As Western Nevada College’s Disability Support Services director, Susan Trist has provided access to higher education to students with disabilities, for nearly two decades.

In her role, Trist has positively impacted many students’ lives. Greater Nevada Credit Union has taken notice and selected her as a Community Hero for WNC. 

She is the second of two WNC Community Heroes recognized by Greater Nevada Credit Union this summer. Mathematics Professor Tim Mayo was honored at an Aces’ game on Aug. 11. GNCU is celebrating incredible local heroes who support Northern Nevada communities and are employed in education, first response, law enforcement, health care and the military.

“Susan has been with the college nearly 18 years and is a tireless advocate for all students, especially students with documented disabilities,” said WNC Student Services Executive Director JW Lazzari. “Her kindness, compassion and dedication to student access and success is evident in every interaction. I can think of no one more deserving of additional recognition by GNCU as a Community Hero.”

She will be honored at the Reno Aces vs. El Paso Chihuahuas Triple-A baseball game at 6:35 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at Greater Nevada Field in Reno. Susan will receive four tickets to the game in special hero seating, a custom jersey and in-game recognition.

“What an honor it is to be recognized as a Community Hero by the Greater Nevada Credit Union! It is motivating to know that my hard work and dedication have been noticed and appreciated by WNC. The work I do to assist students with disabilities is rewarding and I am truly grateful for this recognition,” Trist said.

Trist has worked at WNC since 2005, drawing satisfaction from helping students succeed. In her role, she provides guidance with regards to disability issues to students, faculty and staff, academic advising, career counseling and personal counseling.

She was recognized with the Nevada System of High Education’s Board of Regents’ Academic Advisor Award in 2013. Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to employment at WNC, Trist spent 18 years working in vocational rehabilitation in the private sector in the Reno area.

To learn more about WNC’s DSS and CREST programs that Trist oversees, visit https://wnc.edu/dss/index.php. For more information, email Trist at susan.trist@wnc.edu or phone 775-445-4459.