Shea King Accepted Into the National Alliance of Acting Teachers
Congratulations to Performing Arts Instructor Shea King on his acceptance into the ! He’s one of two professors in Nevada who earned this prestigious recognition, blending his love for Theatre with a relentless passion for educating student actors.
In August, King spent five days in New York City attending the . He trained in workshops with ten nationwide casting, directing, and acting professionals. At the end of this enlightening week, his mentors took him aside and offered to recommend him for NAAT status. This prestigious organization is joinable only by a current member’s endorsement. “It is the greatest honor of my career,” said King appreciatively. His induction unlocks doorways to novel schooling opportunities, development roundtables, and grant funding. His discoveries will elevate students’ learning, the universal drive uniting faculty at ĂŰŃżapp. With a versatile, expanding network of resources and collaborators, imparting his newfound knowledge to support undergraduates with relevant industry content is another reward from his experience.
“A challenging part of the classes was refining the ability to offer critique to one another. Navigating what is useful to each person and how that message will land for your colleagues is tough. You are also in a room with literal master teachers, so the expectation is to enter the space humble. A valuable takeaway was the wealth of insight. I left with pages of notes, quotes, and questions I’m unraveling with my students,” said King.
Carol Rosenfeld and Mark Nelson are legendary coaches who endorsed King’s name, a stunning distinction still reverberating in his bones. Over the years, his profound respect for the craft established his integrity. Channeling wisdom into worthwhile teaching practices for his students–connecting with kindred strangers striving for excellence in life, lessons, and storytelling. Whether on stage, in film, or on television, this beloved medium enchants us, escaping our domain to gaze at the endless possibilities of another. That allure inspires King to explore fresh techniques for his courses and productions. Theatre’s academic ingenuity thrives at ĂŰŃżapp, spanning the state and complementing our vibrant culture.
“Acting has been my fiercest passion since I began in sixth grade. Until 2020–2021, I had never been absent in plays or film projects as an actor or director. It has taught me how to be vulnerable and continues to strengthen my empathy towards others. It’s the study of life and human behavior. You see nature as art and value everyone’s existence. Idiosyncrasies are gifts to your imagination rather than being unusual. Understanding our mortality and sharing our truth unites them and shows them they aren’t alone in this world,” continued King.
New Parcourse Interpretive Signs Unveiled
The revamped ĂŰŃżapp Parcourse is 1.28 miles of natural serenity, graced with spectacular vistas along its trail and newly minted, illuminating interpretive signs about the College’s history, geology, and Nevada’s ecosystem. Whether a cloudless morning or slate gray afternoon, the footpath can be a refreshing reprieve from work or school-related anxiety and a healthy alternative to sitting, each stride improving your mind, body, and spirit. Equipped with three fitness stations throughout, participating in these individual exercises is a clever move to circulate blood. Breaks can dispense clarity. If you find yourself on the Dandini Campus, a stroll through the wildflower-brushed route is a pleasant way to recenter. The placards bear educational figures on the diverse surroundings of our state’s elements. You’re encouraged to traverse day or night. In winter, behold the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, or in summer, bask in the lush plateaus of the Virginia Range, glistening with a shamrock bloom. A connection to the Earth is uplifting.
Roger Putnam, Cecilia Vigil, and Megan Lahti stand for a group shot with faculty, students and fellow patrons on the Parcourse tour.
Thank you to those who made this vision a reality: Sustainability Champions Committee members Roger Putnam, Geology Professor, and Drs. Cecilia Vigil and Megan Lahti, Biology Instructors, originally applied for ĂŰŃżapp Foundation money to design and install a descriptive sequence of markers to familiarize our community and increase campus environmental literacy. Putnam managed the Earth science content, while Vigil and Lahti concentrated on ecology and biology, splicing the areas for a holistic representation of Northern Nevada’s habitat. Brandie Davis, Lead Graphic Designer for the Marketing and Communications Office (MCO), and Adine Stormoen, Manager for the Life Sciences, Allied Health, and Public Safety Division, helped launch this project through their artistic promotion and purchasing power. Facilities Grounds Supervisor 2 David Murray inserted the equipment across the track.
“It’s a place of wellness. Take a break from studying or working and disconnect from the computer. You can walk its entirety or half. Being outside refreshes you. Come back in, take an exam, or tackle another duty you have. I’ve learned to do this since last semester; being outside soothes me. Our grounds are gorgeous,” said Vigil during the unveiling introduction.
“This is an incredible gift. It’s culturally relevant and organized with a narrative structure. Look around. What faces you in this spot? Stop one, at the Countess Angela Dandini Garden, gives a land acknowledgment, recognizing the spiritual space you’ll see as you progress,” continued Putnam.
“Our organismal classes study biodiversity out here, contribute to the restoration of the pollinator garden, document for undergraduate research projects, and gain basic field skills. We’re standing on the cusp of the Great Basin, and if you turn around, there’s evidence of that. Everything is built from the soil up. The foundation of geology allows for these ecosystems to comingle, along with the climate on the surface of the Earth,” finished Lahti.
Pebbles, twigs, and grainy dirt crumpled beneath the groups’ boots as they traveled further. The region mesmerized onlookers with its downtown Reno and Sparks cityscapes and mountainous panoramas. Putnam ended with an optimistic message after soaking up the marvels of the Silver State’s countryside.
“We have the remarkable Truckee River to deliver snowmelt from the High Sierra to our community, which enables us to exist. Protecting our planet is fundamental to our survival. Thank you for joining us. Spread the word. We designed this so everyone can enjoy the beautiful weather leisurely while reflecting on extraordinary local qualities,” concluded Putnam.
Career Champions Ceremony Celebrates Selfless Instructors
The annual Career Champions event is a gathering to honor our phenomenal professors at ĂŰŃżapp who surpass their traditional commitments to influence students’ lives through actions evoking a compassionate character. If stressed due to family turmoil, poor grades, or a missing purpose, these kindhearted heroes listen, propose solutions, and are present when a hug speaks louder than words. Teachers, mentors, and advocates emerge to save you when you’re lost. Sometimes, the smallest gestures have an unparalleled impact. Expressing gratitude is how we repay their tenderness. This candidate won’t receive any flashy medal. That’s not what this is about. It’s your voice. Your words are the treasure.
These superstars are boosting morale and safeguarding student aspirations with a resolute commitment to their well-being:
Student Services Division
- Susan Elbe, Recruitment and Access Center (RAC)
- Felipe Gutierrez De Alba, Veteran Services Office
- Megan Moore, Academic Advising
- Kelly Harlin, Academic Advising
- Erin Frock, Counseling Center
- Bill Proebstel, Disability Resource Center (DRC)
- Becca Franssen, Student Activities and Leadership Office
“Becca inspires me to improve my leadership when working with others. She’s an outstanding coordinator for our Student Government Association (SGA) team, available to answer questions, address concerns, or listen when needed. She’s shown us a unique form of kindness I deeply admire and want to incorporate into my life,” said a student testimonial.
Applied Technology Division
- Kreg Mebust, Architecture and Design
- Josephine Yang, Advanced Manufacturing
- Nathan Lower, Advanced Manufacturing
“I’ve worked closely with Nathan for the last year. I genuinely appreciate his long and dedicated hours to ensure every student is cared for and heard. We have jobs and lives, making college hard to balance, but he’s flexible and makes learning easy. I can apply everything to his thoughtful way of teaching, and because of this, I’m striving at work and taking better opportunities,” stated another thankful student.
Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences Division
- Olga Katkova, Chemistry
- Denny Burzynski, Mathematics
“Professor Denny is more than a teacher. He’s someone who sincerely cares about his students. His class is challenging, but his way of teaching is easy to understand. He’s the kind of person who makes a real difference in people’s lives. For me, he’s my career champion,” pledged one student.
Life Sciences, Allied Health, and Public Safety Division
- Jon Reddick-Lau, Biology
- Donna Hart, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Luan Kieu, Dental Hygiene
- Connie Croysdill, Nursing
- Katrina Bolton, Radiologic Technology
- Rori Wilkis, Radiologic Technology
- Julie McMahon, Veterinary Nursing
“Julie has been invaluable and supportive all semester. She was there for me whenever I needed guidance, no matter the issue. I’ve had many personal problems in the last three months, and she’s taken the time to help me keep it together and stay on track. I couldn’t have gotten through this semester without her extra support!” shared a student.
Business and Social Sciences Division
- Jennifer Griffin, Social Work
- Jenny Weisberg, Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- Matthew Van Der Berg, Economics
- Jaime Sandoval, Psychology
- Kofi Poku, Business
- John Reid, History
“[John] was one of the most enthusiastic teachers I’ve ever had. He communicates with the students engagingly, allowing the joy of learning not to be lost,” declared a scholar.
Liberal Arts Division
- Joe Sanpietro, English
- Edwin Lyngar, English
- Erika Bein, English
- Mark Maynard, English
- Mai McMurray, English
- Fe Danger, Graphic Arts
- Jennifer Davis,Ěý¶Ů˛ą˛Ôł¦±đ
- Gregory McNulty, Humanities
“In high school, I had numerous medical issues and felt I lost cognitive ability. I wanted to know if I could learn more. I doubted going to ĂŰŃżapp until I took [American Sign Language] ASL with Greg over the summer. His exceptional instruction and admirable kindness led me to develop a love of ASL and Deaf culture and a drive to continue my journey. He’s one of the best people, let alone professors, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing throughout my education,” praised an undergraduate.
Please visit the Performing Arts, Sustainability Champions Committee, and Career Champions websites for more information.