CSN celebrated years of hard work and dedication helping our students and community achieve, succeed and prosper at the 2023 Retirement Luncheon held on the CSN Henderson campus, June 22 . The CSN family wishes the following retirees continued prosperity in the next phase of their journey:

• Doug Bibo, 22 Years of Service

• Rudi Eichler, 29 Years of Service

• Sandra Gammage, 21 Years of Service

• Kraig Knapp, 28 Years of Service

• Karen Laing, 17 Years of Service

• Jerry Lockhart, 20 Years of Service

• Kenya Minott, 23 Years of Service

Javier Escobar is a HVACR Specialist 4 for Facilities Management on the CSN North Las Vegas campus. Javier is known for his positive demeanor and his infectious good mood. His role supporting HVAC needs during the hot summer months never gets him down and he remains focused on the job at hand.

Javier’s dedication to CSN is remarkable and his persistence stands out to colleague Christopher Prieto, “Our equipment is on the older side and Javier is knowledgable and patient in helping us get the best out of it,” he said. “I have seen him here at 7:30 p.m. ensuring the labs are comfortable for students. I’ve seen him on Saturday and Sunday ensuring that systems are operating as they should.”

Javier excels at making the most of his resources to ensure work is done to the highest possible standard and is not afraid to take initiative. “He doesn’t need to be told to check systems, he doesn’t take anything for granted and he takes pride in his work,” wrote Prieto. “Above all else, he is a very good person who doesn’t get as many ‘thank you’s” as he should. “

Thank you Javier Escobar and congratulations!

The CSN Coyotes ended the spring semester strong. Our baseball team finished the season 42-14 Overall and 24-8 in Scenic West Athletic Conference play, earning them the 2023 Scenic West Athletic Conference Title and the right to host the Region 18 Baseball Tournament. Four team members earned All Region honors.

The Lady Coyotes softball team finished 4^th in the league, qualifying for postseason play at the Region 18 tournament in Salt Lake. Four members of the team earned All Region honors and four were named to the Region 18 All-Tournament Team.

Approximately 25 student athletes qualify for NJCAA Academic All American, and around 50 qualify for the All SWAC Academic Team (Scenic West Athletic Conference)

CSN signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Army National Guard (NVARNG)  on April 25, 2023 in the CSN Charleston campus student union. The CSN Family was treated to a surprise appearance by an Army National Guard Helicopter on campus during the ceremony.

The partnership with the Army National Guard will seek to address basic needs such as food insecurity, access to clothing and programs, support services, and community engagement to increase student retention, to inform and engage the local community, and promote NVARNG recruitment.

The CSN Division of Workforce and Economic Development is collaborating with partners DETR, Nevada and Workforce Connections on a vital incumbent worker upskilling initiative in which nearly 400 CCSD healthcare employees completed a 9-week school health assist course. As a result, the median wage for these employees increased by $10/hour.   

This is the type of initiative that can support upward economic mobility. CCSD has requested the course be offered as part of talent pipeline support and management.   

In March 2023 CSN began offering courses in Industrial motors and basic VDF, industrial censors, fluid power and basic electricity as part of employer upskill human resource strategy. 

The CSN Division of Workforce and Economic Development continues to align its work NSHE and partners such as GOWINN and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Last quarter over 50 underemployed and unemployed people were able to receive training in alignment with the Workforce 3.0 blueprint for in demand occupations such as, Information Technology, Advanced manufacturing, Commercial Truck Driving and Healthcare. 

TRIO Student Support Services Program recently acquired a $150,000 grant from the Nevada First-Gen Network. This program provides guidance, advocacy and academic support to low income, first generation and disabled students seeking to earn an associate degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution. The funds will be used for three cultural/transfer trips to Southern California, Arizona and Washington, D.C. and will also provide student meals and textbook vouchers.

The TRIO Student Support Services Program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide guidance, advocacy and academic support to low income, first generation and disabled students seeking to earn an associate’s degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution.

This intensive program is designed to encourage participants to develop the persistence, self-discipline, responsibility and confidence to achieve academic, personal and professional success. All services are provided to qualified participants at no cost.

TRIO programs have a long history of highly successful, student-centered retention strategies dating back to 1964. It is our goal to continue to open the door of opportunity for disadvantaged students, regardless of race, ethnicity or culture and to assist participants in overcoming the barriers that affect academic success.

Working with NSHE via a $2.6 million federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, CSN hosted the Mental Health 360 Conference in April. Public forums like this are essential for promoting open discussion about mental health.

Approximately 200 attendees and community partners joined the daylong conference to learn about topics such as student needs, crisis, trauma and diversity in mental health. It was our honor to host the Vice President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Dr. Sheldon Jacobs as the keynote speaker.  

CSN Day at the 82nd session of the Nevada Legislature was once again a success. In this critical legislative session, a CSN delegation of more than 100 CSN students and staff was successful in securing support from elected officials on key measures and in telling how funding impacts students and helps to support the institution for the biennium.

CSN works closely with business and industry to constantly improve workforce education and training. Approximately two years ago, Nevada Gold Mines approached CSN with a request to help train their workforce.

From the beginning the partnership had the hallmarks of success because, not only is mining one of Nevada’s largest industries — it’s the state’s largest export industry, employing 15,000 workers statewide.

Established through a generous grant from NGM, CSN partnered with Rancho High School and the CCSD to establish a cohort-based, two-year program. Starting in their junior year of high school, students complete a Certificate of Achievement in either Diesel Technology or Industrial Maintenance by the time they graduate high school.

Last month, we celebrated the graduation of 13 high school students who, because of the cooperation of industry and education, are already on their way to successful, long-term careers.