Rebel Pride Drives Alumnus to Volunteer

For Brent J. Bell '91 BS Business Administration, it seems that the more things change with his relationship with UNLV, the more they stay the same. Just 15 years ago, he worked while he attended college, and was greatly influenced by the business mentors who spoke in his classes. Today, he is president and chief executive officer of the Las Vegas-based, family-owned business Whittlesea Bell Transportation, and he still finds himself coming to UNLV…but now as a business leader who hopes to influence others and their relationship with the college.

“As president of the UNLV College of Business Alumni Association I am able to visit the campus on a regular basis and I am amazed at the growth and the increased opportunities that are available for today's students,” he says. “And I am proud that I can contribute something to the school that has given me so much.”

Nearly 70 percent of UNLV graduates remain in Las Vegas after graduation, and Bell believes strongly that they—and the college—play a vital role in the affairs and growth of the community. In fact, his own involvement came after Dean Richard Flaherty shared his vision about the College of Business ' plans for greater alumni engagement.

Bell is working closely with Flaherty and other volunteers to involve more graduates with the college. Last fall, he and College of Business Alumni Association vice chair Jim Ratigan '78 BS Business Administration organized a business alumni outing to UNLV's homecoming game. In late April, Bell, Flaherty, and other UNLV staff visited Phoenix to host an alumni reception to outreach with alumni beyond Las Vegas.

“The networking opportunities with the College of Business and the Alumni Association are fantastic,” he boasts. “We have a good group of extremely loyal alumni and I think when people see you're involved, it pays dividends in terms of relationships and connections. Besides, it just feels good giving back.”