The College of Southern Nevada is pleased to announce two new executive leadership appointments. Clarissa M. Cota, J.D. will serve as the Vice President for External Relations and Campus Operations, overseeing three main campuses, and Dr. Yvonne Realivasquez will be the President’s Chief of Staff, managing Marketing and the CSN Foundation, as well as acting as a liaison with internal staff and external partners.
Cota most recently served as the Vice President of CSN’s North Las Vegas Campus. She holds B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Arizona and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. She has institutional accrediting experience and has served as the Accreditation Liaison Officer for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and on the Board of Directors for the Accrediting Council of Business Schools and Programs. She brings unique academic and professional experience, including being a licensed attorney with past legal experience. She holds leadership roles on numerous local, national, and business/industry boards, including chairing the HSI Task Force for the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Realivasquez comes to CSN from Sul Ross State University in Texas, where she spent 28 years. She began as a lecturer in Political Science, History, and Mexican American Studies. Later, as a member of the university executive team, she held various positions including the Title IX Coordinator, Public Information Coordinator, President’s Chief of Staff, Assistant Vice President for Administration and Development, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, and Vice President for Enrollment Management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Sul Ross, as well as a doctorate degree in Higher Education Leadership from Hardin Simmons University.
These appointments are part of organizational changes implemented by Acting President William Kibler.
