The University of Tennessee, Knoxville,College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) recently inducted eight educators into the Educators Hall of Honor, Class of 2023.
The Educators Hall of Honor was established to recognize educators who have made profound differences in their students’ lives and the community. The program also generates an endowed scholarship fund to assist students who are in the process of becoming teachers.
The Class of 2023 Includes:
Sherry Bell who began her career in education in 1979 as a special education resource teacher serving students with mild to moderate disabilities in a K–8 school in Knox County, Tennessee. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1979 with concentrations in special education, elementary education, and library science. During her five years as a resource teacher, she gained experience and expertise in serving students who have been less than successful in general education placements and with students of varying ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Read more...
Mark E. Dean was the John Fisher Distinguished Professor at UT. His research focus was in advanced computer architecture, data centric computing and computational sciences. Prior to joining UT, he was Chief Technology Officer of the Middle East and Africa for IBM and an IBM Fellow. In this role, he was responsible for technical strategy, technical skills development, and exploring new technology-based solutions for the region. Mark was also vice president of World Wide Strategy and Operations for IBM Research. In this role, he was responsible for setting the direction of IBM’s overall Research Strategy across eight worldwide labs and leading the global operations and information systems teams.
Jennifer Malone has worked as an educator in Tennessee for both elementary and middle schools for thirty-four years as a teacher, Vice-Principal, and Principal. In her current position since 2011, she serves as the Technology/Middle School Supervisor for the Loudon County Schools District Office. She is a Visionary Leader, Consensus Builder, and Highly Qualified Educator with an Educational Specialist Degree coupled with twenty years administrative experience at elementary, middle, and district levels. She has a proven track record of improving student achievement, securing resources, and implementing effective programs.
Steve McCallum is a professor within the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), and Interim Associate Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. He obtained his PhD in 1979 at the University of Georgia and worked for several years as an applied school psychologist before becoming a trainer of school psychologists. For most of his time in academia, he has served as a university administrator, first as Director of the UT School Psychology Program and then as department head for 22 years.
S. Wayne Mulkey served the state of Tennessee for over forty-two years in the field of rehabilitation. He was a Professor at the University of Tennessee for more than thirty-five years, where he earned the Citation of Extraordinary Service to the University in 2017. He was also active in both state and national professional rehabilitation organizations. Dr. Mulkey earned a Bachelors Degree from East Tennessee State University in 1963, a Masters Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1970, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1980.
Bethany Saunders is a seventh-grade science teacher and science department chair at West Valley Middle School. In 2021, she was honored in Nashville as one of the state’s finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Bethany taught her first three years at Northwest Middle School before a job move for her husband took her family to Richmond, Virginia, where she taught middle school science. After returning to Knoxville, Bethany began teaching at Gresham Middle School until 2018. She then moved to Hardin Valley Middle School where she taught for four years. Ms. Saunders has been an educator for twelve years, teaching both sixth and seventh-grade science.
Lelan A. Statom has been an Emmy Award winning meteorologist for over fifteen years. Since 1999, he has been part of the station’s #1 rated morning newscast, NewsChannel 5 This Morning. He joined the NewsChannel 5 Network in 1993 as weather anchor for the weekend, morning, and evening newscasts. In September 2006, he was named co-host of Talk of the Town, the station’s long running & top-rated talk show. Lelan earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications with an emphasis in news & public affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He received his Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State.
Cheryl Travis, Professor Emerita, worked as a member in the Psychology Department at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville for fifty years. Prior to retiring in 2014, she was nominated for the Notable UTK Woman Award. She was committed to scholarship, teaching, and service to the University in areas which focus on improving women’s lives. She served as Associate Department Head of Psychology and Chair of the Women’s Studies Program within Interdisciplinary Studies. In 1994-1995, she served as acting Head, facilitating long term financial planning and shared decision-making. Read more…
The Educators Hall of Honor was founded in 2002 by C. Glennon Rowell, the late dean of the College of Education as a way to recognize deserving educators and assist future teachers.
Bob Kesling, direct of broadcasting for UT athletics and the play-by-play voice of football and basketball games, emceed the event for the tenth year in a row. The ceremony was held March 30th at the Marriott Downtown Knoxville.
You can view photos of the event here.