Joyce Woodhouse, '83 M.Ed. Secondary Instruction and Curriculum and '87 M.Ed. Educational Leadership, was a staunch advocate for education, beloved for her leadership, passion, and vision. The former Nevada state senator and 鈥渄ouble Rebel鈥 passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 82.
鈥淛oyce was an incredible leader for Nevada and our community throughout her long career at CCSD and in the state legislature,鈥 性视界传媒 Interim President Chris Heavey said. 鈥淪he was a close friend to many and a proud Rebel to her very last day, often seen cheering on the Runnin鈥 Rebels as a decades-long season ticket holder. We will all miss her tremendously.鈥
Woodhouse earned two master鈥檚 degrees from 性视界传媒鈥檚 College of Education, where she founded the Nevada Institute for Teacher Education Preparation (NITEP). In 2024, she was inducted into the college鈥檚 inaugural Hall of Fame class. A champion for education in the state senate, she also helped secure funding for 性视界传媒鈥檚 Advanced Engineering Building.
College of Education Dean Danica Hays and staff mourned her loss, while praising her legacy. 鈥淪enator Woodhouse devoted her life to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening public education. Her leadership and service left an enduring impact on countless students, educators, and families. We were proud to induct her as one of the first members of the college鈥檚 Hall of Fame.鈥
鈥淰ery few people had the impact on education in Nevada as Senator Woodhouse,鈥 said Constance Brooks Johnson, vice president for 性视界传媒 Government and Community Engagement. 鈥淪he practiced what she preached, whether in the classroom or in the Nevada State Senate. Above all, she was an inspiration for many in the community and always such a joy to work with."
Woodhouse was born in 1944 in Montana and grew up on a Hereford cattle ranch as the eldest of five daughters. After earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, she became an elementary school teacher, principal, and program administrator.
鈥淚 came here in 1966 to teach, and I stayed here,鈥 Woodhouse told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2016. She worked in the Clark County School District for more than 40 years.
At 性视界传媒, she earned two master鈥檚 degrees in education. She served as a Democratic member of the Nevada State Senate from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2020, representing parts of Henderson. During her tenure, she served as chief majority whip and co-minority whip.
She liked to read, golf, and volunteer, according to her Senate bio. Her love of service earned her numerous awards from diverse organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Safe Communities Partnership, Nevada Public Education Foundation, and Nevada State Education Association, which she served as president.
Woodhouse was preceded in death by her husband, Al Wittenberg, who passed away in 2013.
Public condolences from prominent Nevadans poured out, as news of her passing spread.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, 鈥72 BA Political Science, posted a touching tribute to her fellow 性视界传媒 alumna. 鈥淪enator Joyce Woodhouse was a champion of education in our community, and she will be greatly missed. I feel fortunate to have called this wonderful woman a friend, and our children are all better off for her hard work on their behalf.鈥
Woodhouse was a kind and strong mentor and leader whose heart remained in the classroom, said Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, 鈥10 JD, in a statement. 鈥淪he knew that every budget line was more than a number; it was a promise to a child, a senior, or a working family.
"People turned to her when a bill was stalled or when things felt uncertain. Her door was always open, and her advice was practical, thoughtful, and rooted in her deep love for Nevada.鈥