workforce development. In his current position, he has focused on ensuring that programs at the Alamo College District’s five colleges align with industry demand in the San Antonio area. He is credited with helping to more than double the graduation rate in the district.
Born in Mexico City, Mexico and raised in the United States, Dr. Z, as he is often called, earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in vocational education, and an educational specialist degree in industrial and technical education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and a doctorate in urban education and administrative leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
He and his wife Laura have two children and two grandchildren.
Short films produced for CSN classes emphasize real-world skills
LAS VEGAS, May 9, 2018 – Students from the College of Southern Nevada’s Videography & Film Program received 12 Student Production Emmy Award nominations and two overall Emmy Award nominations, the Pacific Southwest National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced.
News of the nominations follows a national record 14 Emmy wins in 2017 for CSN students. CSN students are required in many film and videography classes to produce a short film. The program puts a heavy emphasis on practical production skills, focusing on getting graduates into the industry.
“Our students consistently produce some of the best work in the country,” said John C. Aliano, Program Director of CSN’s Videography and Film Program. “I am extremely proud of every one of them for what they’ve accomplished.”
Students honored with the nominations are:
Overall Emmys:
Patrick Wirtz for “No Greater Odds,”Director – Non-Live (Post-Produced)
Fernando Nava for “Remembrance,” Director – Short Form
Student Production Emmys:
Violet Baldwin for “Icantkeepquiet,” Student Programming Short Form (Fiction/Non Fiction)
Marquis Marasigan for “Spent,” Student Programming Short Form (Fiction/Non Fiction)
Dontae Carter for “Paul & His Cartoon Pals,” Student Programming Long Form (Fiction/Non-Fiction)
Elisabeth Hatzimarkos for “Just A Normal Girl,” Student Programming Public Service (PSAs)
Gabriella Vizcarra for “Intertwine,” Student Programming Long Form (Fiction/Non-Fiction)
Billy Ward for “Rhino Shield: South Africa,” Student Programming Long Form (Fiction/Non-Fiction), Student Craft – Photographer and Student Craft – Director.
Raul Saldivar for “Runner,” Student Craft – Photographer.
Marco Tavares for “Who’s OPER,” Student Craft – Editor.
Leynyn Navarro for “Checkmate,” Student Craft – Editor.
Ari Lowenthal & Eugenie Dufloo for “Mantis,” Student Craft Photographer.
Award winners will be announced at a ceremony June 16 in Palm Springs, Calif. For more information, visit nataspsw.org.
The CSN Blooming in Blue Gala will help raise funds for the new health and science building at Henderson Campus.
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 28, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada Foundation is proud to announce the return of its fundraising gala on April 7 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and the honorees who will be celebrated.
The gala, the Foundation’s first in four years, will help raise funds for the new health and science building proposed for construction at the CSN Henderson Campus. The facility, which CSN will share with Nevada State College, will allow both institutions to expand their nursing and other medical-related training programs to meet the growing demand in Southern Nevada for more healthcare professionals.
The theme of the event is ‘Blooming in Blue’ to convey Southern Nevada’s expanding and enhanced progress in economic and community development, of which CSN’s more than 60,000 students play a significant role each year.
At the gala, the CSN Foundation Board of Trustees will present three awards:
The CSN Foundation has selected Rossi Ralenkotter to receive its Community Achievement Award to honor his continuous work in developing Southern Nevada’s post-recession economy, strengthening our valley’s international prowess in hospitality and customer service, building a market for medical tourism and more.
Community Education Award
Switch
The CSN Foundation has selected Switch to receive its Community Education Award to honor the innovative company for its work to promote STEAM education in Southern Nevada. Officials throughout the company regularly engage with students at CSN and other Nevada education institutions to show how science, technology, engineering, arts and math can lead to exciting, high-demand and high-value careers.
Community Hero Award
First Responders, as represented by CSN alumni
The CSN Foundation has selected first responders to receive its Community Hero Award for the bravery and highly skilled response to crisis that these individuals have demonstrated. CSN will present a group of CSN alumni nurses, EMTs, police officers and firefighters that were involved in the Oct. 1 response with the Community Hero Award to honor all first-responders for their courage and commitment to the health, safety and wellness of this community.
2017-18 CSN Foundation Board of Trustees John Hester, Chair, Southwest Gas; Terry Shirey, Vice Chair, Nevada State Bank; Matthew Frazier, Secretary, John C. Kish Foundation; Jeffrey Cooper, Treasurer, Bradshaw, Smith & Co.; Patricia Gilliano, Spring Valley Hospital & Medical Center; Ken Goodrich, Red Falcon Equity; Chuck Johnston, B&P Advertising; Joe Lotito, Trade Consulting; Seth Maurer, CORE; Melissa Meacham-Grossman, ESPN; Daniel J. Minella, DynTek; Paul Moffat, Arista Wealth Management; Edgar Patino, NVEnergy; Mike Purtill, Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects; Reed Radosevich, Northern Trust; Melissa Walker, Dignity Health; James York, Valley Bank; and Missy Young, Switch
About the CSN Foundation:
The mission of the CSN Foundation is to support the strategic initiatives for the College of Southern Nevada by raising funds for facilities and capital improvements, scholarships, educational programs and faculty requirements.
The CSN Foundation is grateful to Blooming in Blue Major Sponsors:
Breakthru Beverage Group
Ellucian
Encore
John C. Kish Foundation
Switch
CORE
MGM Resorts International
Northern Trust
Rubrik Inc.
Southwest Gas
Arista Wealth Management
Schneider Electric
Valley Bank of Nevada
WG Communications
B&P Advertising
R&R Partners
Students and the public can showcase job skills to dozens of recruiters at the events
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 21, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada will soon host its Spring 2018 Career Fairs, where dozens of employers will tap the local talent pool to fill hundreds of job opportunities and internships.
The first of the events is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. February 28 in the June Whitley Student Lounge on CSN’s North Las Vegas Campus. A second Career Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17 in the Paul E. Meacham Student Services Building lobby on the college’s Charleston Campus. The events are free and open to the public.
The open forum of the Career Fairs allows applicants to meet recruiters, learn about job openings and gather employment information. Applicants should dress in interview attire, bring resumes and be prepared for interviews.
“The Spring Career Fairs offer our students and other job seekers a chance to meet potential employers face to face,” said Bradford Glover, director of Career Services & Reentry at CSN. “These are great networking opportunities. They’re also an excellent way for job seekers to learn more about potential employers. Recruiters will be on hand to provide detailed information about their organizations and the jobs available.”
The wide array of organizations planning to attend include Boyd Gaming, the Clark County Fire Department, Lowe’s, MGM Resorts International, Station Casinos, TESLA, UPS, the YMCA of Southern Nevada and many more. For more information or to host an employer booth, contact CSN Career Services, 702-651-4700.
Kris Engelstad McGarry announces first major gift for the project in support of training more nurses, EMTs and other healthcare professionals.
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 9, 2018 – The Engelstad Family Foundation announced the first major gift of $3 million for the proposed CSN & Nevada State Health & Science Building. The gift is a match intended to help the colleges raise another $3 million from the community before the start of the next legislative session.
“There is a huge need for quality and caring healthcare professionals and we must have the infrastructure necessary to train Southern Nevadans for these critical positions,” said Kris Engelstad McGarry, trustee of the Engelstad Family Foundation. “We will all benefit from the additional nurses, EMTs and other medical professionals who will be trained in this building and so I urge our community to stand with us to support this project.”
CSN and Nevada State proposed the facility in 2017 to the Nevada Legislature to expand training for nurses, EMTs and other healthcare professionals needed to alleviate a critical healthcare workforce shortage. The Legislature responded by allocating planning funds for the 70,000-square-foot facility to be located at the CSN Henderson Campus, just a few miles down the road from Nevada State. The two institutions will go to the Nevada Legislature to ask for the remaining construction funds in 2019.
“Nevada State College is one of the fastest growing colleges in the nation and our BSN in Nursing is the largest program in Nevada. We are proud to partner with CSN on this project that is critical to expanding our allied health programs,” said Bart Patterson, president of Nevada State College. “We want to recognize the Engelstad Family Foundation for their meaningful contribution to grow our capacity in the health care profession.”
“We must show lawmakers in 2019 that we have community support for this building and the Engelstad Family Foundation’s generous gift is the catalyst we need to rally Southern Nevadans to this cause,” said CSN Acting President Margo Martin. “We are honored and grateful to the Engelstads for embracing this project and for their visionary leadership in the field of healthcare.”
The Engelstad’s gift announcement kicked off the CSN and Nevada State foundations’ joint capital campaign to raise private dollars in support of the building. A lack of existing lab space at both colleges has hindered their ability to expand health science programs in response to the growing number of job openings in the field and the new building is critical to increasing the number of students they can train.
About the CSN Foundation:
The mission of the CSN Foundation is to support the strategic initiatives for the College of Southern Nevada by raising funds for facilities and capital improvements, scholarships, educational programs and faculty requirements.
About the Nevada State Foundation:
The Nevada State College Foundation was established in 2001 to encourage and promote the growth and improvement of Nevada State College, and to receive and administer private gifts provided to the College.
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 6, 2018 – Join the College of Southern Nevada and Nevada State College for the kickoff of an unprecedented partnership at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at Nevada State.
In 2017, the Nevada Legislature provided $5 million to the Nevada System of Higher Education to plan a health and science building to help both CSN and Nevada State expand healthcare training programs vital to the region’s expanding medical needs. The two colleges must seek construction funds during the next legislative session to build the $43-million, 70,000-square-foot building. Although the project has been a major priority for local and state policymakers, the facility’s future is uncertain, whereas it will compete with a number of other public works projects.
The kickoff will feature a presentation on the healthcare workforce from the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance as well as a major announcement that will launch the colleges’ efforts to secure community support for the building.
CSN & Nevada State Health & Science Building Campaign Kick-Off Friday, Feb. 9, 2018
1 p.m. Networking
1:30 p.m. Program Begins
Nevada State College
Rogers Student Center Ballroom
1300 Nevada State Dr., Henderson NV 89002
Contact: K.C. Brekken, CSN Foundation Executive Director, LAS
About the CSN Foundation:
The mission of the CSN Foundation is to support the strategic initiatives for the College of Southern Nevada by raising funds for facilities and capital improvements, scholarships, educational programs and faculty requirements.
About the Nevada State Foundation:
The Nevada State College Foundation was established in 2001 to encourage and promote the growth and improvement of Nevada State College, and to receive and administer private gifts provided to the College.
Growing up in Humble, Texas, an oil town of just a few thousand people on the outskirts of Houston, Margo Martin learned early on that there were essentially two kinds of people: The haves, and the have nots.
She was a have not, and she knew there was a way out.
“Education,” she said, “was my ticket.”
CSN Acting President Dr. Margo Martin
She wasn’t sure how, but she knew she would go to college one day. She immersed herself in her studies in high school, got involved in the band, the student newspaper, the yearbook club, the science club, anything and everything.
By the time she graduated, she’d earned a full scholarship to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, a two-hour car ride up the freeway. That’s where she decided she was going to be a high school teacher. She just loved the classroom so much.
She got bachelor’s degrees in English and Earth Science, stuck around to get her master’s degree in English, cancelled an overseas trip at the last minute and found herself with a bunch of time on her hands. She’d been looking at grad schools in Florida, so when the opportunity to move to Jacksonville presented itself, she figured why not?
The job market was tough, though, and she had some student loan debt to take care of, so she took some non-academic gigs, working in telemarketing and in a retail sporting goods store, for example.
When it became clear that wasn’t where she was supposed to be, she went back to Texas, where she worked with at-risk kids in a program at the university she’d attended. She taught these kids, tutored them at night and on the weekends, and was absolutely thrilled to be back in a classroom. Which is why, when the community college in Jacksonville called with an offer to teach a single 8 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday Comp 101 class, she hit the road and didn’t look back. She gave Jacksonville a second chance.
That one class led to a couple more, which led to a job in the writing lab and more part-time teaching, which, two and a half years later, led to a full-time faculty job. Martin was in heaven.
Until an administration position enticed her away, and she realized she really liked it, and she was good at it, and she kept moving up the admin hierarchy, and she soon discovered that you could actually do a lot of good this way.
Because that’s what her goal has always been, to change lives.
Along the way, she earned her doctorate degree, remained with her partner, Kathy, for 23 years so far, attended the League for Innovation’s Executive Leadership Institute and other leadership academies, and immersed herself in the community.
She believes she can do a better job as a leader if she leaves the office, so when she arrived at CSN last year as the vice president for academic affairs, she immediately became involved in the community.
She goes to pinning ceremonies and pride parades and student forums and luncheons and art gallery openings, you name it, and she sees it. She sees the difference an education makes, a good education, and she wants to make the education offered at CSN even better than it is.
“I just feel like I’m supposed to be here right now,” she said.
It was an honor when she was asked to become the college’s acting president. She will use the position, as always, to make sure an education is always accessible to those who need it most.
LAS VEGAS, May 11, 2018 – The College of Southern Nevada announced today the appointment of Dr. Federico Zaragoza as its ninth president.
LAS VEGAS, May 9, 2018 – Students from the College of Southern Nevada’s Videography & Film Program received 12 Student Production Emmy Award nominations and two overall Emmy Award nominations, the Pacific Southwest National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced.
