Natalie Brown, PhD

Biography

Natalie J. Brown, PhD, MBA, serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Community Colleges at the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), where she leads statewide efforts to connect Nevada's higher education system with the state's workforce and economic priorities. Her portfolio spans Credit for Prior Learning, stackable credentials, career pathways for adult learners, and cross-agency partnerships with state agencies and national organizations. Natalie spent a decade at Truckee Meadows Community College before moving into her statewide role. Her work building international partnerships earned her the U.S. Department of Commerce's Presidential "E" Award for Export Achievement, as well as an appointment to the Nevada District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah and an MBA from UNLV, along with an MA in Spanish and hands-on experience in diversifying student populations through international recruitment and partnerships. Beyond her role at NSHE, Natalie serves on various boards and commissions for Nevada including the Nevada-Ireland Commission, Carer PAthways Oversight Committee, the Governor's Workforce Development Board, and the Nevada District Export Council. She brings a career built on the belief that education and workforce development open doors, and that closing the gap between what people learn and what employers need changes lives.