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Ivy Fisher, an Elementary Education major in the Class of 2027, inspiration comes from the remarkable legacy of Septima Poinsette Clark—an educator who believed education was a powerful tool for social change.

Born in 1898 in Charleston, South Carolina, Clark was an African American educator and civil rights activist who developed literacy and citizenship workshops that helped adults gain essential skills. Her work played a significant role in advancing voting rights and civil rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.

Clark was also a member of the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and received numerous honors throughout her lifetime, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Award and the Drum Major for Justice Award.

One quote that continues to inspire Ivy is, “I have great belief in the fact that whenever there is chaos, it creates wonderful thinking. I consider chaos a gift.” Her words reflect the belief that meaningful change often begins in moments of challenge.

#�鶹ԭ��StateU @ns_bso

For Cali Scarpaci, a Business major with a concentration in Diversity & Human Resource Management and a minor in Social Justice in the Class of 2028, inspiration comes from the fearless advocacy of Ruby Duncan.

A disabled Black single mother, Ruby Duncan experienced firsthand the failures of an unjust welfare system. Rather than accepting inadequate and unfair government assistance, she chose to fight back—becoming a powerful voice for civil rights and welfare reform in �鶹ԭ��.

As a trailblazer for mothers and Black women in social justice, Duncan successfully advocated for the implementation of SNAP and WIC programs in �鶹ԭ��, launched the first public library in West Las Vegas, and founded her own nonprofit organization to uplift her community.

One quote that resonates deeply with Cali is, “After the legislature didn’t listen, we decided to make them listen.” Ruby Duncan’s legacy reflects the power of persistence, community action, and demanding change when systems fail to serve the people.

#�鶹ԭ��StateU @ns_bso

Don’t miss the Career & Internship Expo March 3 and 4 in the RSC Ballroom from 10 am - 2 pm both days.

Day 1 (Tuesday, March 3): Government, Business, Data/Tech, Media/Communications
Day 2 (Wednesday, March 4): Social/Community Services, Education, Physical & Life Sciences

The Expo is open to all current NSHE students and alumni, don’t miss your chance to connect! Learn more by visiting the link in �鶹ԭ��StateU`s bio.

@unlv @csncoyote @nevadastatealumni #�鶹ԭ��StateU

For Laneice Rodgers, a Psychology major in the Class of 2029, inspiration comes from the groundbreaking work of Dr. Kenneth Bancroft Clark and Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark.

In the 1940s, the Clarks conducted foundational research on the psychological effects of segregation on Black children through their famous doll test, revealing how segregation created feelings of inferiority. Their work became critical evidence in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, helping to dismantle school segregation in the United States.

One quote from the Clarks that has stayed with Laneice is, “A racist system inevitably destroys and damages human beings; it brutalizes and dehumanizes them, Blacks and whites alike.” Their words and research inspired Laneice to pursue forensic psychology and strengthened her commitment to changing harmful narratives by seeing and treating people as human beings—not monsters.

#�鶹ԭ��StateU @ns_bso

BRB just missing Cinnamon 🥹💛🦂

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In honor of Black History Month, �鶹ԭ�� State is highlighting our incredible Scorpions who draw inspiration from influential Black leaders whose legacies continue to inspire us all. For Dejuan Chastang, a Speech Language Pathology major in the Class of 2028, inspiration comes from the legacy of Booker T. Washington.

Born into slavery in 1856, Washington overcame immense obstacles to become a respected educator, author, and leader. As the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, he championed education, practical skills, and self-reliance as pathways to progress and empowerment for Black Americans in a society that often denied them respect.

One of his most powerful quotes—“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed”—resonates deeply with Dejuan. It serves as a reminder that true success isn’t defined by wealth or status, but by resilience, perseverance, and the determination to overcome life’s challenges.

#BlackHistoryMonth @ns_bso