Archives for April 2024

Mark Finchum Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Mark Finchum Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Mark Finchum’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, followed by a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, and ultimately achieved a Ph.D. in Social Studies Education, all from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Throughout his 33-year tenure as a social studies educator, he consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching and unwavering dedication to his craft. He has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Middle School Teacher of the Year and the Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award in Jefferson County. Mark’s contributions to the field were further acknowledged with prestigious honors such as the American History Teacher of the Year from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Finchum’s impact extends beyond the classroom and his involvement reflects his commitment to community engagement and historical preservation. His involvement includes: the Jefferson County Historical Society, Tennessee Geographic Alliance, the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association, and the East Tennessee Historical Society. He has served as the Past President and current Executive Director of the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies (TCSS), demonstrating his commitment to advancing social studies education statewide. Mark’s leadership extends to the national level as well, where he served as a board member for the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and chairs the NCSS Indigenous Education Community.

Finchum, along with his wife Sherry, co-founded Indian Creek Productions, Inc., which hosts the annual Spirit of Nations Powwow at Jefferson County High School, and conducts workshops for teachers’ professional development.

Other professional accomplishments include various consultative roles, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to advancing educational resources. His contributions to projects with organizations such as the Library of Congress, PBS News Hour, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Museum, Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, and various textbook publishers reflect his dedication to enhancing educational materials and experiences for students nationwide.

Denise Dean Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Denise Dean Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Denise Dean’s love for children is what led her to start the East Tennessee Freedom Schools where she is the Executive Director. ETFS delivers the Children’s Defense Funds’ Freedom Schools® program that helps children fall in love with reading and engage in social and civic action. They operate three sites, two in Knox County and one in Blount County. She is proud to offer a program that makes a difference and where communities of children and families can learn, love and flourish.

In 2003 Denise left IBM as an executive where she led and worked in the areas of sales, management training, executive coaching, and Organization Development. She left to become an elementary school teacher. She spent her first year of teaching with 5th-grade students in San Jose, CA. In subsequent moves she delivered programs and tutored children at elementary schools in Bethel, Connecticut, Dubai, U.A.E., and here in Knoxville, TN.

Denise’s IBM career, teacher training, and life experience have prepared her well for her current journey. Making the CDF Freedom Schools® program available to children in neighborhoods across East Tennessee is how she will leverage her experience to make a positive difference.

In addition to running ETFS, Denise serves on the boards of Muse Knoxville, the East Tennessee Foundation, the Community Building Institute, and Harmony Family Center.

Denise has a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College, a Masters in Organization Development from American University, and a Teaching Credential from San Jose State University.

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Jimmy G. Cheek is Chancellor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Higher Education in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Former Director of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Postsecondary Education Research Center.

Cheek became the seventh chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on February 1, 2009 and stepped down from that position on February 15, 2017.

Within a year of taking office, he accepted the Governor’s challenge for UT to become a Top 25 public research university in the United States. This aggressive initiative sparked exciting momentum around improving undergraduate education, graduate education, research, campus infrastructure, and securing additional financial resources which included approval by the Board of Trustees of differential tuition for 4 colleges and the 15-4 tuition model. In 2012 the campus launched a private fundraising campaign, Join the Journey, with a goal to raise $1.1 billion by 2020.

A first-generation college student, Cheek set in motion several initiatives to increase diversity and student access to the university. A vice chancellor for diversity and engagement was created. The university’s work on improving access led to Cheek’s participation in two White House Summits on increasing college opportunity for low-income students.

Prior to his appointment at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Cheek was the Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Florida. He also served as Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), As dean, Cheek oversaw the development of four new degree programs and eleven undergraduate minors.

Cheek became Assistant Dean of the College in 1992 and served in the role for seven years prior to becoming Dean. During his tenure as the assistant dean, enrollment increased 120%, the number of degrees conferred doubled, early admission programs with the College of Dentistry and the College of Veterinary Medicine were launched, and an off-campus program was initiated at Milton. Cheek was hired at the University of Florida in 1975 as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education and Communication and became Professor in 1985. In 1981, he was appointed Assistant Department Chair and served in that role until 1992.

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

April 4, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

For many people outside of an academic environment, accessing scholarly work may appear to be outside their reach. Not everyone has access to academic journals or can attend conferences where the latest research is shared. But for Enilda Romero-Hall, an associate professor of STEM Education/Learning, Design, and Technology in the Department of Theory & Practice in Teacher Education, academic work should be shared and made more accessible to those outside of the academy.

Just recently, Romero-Hall, along with three colleagues, were named a 2024 Open Scholarship Award recipient by the Canadian Social Knowledge Institute (C-SKI). Recipients are celebrated for their exemplary open scholarship via research, projects, or initiatives. In addition to the recognition of her accomplishment, C-SKI also offers a tuition scholarship for Romero-Hall and her colleagues to the Digital Humanities Summer Institute (DHSI).

“I’m honored to be recognized, along with my co-editors, with the 2024 Open Scholarship Award,” said Romero-Hall. “Our collaboration efforts to disseminate feminist pedagogy practices and application is highly connected to a shared vision and commitment to open scholarship.”

Just visit Romero-Hall’s website and you’ll find a commitment to sharing her scholarly work with broader groups. She’s authored two edited books, over 40 journal articles, and presented in over 60 peer-reviewed presentations. A sought-after guest on numerous podcasts, Romero-Hall calls herself a “Scholar, Instructor, Learning Designer.” She’s also in demand nationwide with invitations as keynote speaker at regional and international events. Romero-Hall also serves as the Program Chair for the American Educational Research Association Instructional Technology Special Interest Group and Advising Editor to the Feminist Pedagogy for Teaching Online digital guide.

With her scholarly interest in interactive multimedia, along with digital literacy, networked learning, and online social communities, Romeo-Hall is a natural fit for her most recent C-Ski accolade. With her experience in the Panamanian, Canadian, and U.S. education systems, she understands the importance of making scholarly work and research accessible to as many as possible.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to give back to our scholarly community not only to share knowledge but also to support the open scholarship movement,” said Romero-Hall.