Archives for 2025

Ellen McIntyre Reappointed as Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

February 10, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Ellen McIntyre Reappointed as Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Ellen McIntyre, dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been reappointed for a second five-year term. Provost John Zomchick announced the reappointment to faculty and staff, highlighting McIntyre’s impactful leadership since joining CEHHS in 2020.

Ellen McIntyre

McIntyre’s tenure began at a challenging time, as the university transitioned to remote learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after her arrival. Despite these uncertainties, her leadership ensured that CEHHS upheld its high standards in research, scholarship, and student engagement.

Under McIntyre’s guidance, CEHHS achieved remarkable growth. Over the past five years, enrollment has steadily increased, with nearly 1,000 first-year students joining the college in multiple years. Significantly, CEHHS has defied national trends of declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field.

A champion of collaboration and innovation, McIntyre spearheaded efforts to “reimagine” CEHHS departments, fostering interdisciplinary opportunities and optimizing departmental structures. Her leadership resulted in the merger of some program areas from the Department of Child and Family Studies and some program areas from the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling into the new Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science (CHDFS) department. She also worked closely with faculty and staff in the Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) department to create three specialized units: Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching, Language, Culture, and Teacher Education, and Special Education and Applied Learning Sciences.

During her tenure, McIntyre led the College in developing the infrastructure in the Office of Research and External Funding to support more high-impact research. She also led departments in writing new bylaws, which included higher expectations in teaching and research, which will take effect fall 2027.

“I am so encouraged by members of this college who understand deeply where we need to go; the new bylaws have faculty holding themselves accountable for quality, high-impact work,” said McIntyre.

McIntyre’s journey in education began in Newport, Kentucky, where she taught in the Newport Independent Schools. Her passion for literacy and teacher preparation fueled a transition to higher education, where she has held numerous leadership roles. Before joining UT, she served as dean of the Cato College of Education at the University of North Carolina Charlotte for seven years. She has also served as department head and interim associate dean at North Carolina State University and as professor at the University of Louisville.

Her extensive experience, commitment to student success, and ability to drive institutional progress make her a vital asset to CEHHS and the broader university community.

As she begins her next term, McIntyre remains focused on fostering academic excellence, supporting students and faculty, and building on the strong foundation of CEHHS. She is excited about what the future of CEHHS can be.

“I believe we can work to develop world-class programs that attract students from all over the world. Already I see we have faculty who attract our students to study with them, and I would like to see us ensure our programs are those others seek out as the place to study,” said McIntyre.

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

David Hamilton, Cumberland Gap High School Principal, Named Field Award Recipient

February 5, 2025 by Will Eakin

David Hamilton, Cumberland Gap High School Principal, Named Field Award Recipient

Image of Mr. David Hamilton sitting at his desk. — **David Hamilton**

David Hamilton, Principal at Cumberland Gap High School in the Claiborne County School District, has been named as recipient of William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in Secondary Principalship for the State of Tennessee.

The Field Award was established to recognize one outstanding secondary school leader each year who demonstrates leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee secondary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages secondary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.

The Field Award recipient for this year is David Hamilton, Principal at Cumberland Gap High School (CGHS) in the Claiborne County School District. Hamilton has served as the principal of CGHS since 2019, and served as the school’s assistant principal from 2003-2018. During that time, he developed and implemented a program that significantly improved student transition and retention, organized initiatives that paired students and community mentors, spearheaded fundraising efforts that raised over $20,000 for student resources and facility upgrades, and established a year-round food and hygiene pantry that ensures students have access to essential resources. Hamilton served as a high school health and physical education teacher in the Claiborne County School District from 1999-2003 and coached high school baseball teams between 2003-2006, and again between 2015-2018. Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education, and Masters of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision, all from Lincoln Memorial University. The department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud to name David Hamilton as this year’s Field Award Winner. Congratulations!

David Hamilton holding his award while taking a photo with his family. — **David Hamilton with his family**

David Hamilton holding his award while taking a photo with James Martinez and Randy Atkins. — **David Hamilton with James Martinez and Randy Atkins**

Retail and Merchandising Management Students Receive Scholarships to Attend and Compete at the National Retail Federation Student Program

February 5, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Retail and Merchandising Management Students Receive Scholarships to Attend and Compete at the National Retail Federation Student Program

Students Gain Exclusive Access to Top Retail Brands, Mentorship, and Career Opportunities

**Pictured L-R: Ashley Coulter, Courtney Parker, Cameron Wurtsbaugh, and Ava Depersio**

[Knoxville, TN] – The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Science (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is proud to support over 20 students from the Retail and Merchandising Management (RMM) program participated in the prestigious National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program in January 2025. Four students also competed in the market competition working with Carter’s, Inc.

The students met virtually with Carter’s executives who explained the competition scenario and answered questions from an industry perspective. The students immediately began their research and worked with Assistant Professor of Practice, Myra Loveday, to produce realistic solutions to the scenario. This incredible opportunity gave students direct exposure to some of the world’s leading retail brands, fostering connections and providing insights that will help shape their future careers in the retail industry.

“Most of the students received scholarships to support their travel to New York City. Some, including four students competing, received scholarships to cover 100% of their trip expenses,” stated Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM. “These scholarships were made possible through student enrichment funds generated through our annual RHTM fundraiser. We want to make sure our students have access to these life-changing experiences, regardless of their financial situation.”

**Students Interact With an Industry Leader at NRF**

“We are thrilled to offer our students this invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the exciting possibilities within the retail sector,” said Michelle Childs, Associate Professor and Advisor of the NRF Student Association. “The NRF Student Program is an amazing way to build meaningful relationships and gain firsthand insights that will equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the retail industry.”

“It is critical to challenge our students to work in a high-level team performance environment and to innovate solutions to real-world retail challenges. Making decisions based on evidence-based research and strategizing retail and consumer trend insights to impact retail sales performance set them apart from other students,” said Loveday, Assist. Professor of Practice.

The NRF Student Program, hosted by the NRF, is designed to give students a deep dive into the retail world, with three days of enriching activities, including company tours, expert-led talks, and engaging breakout sessions. Participants have the chance to interact with experienced retail leaders, attend exclusive executive mentoring sessions, and participate in career recruiting opportunities that could pave the way for their professional success.

The RMM program at UT offers a dynamic curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a successful career in retail and merchandising. The program’s strong connections with top retailers, industry professionals, and alumni network provide students with unparalleled access to career-building opportunities. The NRF Student Program is just one example of how RHTM brings real-world experiences into the classroom and creates pathways for our students to thrive.

For more information about the programs offered in RHTM, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/ or email rhtm@utk.edu. If you would like to support transformative experiential learning opportunities for students, please visit https://tiny.utk.edu/RHTMFundraiser for the 20th Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on April 3, 2025.

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.

Junehee Kwon

“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.

Robert Kelchen

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.

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.

Photo of Gladys and Robert Hunt in Uganda. — *Robert and Gladys Hunt at the Bidi Bidi Refugee Camp in northern Uganda*

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.