University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Hosts Hospitality Roadshow to Address Workforce Challenges in Tourism Industry

January 29, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Hosts Hospitality Roadshow to Address Workforce Challenges in Tourism Industry

KNOXVILLE, TN – This January, the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted a Hospitality Roadshow in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association. The event gathered industry leaders, UT faculty, administrators, and key stakeholders to discuss workforce development and explore solutions to meet the growing demands of Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development opened the event with a powerful address, underscoring the importance of the hospitality and tourism industry, which generated a substantial $30.6 billion for the state last year. “The hospitality and tourism industry is critical to Tennessee’s economy, not only through its contribution to our state’s budget but also in terms of job creation and tax relief for Tennesseans,” stated Commissioner Ezell.

Following the Commissioner’s remarks, RHTM department head,  Junehee Kwon, presented on “Sustaining Tennessee’s Tourism: Workforce Challenges and University Partnerships.” Kwon shared exciting developments within the hospitality and tourism management program, including new curriculum initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and efforts toward program accreditation. She also discussed the nearly completed online program designed to address industry needs. Kwon stressed the urgent need for more graduates in Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism management programs, noting that the number of students graduating from four-year institutions in the state is not keeping pace with the growth of the industry, especially when compared to competing states.

“The hospitality and tourism sector is thriving, but we need to expand the pool of talent to meet its demands,” said Kwon. “We’re proud of the strides we’re making at UT to better prepare students for careers in this dynamic field, and today’s event reinforced the importance of collaboration between industry and academia to address workforce challenges.”

The event included an engaging discussion among attendees, who focused on strategies to increase enrollment in hospitality and tourism management programs, develop a skilled workforce, and better equip students with the competencies needed to succeed in the field.

“This was an exciting opportunity to bring together all the key players in the hospitality and tourism sector,” Kwon continued. “I truly appreciate Commissioner Ezell’s leadership in initiating this event, and I’m grateful for the collaborative spirit shown by everyone involved. Our faculty and staff are fully committed to overcoming workforce challenges and ensuring the continued success of our program. We look forward to developing actionable strategies to support the growth of this vital industry.”

The hospitality and tourism management program at UTK remains dedicated to preparing students for rewarding careers in the rapidly growing hospitality and tourism sector.

For more information about RHTM at UT and upcoming initiatives, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/.

To see a photo gallery from the Hospitality Roadshow, please visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBZG9Q

Kelchen Recognized by Education Week as Top Scholar Influencer

January 8, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Kelchen Recognized by Education Week as Top Scholar Influencer

When a reporter seeks expert insight into higher education issues, it’s very likely that Robert Kelchen is at the top of their call list. Over the years, Kelchen continues to receive accolades from Education Week as a top influencer who shape educational practice and policy. This year is no different as Kelchen is once again recognized as a Top 200 education scholar at a United States university.

Kelchen, who serves as department head in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, ranked 31 out of 200 scholars nationwide in Education Week’s Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings for 2025. In fact, Kelchen is the only scholar from the University of Tennessee to make this year’s list.

 “In a time of declining trust in higher education, I feel that it is crucial for faculty to demonstrate how our work benefits the public good,” said Kelchen.

Each year, Education Week selects the top 200 scholars from across the U.S. (from an eligible pool of 20,000)  as having the most influence on issues and policy in education. The list is compiled by opinion columnist Rick Hess, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and director of Education Policy Studies.

The selection process  involves a rigorous evaluation by a 24-member committee of university scholars representing institutions nationwide. Criteria include Google Scholar scores, book publications, Amazon rankings, mentions in the Congressional Record, and appearances in media and web platforms.

Kelchen’s reputation as a reliable and insightful source for higher education stories is well-earned. He has participated in more than 200 media interviews annually, with his expertise regularly featured in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Education Week, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

“It is a pleasure to use my scholarly expertise to help inform policy conversations and the general public on pressing issues such as college affordability, financial aid, and college closures,” said Kelchen.

Through its seven departments and 13 centers, the UT Knoxville College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences enhances the quality of life for all through research, outreach, and practice. Find out more at cehhs.utk.edu

Vols Online Degree is Part of a 30-Year Journey to Create Lasting Change

January 6, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Vols Online Degree is Part of a 30-Year Journey to Create Lasting Change

Gladys Hunt vividly remembers the moment her life shifted course forever. Escaping civil unrest in her Central American homeland, her family left behind the comfort of the familiar for an uncertain future in the United States. What initially felt like an ending became a remarkable new beginning that helped shape her life’s path. Part of this incredible journey gave her the courage to reinvent herself and change careers, including enrolling in a Master of Public Health degree through the University of Tennessee’s Vols Online program.

When Hunt immigrated to Missouri as a child, she entered a foreign world. A week after her arrival, she sat in a classroom surrounded by unfamiliar faces, customs, and a language she couldn’t understand. Driven by resilience and determination, she worked to overcome the language barrier. This early perseverance laid the foundation for her future success, culminating in her graduation from college and a career in the international transportation industry.

For nearly 15 years, Hunt thrived in her role, managing staff, leading technology projects, and implementing software systems. But at the peak of her career, she felt a desire for something more profound. It was a sense that her skills and experiences could be used to create a more meaningful impact. This ambition sparked a significant pivot in her professional life.

In the early 2000s, Hunt transitioned to the healthcare sector, where she found her true calling. She took on roles that allowed her to serve her community more directly, from leading lifestyle management courses to developing cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Her work became a blend of innovation and compassion, focusing on patients, stakeholders, and entire communities. She also began volunteering and working with refugees and immigrants, connecting deeply with their struggles, having lived through similar circumstances.

Though she had started her work towards an advanced degree nearly 30 years earlier, she was forced to pause for personal reasons. Driven by her growing desire to create lasting change, Hunt recognized that a graduate degree could amplify her ability to make a positive impact. An online program would be the best fit due to her schedule. She chose the Vols Online program for its reputation, flexibility, and the practical focus of the Community Health Education concentration in the Master of Public Health program. The decision marked the next chapter in her remarkable story.

Balancing her renewed education with her ongoing healthcare work, Hunt continues to thrive. She has gained invaluable skills, such as conducting data analysis, performing literature reviews, collaborating in online environments, and leading program evaluations. She uses these skills in her schoolwork, in her work with refugee organizations, and as the Community and Patient engagement lead with the Tennessee Heart Health Network.

“The professors have been amazing and are experts in their field, bringing real-world experience. They are incredibly responsive, always willing to help, answer questions, and offer support. In my opinion, their dedication makes the professors the biggest asset to the program,” said Hunt.

Hunt’s return to school is not just a tale of reinvention—it’s a story of resilience. She embodies the strength that can emerge despite adversity and has inspired those around her to believe in the same possibilities. Her life is a testament to what is achievable for adult learners and online students and a reminder that education and the courage to take risks open doors to incredible opportunities. With every step of her evolving career, she proves there is always time to rewrite your story and create an impact that resonates far beyond yourself.