Jose Luis Melendrez currently serves as the Assistant Vice President in the Office of Diversity Initiatives at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Jose earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UNLV and completed a Masters in Social Work, with an emphasis on communities and social systems, from the University of Michigan. Jose is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies and Organizational Leadership in Workforce Education at UNLV.

Jose has provided leadership for new initiatives at UNLV which include the development of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, the Vice Presidential Diversity Commission, the Institute on Diversity and Social Justice, and the UNLV Multicultural Center. Jose served as the first Director for the Office of Student Diversity Programs and Services where he was involved in the development of new programming and services for underrepresented student populations including multicultural and international. Jose also serves as a Field Instructor for the school of Social Work at UNLV where he works with undergraduate students to help them achieve their academic and professional goals.

Prior to working in higher education Jose worked for non-profit organizations that focus on providing services and advocacy for underserved populations. In addition, Jose has experience working with small businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community-based organizations in Nevada. Previous employers include United States Senator Harry Reid, Boy Scouts of America, College of Southern Nevada and Univision.

José L. Meléndrez has lived in Nevada over 15 years, is a first generation college graduate and the oldest of four siblings. He is married to Magdalena Martinez and has two children, Eva Magdalena and Alejandro Luis.