Jennifer Gardner’s educational journey is a testament to resilience and determination. This winter, she will graduate with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the College of Education & Human Development at the 性爱五色天, Reno. Her path through academia has been anything but conventional, and it doesn’t stop here—she will begin a doctoral program in Educational Leadership this spring.
After graduating from South Lake Tahoe High School, Gardner initially attended UC Santa Barbara but found the large campus overwhelming after coming from a small, close-knit school. “It was a tough adjustment,” she recalled. “I didn’t feel connected, then I had to care for a family member, and it just didn't work. When I left, no one from the university even reached out and asked why. That lack of support stayed with me.”
Once her children were in high school, Gardner decided it was time to finish what she had started over thirty years ago. She eventually earned her associate degree from Lake Tahoe Community College in 2018 and then transferred to the 性爱五色天, Reno, to earn a bachelor’s degree. The supportive environment she encountered made all the difference. “The 性爱五色天, Reno is a big school, but it feels personal. There’s a strong sense of community,” she said.
Working in the Provost’s Office while pursuing her master’s degree, Gardner experienced firsthand the importance of student support. “Students need to feel seen and supported. My negative experience at UC Santa Barbara taught me how critical that connection is,” she emphasized.
Gardner’s career has been diverse. She spent nearly two decades in media and broadcasting before transitioning to higher education. “I’ve had a few careers in my life,” she shared. “But higher education has been the most fulfilling. Working at the University opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”
She also credits her professors with fueling her passion for higher education. “Dr. Smithers has incredible energy, and Dr. Ris brings a historian’s perspective that I love. They’re approachable and genuinely care about their students.”
"Jennifer has been such a joy to have in class," Laura Smithers, Ph.D., assistant professor of Higher Education Leadership, said. "Her work at the university gives her great academic questions to ask, and I have a strong hunch that her academic questions give her great ideas to inform her work at the university. She is an incredibly intellectually curious person, and we are delighted that she's going to keep tapping into that curiosity by pursuing doctoral work in our program."
While pursuing her master’s degree, Gardner faced significant challenges. Her husband, Treg Gardner, battled cancer and had to undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. “We navigated it all while managing coursework and family responsibilities,” she said. Treg Gardner, who works at the University, is also pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. “We’ve even taken classes together,” she smiled. “It’s been a shared journey.”
With four adult children and three grandchildren, family remains central to Gardner’s life. “Balancing it all has been tough, but incredibly rewarding,” she noted.
Gardner’s passion for higher education extends beyond her own achievements. She’s particularly focused on improving access for marginalized and “silent” populations—students facing personal or family challenges like she did. “These students often put others first, and their dreams can get lost in the process. We need to support them so they don’t walk away from their education,” she said.
She’s also dedicated to serving older, non-traditional students. “Older students might face more barriers, but they’re often more focused. They bring valuable real-world experience to the classroom,” she remarked.
As she prepares for her doctoral journey, Gardner remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. “Everyone deserves a chance. Higher education is about helping people realize their dreams, no matter how long it takes.”
Jennifer Gardner’s story exemplifies resilience, passion and a deep commitment to making higher education meaningful and accessible for all. As she embarks on her next chapter, she embodies the spirit of lifelong learning that defines the Wolf Pack Way.
