Interviewed by Elsa Lopez. Abraham Gomez is a College Navigator for the Nevada Treasurer's Office where he is responsible for providing and distributing information on post-secondary resources that may enable Nevadans to go to college. Gomez was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and grew up on the East Side near Desert Pines High School. He received an Associate of Arts from the College of Southern Nevada before obtaining a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduating he worked as a GEAR UP Ambassador for Nevada State College where he advised a cohort of 46 low-income students on the importance of continuing their education. He has volunteered with various organizations throughout Southern Nevada and continues to work to better his community and make education accessible to students everywhere.
Ann E. Brewington (center) with unidentified women, celebrating her 98th birthday. Brewington, a former instructor at the University of Chicago School of Business, was a sister-in-law of Nevada State Governor Vail M. Pittman.
Ann E. Brewington at a reception on July 22, 1989 to commemorate her 100th birthday. The rocking chair in which she is seated, and the floral arrangement, were gifts from the University of Chicago, where she taught in the School of Business. Brewington was a sister-in-law of Nevada Governor Vail M. Pittman.
Oral history interview with Jose F. Lopez conducted by Elizabeth A. Hulin on September 11, 2001 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Lopez reflects upon his 31-year career as a teacher and administrator in Las Vegas, New Mexico from the 1950s to the 1990s. He discusses his educational background, and how needs for bilingual education programs influenced his decision to become a teacher. He then describes the process by which he became principal and superintendent, discusses his regular responsibilities and challenges, and offers suggestions for individuals interested in pursuing school administration.
Oral history interview with Fenton Tobler conducted by Mark Oakden on April 24, 2002 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Tobler reflects upon his 31-year career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District from the 1960s to the 1990s. He discusses his development of year-round programs, as well as programs that he proposed before the Nevada State Legislature. He also discusses his working relationship with teachers, describes his approach to school administration, and offers suggestions for individuals interested in pursuing school administration.
James Frey was born in Eureka, South Dakota, in 1941. His father worked in creamery and his mother was a registered nurse. When James was nine, the family,including his twin sister, relocated in Sioux Falls where his dad was plant manager for a dairy. He joined the YMCA in the fourth grade and ended up working for them until James attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, graduating with a major in sociology and a minor in history. After graduation, he worked for three years at the YMCA in Sioux Falls as program director. He earned his master's degree in sociology at the University of Iowa in two years, and was hired at the YMCA in Whittier, California, where he worked for three years. While working in Whittier, James was offered a fellowship to Washington State University in Pullman. He committed to completing his doctorate in three years, and while still working on his dissertation began sending out applications. He sent one to UNLV and arrived in Las Vegas for an interview in 1974. James was hired as assistant professor of sociology at UNLV, and immediately established a survey center at the university. He also converted his dissertation into a book length manuscript and had it published, followed by other books and articles over the years. He conducted a survey on a very high-profile political race between Sheriff Ralph Lamb and his opponent, John McCarthy, which led to work for the State of Nevada, Yucca Mountain, and other entities. The survey program was eventually named the Cannon Center for Survey Research, after Senator Howard Cannon. In the course of his career, James was tenured, taught in London under a university sponsored program, spent a sabbatical in Washington, D.C., doing research, taught several classes, and served seven years as dean. He has detailed memories of the contributions of several university presidents, including Brock Dixon, Pat Goodall, Robert Maxson, Kenny Guinn, and Carol Harter. Today, Dr. James Frey and his wife of over thirty years, Carol, are both retired. He has made a smooth transition to president of his Rotary Club, Chairman of the Nevada Humanities group, and spectator at UNLV basketball and football games. He and his wife plan to stay in Las Vegas, close to their son and friends and neighbors they know and love.
On March 30, 1976, collector Margaret Stambro interviewed schoolteacher and registered medical stenographer, Judith L. Hamblin (born June 11, 1941 in Las Vegas, Nevada) in her home in Henderson, Nevada. This interview covers the history of Henderson, local schools and teachers, and Helldorado. Also during this interview, Mrs. Hamblin discusses her fondness for Lake Mead, the Basic Magnesium Plant, Nellis Air Force Base, and the early aboveground atomic blasts.
Oral history interview with Jerri Mausbach conducted by Jim Cox on October 02, 2007 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Mausbach reflects upon his experience as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). He describes the process by which he became a teacher and eventually administrator, his experiences working with special education, and elements of his training that he believes were most useful for his career. He also discusses his approach to school administration and administrative issues that he has dealt with as the Director of Leadership Development.
On May 8, 1979, Jane Finfrock interviewed Michael “Mike” Drakulich (born 1924 in Kimberly, NV) about his experiences growing up in Nevada. Drakulich mainly describes his career from graduating college to holding several teaching and coaching positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, positions which included professor, golf coach, and athletic director. He also discusses the growth of the university, important figures in sports coaching at the university, and the growth of Las Vegas in general.
Oral history interview with Carl Partridge conducted by Michelle Lee Muniz on April 16, 2003 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Partridge reflects upon his career as an elementary school teacher and administrator in Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). He discusses the process by which he became a teacher with CCSD, later became a principal, and opened Myrtle Tate Elementary School in 1971. He also describes his approach to school administration, job responsibilities and salaries, and the Right to Read multimedia program that he developed throughout his career.