College of Education & Human Development, University of Nevada Reno

Yesterday, our college sponsored Rita Cannan Elementary School's Field Day event! To show our appreciation for their teachers, we bought lunch for their teachers, staff, and volunteers. We hope that Rita Cannon Elementary School and all of our Washoe County School District schools have a great summer break!

Today, we are proud to highlight Snoop Leota-Amaama, a College of Education and Human Development student who graduated this spring with a degree in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)!

Leota-Amaama transferred to Nevada in 2024 ahead of his junior year, bringing with him both athletic ambition and a desire to make a meaningful impact beyond sports. He found that opportunity through HDFS, where hands-on learning quickly became the highlight of his academic journey.

“I chose HDFS because I could get hands-on experience working with kids,” Leota-Amaama said. “My best memories have been coming here and connecting with the children.”

Read all about his journey through athletics and education in the Nevada Today article at https://tr.ee/gWZ7YPIqfz

The Child and Family Research Center is opening new summer camp sessions for children aged 4-12 to explore all the University campus has to offer. Activities may include a field day at the quad, art and sensory projects, hands-on make and take creations, visits to local playgrounds and trips to the planetarium, museums and more! Space is limited, so register today.

Dates: June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24 & July 27-31
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $265 for one week, $215 per each additional week

Register at our link in bio.

For questions, contact Ashley: [email protected]

Our Human Development and Family Science courses can open up unexpected opportunities for you!

This semester, our student Julia Murphy completed an HDFS internship with the Reno Justice Court under Judge Kendra Bertschy. Julia had the opportunity to work within therapeutic and eviction diversion court programs, helping to reduce barriers, improve participant outcomes and enhance access to justice.

“One of the most rewarding parts of working with student interns is watching students connect classroom learning to meaningful, service-driven work within the justice system that directly impacts people’s lives,” says Judge Bertschy, who also teaches our HDFS 458/658: Family Law and Public Policy course. “Their insight, enthusiasm, and willingness to engage strengthen the work of our court while reinforcing the importance of investing in the next generation of professionals.”

To learn more about HDFS, or any of our numerous degrees and programs, visit https://www.unr.edu/education

At the annual American Educational Research Association (AERA) meeting in April, several of our College of Education and Human Development faculty members were awarded for their work.

- Dianna Townsend, Ed.D., Professor of Literacy Studies was awarded the Notable Vocabulary Researcher award.
- Nathan Tanner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education Leadership, was awarded the Frantz Fanon Dissertation Award from the Decolonial, Postcolonial, and Anti-Colonial Studies in Education SIG 153.
- Alexandra Aylward, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, was awarded the Outstanding Article in Systems Thinking in Education SIG Award.

Congratulations to each of them for their wonderful achievements.

Today, we are proud to highlight Dana Cooper, a College of Education and Human Development student graduating with a degree in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)!

Cooper initially enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno, in fall 2016, and explored several majors before deciding on HDFS. Eventually, she enlisted in the Air National Guard, which allowed her to continue her education while serving. Not only did she complete an internship for HDFS at Reed High School in Sparks, and spend a week studying abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy, she also raised two young children while pursuing her degree. After graduation, Cooper plans to continue advancing in her military career while exploring graduate school options.

Her advice to others is simple, even if it sounds familiar: “Even when it gets overwhelming, just keep going,” Cooper says. “It’s worth it.”

Read all about her journey through education, service, and family in the Nevada Today article at https://tr.ee/-ds2mJqiov

In April, Dr. Mandi Collins was awarded the University’s F. Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher Award for her work as a teaching associate professor in our NevadaTeach program. On Tuesday, she was recognized for this award at the University’s annual "Honor The Best" awards ceremony.

“Every student in your class is someone’s whole world,” Collins says. “Your relationships and messaging can inspire or stifle a learner’s growth, confidence, sense of belonging, and love of learning.”

Read more about what the award means to her in the Nevada Today article at https://tr.ee/rwJ_E1E156

Congratulations on another successful semester, Wolf Pack! To celebrate the last day of Spring 2026 instruction, join us today for karaoke!

Date: Today, Wednesday, May 13th
When: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Learning and Resource Center (LRC), on the first floor of the William J. Raggio Building

This Friday!

Graduation is almost here, and we're inviting you to our Send-Off Celebration! Take pictures, enjoy refreshments, and pick up your graduation cord. Faculty and students should arrive dressed in graduation attire. Students and faculty will walk to the ceremony at 1:45 p.m.

When: Friday, May 15th from 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Where: Learning and Resource Center (LRC) in the WRB

RSVP at https://nevada.formstack.com/forms/sendoff_spring_2026

Not only are our professors are making a difference in our classrooms, they’re helping create cutting-edge technologies to assist students nationwide. Our own Abbie Olszewski, PhD, Associate Professor in Literacy Studies, is working with researchers across the country to develop AI tools to help identify and support students with speech and language-processing disorders.

“This interdisciplinary work has the potential to improve how we identify and support millions of elementary‑aged children who struggle with language and literacy, by bringing cutting‑edge AI into educational practice,” said Olszewski.

Read more about this project at https://tr.ee/hEIlEy8hzv