Around the Table with Dawson’s Newest School Trustee

The Alexander Dawson Board of Trustees are guardians of the School’s Mission. It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure our Mission is relevant and vital to the community it serves and to monitor the success of the School in fulfilling its Mission. Selection of the Board’s members is a critical process that requires an evaluation of areas where expertise and knowledge is needed to support the leadership teams’ strategic direction efforts.

In May of 2023, Dawson said farewell to School Trustee Dr. Jeff Shih. In addition to years of collaborating with faculty and parents as a UNLV mathematics professor, Jeff served the Alexander Dawson Board of Trustees for two years and was instrumental in helping the School to actualize its goals for academic excellence and inclusivity. Jeff’s daughter Abby graduated from Dawson in 2019, and his daughter Penelope graduated this past May. With both of his children on to new adventures, Jeff also said goodbye to his long tenure at Dawson. For his time, knowledge, and support of our community, the School extends its deep gratitude toward Dr. Shih.

Beginning July 1, 2023, The Alexander Dawson School was thrilled to welcome Mr. Nic Steele as the newest Board of Trustee member. Nic is already a long-term part of the Dawson community as a parent to Class of 2023 alum Jackson and rising sixth-grade student Jordan, as well as having served on the Finance Board Committee. Nic’s expertise, perspective, and financial acumen are valuable assets in achieving the strategic objectives of the School.

Nic’s professional background is impressive. He currently serves as executive director of Access Community Capital, Inc., the only community loan fund providing affordable capital to small businesses in Nevada. The organization supports local entrepreneurs, childcare providers, and other businesses, as well as helps to create jobs for the city. His previous experience includes serving as chief financial officer for the Downtown Project, an investment group responsible for building and overseeing real estate ventures in the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas. Nic is very committed to supporting and enhancing our local community.

We recently interviewed Nic about the importance of his new role as School Trustee and continuing to support Dawson as a center of academic excellence.

As the parent of a Class of 2023 alum and a rising sixth-grader, how has your parent experience influenced your decision to accept a position with the Board?

I feel incredibly lucky to have found Alexander Dawson 10 years ago. I remember quite vividly being in the middle of relocating, having just three days to visit Las Vegas and decide on a school for my eldest child. After interviewing several educational centers, the choice was clear: Dawson was my hands-down favorite. The environment in which our kids have grown up has had a tremendous influence on not just their education, but their character. I have seen my son grow into a leader in the classroom and in athletics. I’ve seen him be unafraid trying new things and feel comfortable in what many would think are uncomfortable situations. My daughter confidently approaches mathematics with the same enjoyment as she does performing on stage. I am keenly aware that my wife and I pour our hearts and souls into our kids. However, I am also cognizant that our kids spend more time during the day with the wonderful people at this school. And everyone – the teachers, administration, security, coaches, and advisors – have impacted their development. Accepting a position with the Board was an easy decision and one of the ways I can say thank you to this institution that has done so much for me and my family.

Why is serving as a parent on the Board of Trustees important to you?

From the first day our kids entered school, my wife and I looked for ways to be involved. Honestly, my wife did a much better job than I participating on committees and being involved with extracurricular activities. To remain “connected”, I tried to learn about the various teaching methods, the continuity of the curriculum, and the School’s Vision to see how the Dawson experience was the Dawson Difference. Over time, I’ve developed real relationships with school staff, and I truly care about their wellbeing. Serving on the Board of Trustees is a position I cherish because I can now add value, helping to advance the Vision of the School and strengthen its financial position, providing not only a finance perspective but an opinion from the vantage point of an invested parent.

A criterion for a Dawson Board of Trustee candidacy is serving for a full year on a Board committee. For the past few years, you were a member of the Finance Board Committee. A major goal of this committee is to be a guardian of the School’s financial success and longterm sustainability. Can you talk about your perspective of the School’s work in this area and how you contributed to this committee over the years?

I presently serve on a number of boards and understand the fiduciary responsibility that comes with accepting such a trusted position. As a member of the Finance Board Committee, one of my primary goals is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the School by being a good steward of the School’s resources. The past year has been a tumultuous one for many organizations and businesses. As interest rates have climbed, organizations have had to be incredibly mindful regarding their investment and cash management strategies. I’ve been able to rely on over 20 years of experience in the capital markets to provide valuable insight as we navigate this interest rate environment. I hope my contributions are well received by the other members of the committee. I look forward to contributing in any capacity that is beneficial to the School.

What is your vision for Alexander Dawson five years from now? How will your Board partnership with the School support this vision?

I believe Alexander Dawson is in great hands with our Head of School Roxanne Stansbury. She is compassionate and understanding. She shows empathy and is approachable. She astutely monitors the latest in educational research and is respected amongst other independent schools. She is steadfast in her resolve to keep Alexander Dawson as the preeminent day school in Nevada. Her vision aligns with mine, which is to continue preparing our students to be the leaders of the future. To do so, she continues to position Alexander Dawson as a thought leader in education.

Dawson’s goal is to continue creating a robust talent pool of community members dedicated to sharing their expertise and experience in support of advancing the strategic direction of the School. Head of School Roxanne Stansbury shares, “Nic and his wife Janpeg are trusted thought-partners invested in the quality of the Dawson experience for all. The deep commitment they have made to our entire community is immeasurable, and they embody our Core Values in their personal and professional dedication to the School. I am so grateful for the time and talents they give to our Board committees, and I look forward to the perspective and wisdom Nic will bring to Dawson’s Board of Trustees.”

The Alexander Dawson School is pleased to welcome Mr. Nic Steele as an asset and ambassador to the Board as our newest School Trustee.