10/06/2026
🌟Alumni Spotlight🌟
Say hello to , Dr. Adrian Huerta! Adrian earned his bachelor’s from UNLV College of Education in 2007 in Human Services. He currently serves as Assc. Professor of Education and Population & Public Health Sciences at University of Southern California.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Adrian shared a bit about his culture and background with us.
❓How has your culture, family, or community influenced the educator or leader you are today?
“... I center the rich history of my family and community to positively influence how I act, lead, break down barriers, and pave pathways for others to succeed in higher education.”
❓What does the representation of Latino and Hispanic professionals in education mean to you?
“Currently, 1 in 3 Nevada residents are Latinos. So, having Latino educators showcasing a positive example to the next generation of K-12 and college students is important, not only for Latino students, but for all students, so they can change their views on who Latinos are, where Latinos work, and Latinos’ positive impact in classrooms, schools, and beyond. …”
❓Was there a person, organization, or experience at UNLV that helped you feel supported, connected, or represented?
“I would not be where I am without the support from many people and groups who helped me succeed: academic advisors, mentors, student orgs including MEChA de UNLV, CSUN Student Government, the Black Student Organization, Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, and faculty members. I found community; at one point, I felt lost and confused about where I was going for a while. But being active during my five years at UNLV helped me find my crew, and I still have relationships with them today.”
❓What is something about your heritage or community that you are especially proud to carry forward?
“I am proud of who I am and what I achieved, and my family’s legacy continues to guide my personal and professional decision-making. Now, as a father, I think about which values and lessons from my community I share with my children, the responsibility we carry to positively impact our community, and the importance of earning advanced degrees.”
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