Dr. Sammie L. Scales
Dr. Sammie Scales serves is the Assistant Director for Student Diversity Programs (SDP) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he leads initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Dr. Scales earned his joint doctoral degree in Education with a specialization in Teaching and Culture from San Diego State University (SDSU) and Claremont Graduate University (CGU) in 2020, showcasing his commitment to understanding educational dynamics within diverse cultural contexts. His academic journey also includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English, both from SDSU, with a focus on Children’s Literature. Beyond the confines of traditional academia, Dr. Scales has made a significant impact as a lecturer at SDSU, where he imparted knowledge across a spectrum of subjects including Cultural Studies, History, English, History from a Black Perspective, and First Year Experience (FYE) classes. His pedagogical approach transcends conventional methodologies, viewing the classroom as a platform for sparking inquiry, engaging in dialogue, and nurturing practices that foster individual, group, and community success. A tireless advocate for equity-minded education, Dr. Scales ensures that his classrooms exemplify inclusivity and embrace students from diverse backgrounds and identities. Recognizing the transformative power of diversity, he prepares students to thrive within the vibrant tapestry of a heterogeneous learning community. Throughout each academic term, Dr. Scales actively cultivates an environment of openness and collaboration, fostering understanding and solidarity among students. As the Interim Assistant Director of Student Diversity Programs at UNLV, he continues to champion DEI initiatives, driving forward the university’s commitment to creating an environment where every individual feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Appears in 4 Episodes
Barbershop Talk Engages Men of Color in Higher Education Through Community and Collaboration
This episode featured a discussion on the Barbershop Talk initiative, which aims to engage men of color in higher education. The program, initiated by Imani Patterson,...
Stephanie Cooper Strengthens Student Support at UNLV, Expands Resources for Crisis Response and Campus Well-Being
Stephanie Cooper, Executive Director of Student Support and Advocacy at UNLV, discusses the creation of her office, which aims to provide a centralized resource for st...
Peter Gatto Talks Expanding UNLV Housing, Building Living-Learning Communities, and Advancing Student Preparedness
Dr. Sammie Scales interviews Peter Gatto, Director for Housing and Residential Life at UNLV. Gatto details his 16-year career in student affairs, highlighting his rece...
Dr. Jake Thompson Expands Career Pathways with UNLV’s Innovative Microcredentials Program
Dr. Jake Thompson, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at UNLV, discussed the university's new microcredentials program. Microcredentials are bite-sized...