The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV

• A Message from Casey Wyman
• Celebrating the Lunar New Year
• November and December Employee Appreciation Recipients
• Business Affairs All-Staff Meeting Reminder
• Remember to Recognize
• Spotlight on Service
• Dates to Remember

A Message from Casey Wyman

Hello colleagues, 

The new year is here and that means the start of a fresh semester. It’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we've come and set our sights on the possibilities ahead. 



While much of the campus was quiet over winter break, our Business Affairs teams remained hard at work preparing for the return of our students. I want to thank all of you for your efforts and hope you had the chance to rest, relax, and recharge with your families and friends.

There will be a lot happening this spring and many opportunities to learn about developments at our university and within the community. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities and engage as much as possible.

Next Thursday, January 30, President Whitfield will deliver his annual State of the University Address, in which he will share his vision for the future of UNLV. You can attend in person at the Judy Bayley Theatre or via livestream. 

On February 3, we’ll host an in-person Business Affairs All-Staff Meeting. The meeting will feature interactive segments led by guests from across campus to help us set a positive path for the year ahead. We’ll also announce our employee of the year recipients. I look forward to seeing you there!

That same day, the Nevada Legislature will begin its 83rd session. Representatives from UNLV, including myself, will travel to Carson City to advocate for funding to support the university’s priorities. At the top of this list is a request to enhance campus safety and security. University leadership will provide updates as the session progresses. 

Here’s to another semester and year of resilience, growth, and success. Let’s make it the best one yet - the Rebel way!

Celebrating the Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of the lunar calendar year and is widely celebrated across East and Southeast Asia. It typically falls between January 21 and February 20. This year, it begins on January 29 and ends on February 16. 

The holiday highlights family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for prosperity in the year ahead. Key traditions include eating symbolic foods, such as dumplings and fish, which represent wealth and abundance, and decorating with red, a color associated with good luck.

2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The Wood Snake emphasizes careful planning, innovation, and the potential for new beginnings. It's a time to pursue intellectual and creative pursuits, and those who show patience and strategy may find success. The Snake is known for its wisdom, charm, and introspection, while the Wood element brings qualities of growth, creativity, and adaptability. People born in this year are often seen as resourceful and diplomatic, with a strong focus on long-term goals and personal development.

Lunar New Year festivities include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and the giving of "hongbao" (red envelopes) filled with money to children and unmarried adults. The celebrations last for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, where people release lanterns into the sky to symbolize letting go of bad fortune and welcoming good luck. 

Lunar New Year is a time to reflect on the past year, express gratitude, and set intentions for the future while uniting communities in a celebration of hope and renewal.

November Employee Appreciation Recipient

Michael Archibald

Shadow Lane Facilities Management

Michael was nominated for his exceptional contributions to the Shadow Lane Facilities Management team.  

His construction expertise has been invaluable to the Shadow Lane Campus. Recently, he swiftly resolved a water leak in the SLC B building by reviewing suite plans and tracing water supply lines. 

Michael’s collaborative approach fosters a positive, innovative work environment that helps position the campus for future success.

Thank you, Michael, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence!

December Employee Appreciation Recipients

Calvin Milling

Facilities Management

Calvin was nominated for his outstanding contributions to the Facilities Management team.  

He oversees more than 100 buildings and 14,000 pieces of equipment with 85% accuracy demonstrating his dedication and efficiency.

His leadership in asset management improves scheduling, workflow, and equipment tracking. By generating 525 monthly preventive maintenance work orders, he has reduced downtime and cut reactive work orders by 45%. He also reviews and closes out more than 800 work orders each month, ensuring accurate reporting and reliable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Calvin also develops dashboards for key metrics and helps train supervisors and technicians. 

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Calvin!

Rodney Woodwall

Delivery Services

Rodney was nominated for his remarkable contributions to the Delivery Services team.  

His dedication to timely and accurate deliveries helps keep the university running smoothly. He efficiently handles both routine and urgent requests with professionalism.

When an important package needed to arrive before an event on short notice, Rodney ensured its on-time delivery, showcasing his reliability and commitment. 

Beyond his excellent service, his friendly demeanor fosters a welcoming and positive workplace.

Thank you, Rodney, for your hard work, attention to detail, and dedication. Your impact is truly appreciated!

Business Affairs All-Staff Meeting Reminder

Remember to mark your calendars for the next Business Affairs All-Staff Meeting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3 in the Student Union Ballroom.

Hear directly from our Vice President of Business Affairs and CFO, Casey Wyman, about exciting developments within the division. The meeting will also feature presentations from ourUNLV colleagues and light refreshments.

Your presence is essential as we kick off another successful year together. Be informed, stay engaged, and join us as we look ahead to what’s next for Business Affairs and UNLV.

Remember to Recognize

Don’t forget to recognize your colleagues. January’s deadline for submitting nominations has been extended to Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.

Anyone can submit a nomination. The award is $100 for each monthly recipient, and these recipients will be entered into a pool for the $1,000 Employee of the Year award.



To nominate an outstanding colleague, visit the Business Affairs Employee Resources webpage and complete the nomination form.

Spotlight on Service

In October 2024, we distributed our annual Business Affairs customer service survey. The responses included a number of accolades for our hard-working Business Affairs teams. Here are some words of appreciation for the Parking & Transportation Services department:

“Parking has done a great job of keeping up with new technology. I appreciate all of the effort. Parking is always helpful for jump starts and whatever else we need them for. I really like the new map too.”

“They have provided great service in getting parking passes for our speakers.”

“Clear communication and sending out announcements with parking alerts ahead of time!”

Dates to Remember

• January 29 - Lunar New Year Begins
• February - Black History Month
• February 2 - Groundhog Day