Adrianne Smith Leads UNLV Student Union to New Levels of Student Engagement

Introducing a Fresh Vision for Student Union Life

When a seasoned veteran of student affairs steps into a new role, the opportunities for change are immediate and tangible. Adrianne Smith, who has spent more than 25 years honing her leadership across campus arenas, arrived at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a clear mandate: to make the Student Union a living, breathing hub that supports student growth, community, and success.

UNLV’s Student Union and Event Services offers a range of facilities—from dining halls and retail shops to event spaces and wellness kiosks. Smith’s first focus was to ensure these assets not only served functional needs but also amplified student engagement, equity, and inclusion.

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From Montana to Nevada: What Drives Adapting to a New Campus Culture?

Adrianne’s journey from Montana to Las Vegas wasn’t merely geographic—it was a pivot from a familiar, temperate environment to a desert city that thrives on diversity and ambition. She quickly embraced UNLV’s “Rebel Spirit,” noting the university’s growth, innovation, and inclusive ethos. Her adaptation shows leaders must:

• Gauge the local pulse by listening to student voices.
• Identify institutional strengths (e.g., academic programs, alumni networks) to create cross‑disciplinary partnerships.
• Balance tradition with modernity—honoring past successes while crafting forward‑looking experiences.

These insights help any student‑affairs professional foster a participatory, environments that are rooted in their own campus culture.

Strategic Priorities for a Thriving Student Union

1. Data‑Driven Decision Making

Smith’s resume boasts a track record of successful event management, including processing over 13,000 events each year and generating more than $4 million in revenue. She attributes that success to data—usage analytics, student surveys, and financial reporting that guide every booking, renovation, or programming shift. Students benefit when campus service centers and communal spaces reflect real usage patterns.

2. Sustainability at the Core

Beyond the numbers, Smith emphasizes environmental stewardship. Under her direction, UNLV achieved 19% energy savings and a 59% reduction in waste during her tenure at Montana. For a student body increasingly conscious about climate action, these achievements translate to measurable impact and foster a sense of shared responsibility.

3. Inclusivity and Equity in Programming

She spotlights inclusive leadership as a cornerstone: recruiting diverse staff, partnering with community organizations, and providing zero‑cost or low‑cost events that cater to varied interests. Such an approach creates an authentic sense of belonging for first‑generation, international, and marginalized students.

Each of these priorities can be implemented in a mid‑scale or large university setting. Start by mapping out existing student engagement metrics, then build a quarterly “student voucher” fund that supports free events funded by the university’s event revenue.

Case Study: Redesigning the Student Union Space

Smith underscores that the student union’s physical layout speaks volumes about campus culture. She proposes the following steps for a redesign that balances tradition and innovation:

1. Conduct a “space audit”―categorize each square foot by use: study, social, dining, event.
2. Invite student focus groups to discuss obstacles and desires; capture this feedback digitally for transparency.
3. Prioritize adaptive reusable furniture for flexible event setups.
4. Integrate robust Wi‑Fi, charging stations, and quiet zones.
5. Embed sustainability—LED lighting, composting stations, and a rain garden for stormwater management.

By reimagining the union as a dynamic canvas, the university builds a place that naturally encourages collaboration, wellness, and cultural exchange.

Bringing Esports and Wellness into the Mix

One of Smith’s signature achievements was launching Esports and wellness collaborations. She recognizes that the student experience transcends academics and that digital and physical well‑being are equally vital. Introducing an Esports laboratory or a “Mind & Body” lounge creates an intersection where students can engage competitively or find respite.

Implementation steps:

• Identify partners—gaming hardware vendors, health‑tech companies, and local gyms.
• Create a live‑stream schedule for tournaments, complementing academic calendars.
• Schedule wellness workshops—yoga, mindfulness, nutrition—as part of the student health curriculum.
• Measure impacts via student retention stats and health surveys.

Call to Action: Explore Further Resources

Want to design a campus space that nurtures student success? Explore UNLV’s Student Affairs portal for best practices and toolkits.

Adrianne’s Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

Smith argues that success in student union operations hinges on balancing institutional priorities with the human side of student development. Her key strategies include:

“Small wins have large impacts.”

To adopt this mindset, invest in:

• Regular staff training that reinforces student‑first communication.
• Student advisory boards that provide real‑time feedback.
• Transparent decision‑making portals where students can vote on service improvements.

These practices cultivate a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Lifestyle Balances: What Does the Leader Expect Outside of Work?

While the article also touches on Adrianne’s personal life—her enjoyment of binge‑watching shows, her guilty ice‑cream indulgences, and her dream coffee chat with Michelle Obama—these anecdotes remind us that leaders remain students of life. Recognizing the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal passions can reduce burnout and maintain authentic leadership.

For any student‑affairs professional, fostering personal resilience is key. Consider setting boundaries, engaging in leisure hobbies, and maintaining a support network to sustain long‑term engagement.

Practical Action Steps for Your Campus

1. Audit your student union’s current usage and revenue streams.
2. Create a student‑centric task force with expertise in sustainability, data analytics, and equity.
3. Launch a pilot event program focusing on wellness or digital culture.
4. Measure outcomes using engagement metrics and adjust your strategy iteratively.

Get Started Today

Ready to re‑engage your campus community? Contact UNLV’s Student Affairs Department to schedule a consultation on student union revitalization.

Conclusion: A Model for Future Student‑Union Leadership

Adrianne Smith’s tenure at UNLV exemplifies how data, sustainability, diversity, and student‑centered service converge to generate real impact. Her experience offers actionable lessons for leaders looking to transform the student experience: listen, measure, iterate, and maintain humility. By adopting similar practices, your campus can become a place where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Take the next step in student‑affairs excellence: Explore job opportunities with UNLV and become part of a mission‑driven team that changes lives.