RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser Receives Record Gift from Stand Out For Good, Inc.

May 15, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) hosted its 21st annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on Friday, April 24, at the Hilton Knoxville, bringing together industry partners, alumni, friends, and students to celebrate education, partnership, and the future of the retail and hospitality industries.

This year’s event proudly recognized Stand Out For Good, Inc. as the 2026 Honoree. A purpose-driven lifestyle retailer representing Altar’d State, AS Revival, Altar’d State Kids, Altar’d State Home and Vow’d, Stand Out For Good, Inc. was honored for its meaningful partnership and leadership. The organization demonstrated extraordinary commitment to student success with a $75,000 contribution, marking the largest single donation in the fundraiser’s more than 20-year history. The partnership and contribution reflect a shared passion for investing in future leaders and creating opportunities for students to grow both personally and professionally.

Guests experienced an immersive, student-produced evening that highlighted the talent and creativity of RHTM students. The program featured the fundraiser’s first-ever fashion show, produced and styled by students enrolled in RMM 495 Fashion Show Management and Production. Students worked closely with retail partners to curate the evening’s looks, with hair and makeup support from the Tennessee School of Beauty. Culinary experiences were designed and executed by hospitality students, and the evening also included a curated silent auction showcasing unique items and experiences.

The event was made possible through the efforts of students in HTM 435 Advanced Event Planning, who spent the semester studying, planning, and executing every aspect of the fundraiser. Through this hands-on experience, students gained practical skills in event design, logistics, vendor coordination, teamwork, and leadership – reflecting real-world industry expectations.

Morgan Hodgdon, a student enrolled in Advanced Event Planning shared, “The most enjoyable aspect of the planning/execution of the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser was seeing all of my classes’ hard work come to life and being able to attend and participate in the event!” she stated. “I learned the most when I had the opportunity to work hands on!”

Abigail Alexander, a student enrolled in Fashion Show Management and Production reflected, “This experience taught me that confidence does not come from knowing everything immediately, but from learning how to adapt, communicate, and problem-solve effectively. Moving forward, I feel much more prepared to take initiative and lead within future professional environments.”

Proceeds from the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser directly support student scholarships and high-impact experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that graduates leave the program with real-world experience, strong industry connections, and career-ready skills.

Now in its 21st year, the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser continues to serve as both a signature academic experience for students and a powerful demonstration of what is possible through university–industry partnership. The evening reflects a shared commitment to education and to the future leaders of retail, hospitality, and tourism.

See more photos from the event.

About the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prepares students for dynamic careers through applied learning, industry engagement, and transformative educational experiences that bridge the classroom and the professional world.

Celebrating 2026 CEHHS Top Grads

May 5, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

As commencement season begins, the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences celebrates the graduating students who have earned the highest cumulative GPAs. These remarkable Vols exemplify hard work, commitment, and academic excellence during their time on Rocky Top.

Keep reading to learn about our Top Graduates from the Class of 2026.

Congratulations, Vols! We’re excited to see where your journey takes you next.

Kyla Alexander

Hometown: Concord, NC

Major: Sport Management and Marketing, Sales

What You’ve Loved Most: I love all of the opportunities that exist within the program to gain real world experience. It has been wonderful to have such supportive faculty that have helped me to reach my goals during my time at UT.

Next Steps: Starting this fall, I will be pursuing a Juris Doctorate.

Audrey Barton

Hometown: Normandy, TN

Major: Recreation and Sport Management

What You’ve Loved Most: I love that this program provides opportunities to students to explore current industry trends/topics and engage in real-world application.

Favorite UT Tradition: Running through the T!

Advice You’d Give to Your Freshman Self: Get involved! UT offers so many different avenues for students to get involved- sports, academics, Greek life, on-campus employment, and so many student organizations! My favorite memories as a UT student have come from the places I’ve gotten involved with on campus and the people I have met through them!

Candace Brown

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Major: Human Development and Family Science

What You’ve Loved Most: My favorite part of the HDFS Major was the professors! They are so kind and speak from their own field experience to guide students.

Favorite UT Tradition: I love the checkered games—basketball and football. It is so unique, and it’s fun to see the stadium in UT orange and white! It is also amazing how UT games bring our community together.

Hannah Freeman

Hometown: Rocky Top, TN

Major: Special Education

What You’ve Loved Most: The thing I love most about my program is the people it brought me! The people I share classes with aren’t just a cohort, but are my friends! We bond over course work, practicum placements, and just life!

Next Steps: After graduation, I will be teaching as a K-5 CDC Special Education teacher. I will also will be pursuing my Master’s degree through Lincoln Memorial University.

Sydney Harvey

Hometown: Lilburn, GA

Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology, Minors in American Sign Language and Human Development and Family Science

What You’ve Loved Most: I love all the opportunities that CEHHS has provided for me! I love being apart of DUAB and the research I do within AUSP!

Next Steps: I am attending WashU Medicine in the fall to pursue my Doctorate of Audiology!

Anna Blair Jackson

Hometown: Dyersburg, TN

Major: Kinesiology

What You’ve Loved Most: I love how hands on the classes are! I’ve learned so much from my classes and my professors!

Favorite UT Tradition: I obviously love football games and running through the T!

Next Steps: I’m going to optometry school at The Southern College of Optometry!

Mollie Mayfield

Hometown: Trinity, NC

Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology

What You’ve Loved Most: I love how many opportunities are available to students at UT! There is truly something for everyone, and I am thankful for the wonderful opportunities I have had!

Next Steps: I’m attending Western Carolina University to pursue a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and a certification in Autism Training!

Caroline Peplow

Hometown: Oak Ridge, TN

Major: Early Childhood Education (PreK-3)

What You’ve Loved Most: I love how caring and supportive the professors are. I can say without a doubt that each of my professors is invested in my eduction and future career.

Next Steps: I will be getting my masters at UT. I am doing the internship route, and I am beyond excited for my student teaching experience.

Kate Sittler

Hometown: Huntersville, NC

Major: Elementary Education

What You’ve Loved Most: I have loved my professors and the friends I have met through my college. They’ve consistently been so kind and supportive and pushed me to always be my best. I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities through my program to get into the classroom and I’ll always be grateful for the relationships I’ve built!

Advice You’d Give to Your Freshman Self: Say “yes” more! Every chance to be in a classroom is so valuable and you’ll learn so much from every person you meet!

Next Steps: I will be starting my master’s program here at UT in May, so I will be earning my master’s in Elementary Education while student teaching over the next year!

Madilyn Tipton

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Major: Elementary Education

What You’ve Loved Most: I love my program at the University of Tennessee! The professors are not only knowledgeable, but they truly care about my growth and success, constantly encouraging me to become the best educator I can be. I’m also grateful for the friendships I’ve built with my peers. We support each other, learn together, and share the same passion for making a difference in students’ lives. I’m so proud to be part of this community.

Next Steps: I look forward to continuing my education at UT this summer! I will begin a full-year internship while working toward my master’s degree in elementary education.

Annie Wahlen

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Major: Special Education

What You’ve Loved Most: My favorite thing about the special education program is the incredible community of professors and students. Our professors care so deeply about what they are teaching and about us as future educators. I can’t wait to go to class to debrief the week with my cohort; they have become some of my best friends!

Advice You’d Give to Your Freshman Self: You get out what you put in! There are so many opportunites here and so enjoy it and give everything your all!

Next Steps: I am pursuing my master’s of Special Education here at UT!

Hannah Watts

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA

Major: Kinesiology

What You’ve Loved Most: I’ve loved all the opportunities I’ve been encouraged to try, like getting more involved in club leadership, a practicum, and volunteer work.

Advice You’d Give to Your Freshman Self: Take advantage of every opportunity. You never know where it could get you and the people you could meet from it.

Next Steps: I am applying to physician assistant programs in hopes of starting in the spring of 2027.

Not Pictured:

Ellie Hassell
Major: Special Education

Anna Mathis
Major: Sport Management

Leah Pruter
Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology

Kaitlyn Roper
Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology

Lila Shipp
Major: Child and Family Studies, Community Outreach

Alexis Thaxton
Major: Elementary Education

Annie Wade
Major: Nutrition, Dietetics

2026 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

April 20, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

In the hallowed halls where aspiring teachers learn, the Educators Hall of Honor represents all those who have passed along knowledge, understanding, creativity, and the joy of learning from one generation to the next. By touching the lives of others, educators make the world a better place for generations to come.

The preparation of educators has been a tradition of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, since 1880. The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ Educators Hall of Honor allows donors to offer a tribute to those special individuals who have inspired and shaped and transformed them. It is our hope that this permanent tribute to the large accomplishments and small miracles of the past will also inspire new generations of educators.

The Educators Hall of Honor Class of 2026 includes: Patrick Biddix, Suzanne Bryant, Kim Hall, Terri Hopkins, Emily McDonald, Suzanne Parham, Alesha Shumar, and Antoinette Williams. This year’s Educators Hall of Honor Scholarship Recipient is Eliezer Castaneda. Keep reading to learn about each inductee.

To see photos of from year’s induction ceremony, click here.

Patrick Biddix

J. Patrick Biddix is Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Analytics and Executive Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan at UT. He is also the Jimmy and Ileen Cheek Endowed Professor of Higher Education and has been a member of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences faculty for 15 years. He believes that every person on a college campus has both an opportunity and an obligation to educate. His research and teaching focus on assessment, research methods, and college student engagement, with an emphasis on how students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

He began his career in student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, then taught at Valdosta State University before joining UT’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in 2011. His leadership roles have included program coordinator for higher education and college student personnel, associate director of the Postsecondary Education Research Center, interim department head, chair of the college and department promotion and tenure committees, faculty director for research and assessment in the Division of Student Success, and Faculty Fellow for Access and Engagement.

He has authored nine books and more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and has received awards for research and graduate student mentorship. In 2022, he was awarded the first endowed professorship in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, and in 2015 was named a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Montreal, Canada. Nationally, he serves as a Faculty Research Fellow and Project Lead with the What Works project at Penn State’s Piazza Center. He also advises the Women’s Research Committee of the National Panhellenic Conference and has been recognized with international awards for his service.

A proud UT alumnus, Biddix earned his bachelor’s degree in Classical Civilization in 2001, where he was actively involved in orientation, fraternity life, Team VOLS, and student government. He later earned his master’s at the University of Mississippi and his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. A first-generation college graduate from a ninth-generation rural Appalachian family in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, he was the first in his family to attend college. In addition to his work at UT, he remains closely connected to his alma mater, serving on the Classics Advisory Council.

Outside of work, Biddix enjoys spending time with his wife, Erika, an entrepreneurial strategist for women, and their three children: Jackson, Clare, and Benjamin. He volunteers with Scouts BSA, is an avid board gamer, musical theatre enthusiast, and 1980s movie fan. He enjoys competitive 5K training and can often be seen running across and around campus in preparation for his next race.

Portrait of a light-skinned woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiling broadly, wearing a black blazer over a white top, with a softly blurred wall of colorful artwork in the background.

Suzanne Bryant

Dr. Suzanne Bryant is a dedicated master educator with K-12 experience as a teacher (1990-2005), principal (2005-2007), data/curriculum coordinator (2007-2010), Assistant Director of Schools for Instruction (2010-until retirement), and an adjunct professor (East Tennessee State University (2019-2020), Carson Newman (2024- Present), and Co-founder Designing Leaders.

She is a lifelong resident of Campbell County and has been actively invested in the betterment of education to make a positive difference in the lives of students. Through her professional positions in both her home county and later in Greeneville City Schools, her commitment remained steadfast.

A 1986 Campbell County High School graduate, Dr. Bryant entered the University of Tennessee where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist Administration and Supervision degree. In 2016 she earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University. After devoting 34 years to the advancement of education for students and colleagues, Dr. Bryant retired. Upon retirement, she co-founded Designing Leaders, offering custom consulting for education, business, and technology by providing solutions to grow leadership and cultivate the next generation of leaders.

While serving as Greeneville City Assistant Director of Schools, Dr. Bryant led in the development, planning, and implementation of a fully on-line K-12 school as well as the Teacher Leader Academy and Aspiring Administrator Academy. She has served as a board member for the Diversity and Inclusion Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and a committee member for the Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Advisory Committee. She was selected as Greeneville City District Supervisor of the Year for 2023-2024.

Kim Hall

Dr. Kimberely Bingham Hall is a distinguished three-time graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

Dr. Hall has dedicated herself to the private sector of higher education where she has served in a variety of institutional leadership roles including faculty member, Academic Dean, Executive VP/Provost, and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement & Effectiveness. She is considered an authority and leading voice on the value of proprietary higher education.

Additionally, Dr. Hall has made numerous contributions beyond her campus to the peer review process of accreditation. Her positions of leadership include Board of Trust of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Tennessee Representative to the SACSCOC Executive Council.

Dr. Hall serves on the Executive Committee of the Tennessee College Association and has presented and published on a variety of higher education topics.

Dr. Hall is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville and is a past member of the Knoxville Chamber Partnership Higher Education Forum, the American Association of University Women, and the Association for the Study of Higher Education. She is a member of South Harriman Baptist Church.

Terri Hopkins

Dr. Theresa Hopkins is a Master Teacher for the Center for Enhancing Education in Mathematics and Sciences. She has taught mathematics in public schools in middle Tennessee, working with students in grades 7-12 and was named building-level teacher of the year 3 times and system-level teacher of the year once.

Moving back to Knoxville in 2000, Hopkins returned to UT Knoxville and earned her MS and PhD degrees in teacher education. As a graduate student, she worked with student interns as they completed their student teaching experience, serving as a mentor and evaluator.

As a Post-Doctoral fellow, she taught courses for the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education. Most recently, Hopkins has served as a mathematics teacher, lead teacher, and Director for the Tennessee Governor’s Academy for Mathematics and Science, a residential high school for advanced juniors and seniors from across the state.

Throughout her career, Hopkins has focused on professional development – her own and that of fellow teachers. She has presented at a number of local, state, regional, and national conferences for mathematics teachers and mathematics teacher educators.

Emily McDonald

Emily Ann McDonald has taught high school mathematics in Hamilton County Schools since 2015. She began her teaching career at Red Bank High School, where she gained experience teaching Algebra 1 through Calculus. She currently teaches Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Statistics at University High, a partnership between Hamilton County Schools and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

McDonald was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) 2023 by the White House for her passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom. Also, she received the Chattanooga Technology Council 2024 Tech Educator of the Year Award, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network 2024 Excellence in STEM Teaching Award, the Tennessee Educational Technology Association 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Hamilton County Schools High School Teacher of the Year in 2019. In 2025, McDonald was selected for the “20 Under 40” class by Chatter Magazine in Chattanooga.

McDonald strives to provide innovative ways to incorporate STEM concepts in her mathematics lessons through the integration of technology, student choice, and community partnerships. By integrating real-world problems through problem-based learning, McDonald aspires to make mathematics accessible and relevant for all students. Her students participate annually in the Mathematics Poster Competition at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

McDonald has presented at several local, state, regional, and national mathematics conferences and educational technology conferences. McDonald is a Google Certified Trainer, Google Innovator, and Desmos Classroom Fellow. She has been awarded grants from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Junior League of Chattanooga, Tennessee Valley Authority STEM Grant, Chattanooga Public Education Foundation Teacherpreneur Program, and Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association. In 2023, McDonald completed a six-week summer teacher research experience in Maryland as part of the Research Experiences for STEM Educators and Teachers hosted by the Army Educational Outreach Program. Also, she was a participant in the National Museum of Mathematics Rosenthal Prize Summer Institute. She is currently participating in the Medal of Honor Heritage Center Teacher Fellowship program.

Suzanne Parham

Suzanne Parham is the Executive Principal of Farragut Intermediate School in Knox County Schools, where she leads a community of approximately 1,186 students in grades three through five, supported by a leadership team of three assistant principals and a staff of more than 120 employees.

Under her leadership, Farragut Intermediate School has earned recognition as a Tennessee Reward School for five consecutive years, received the Governor’s Civic Seal Award, been named one of USA Today’s Top 100 Elementary Schools, and consistently ranked among the top three schools in Knox County Schools. Her work is grounded in high expectations for student learning, strong instructional systems, and a commitment to developing educators as leaders.

Parham holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Florida State University, a Master of Science in Education and Reading Specialist Certification from the University of Tennessee, an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Tennessee. She is also a graduate of the Knox County Schools Leadership Academy.

In addition to her service at Farragut Intermediate School, Parham serves as a District Director for the Tennessee Principals Association, contributing to statewide leadership development and professional advocacy. She also serves the Town of Farragut through active civic engagement, including service on the Town of Farragut Tree Board and as a consulting member to the town’s educational advisory efforts and related municipal committees. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to public service, community partnership, and the advancement of education.

Alesha Shumar

Alesha Shumar is Associate Professor, Fred O. Stone University Archivist, and Assistant Director of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives. She oversees more than 4,000 linear feet of multi-format collections, stewarding the university’s history while expanding access to primary sources that enrich teaching, learning, and research.

Shumar joined UT Libraries in 2010 after serving as Archivist for the Frick Collection at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and geography education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh. Her passion for archives began as a student employee for her alma mater’s special collections and was further shaped by processing archaeological artifacts during a study abroad experience in Cyprus.

Among the first archivists in the country to be certified as a Digital Archives Specialist by the Society of American Archivists, Shumar is a leader in advancing digital access to archival collections. Deeply engaged in campus life, she also curates’ university history displays across campus that celebrate distinguished faculty, traditions, and institutional legacy, bringing the past to life for new generations of students and scholars.

Antoinette Williams

Antoinette Williams is a dedicated educator, veteran, and community leader whose service to UT and the Knoxville community exemplifies the Volunteer spirit. A proud UT alumna, she earned her Master of Science in Education from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Originally from Merritt Island, Florida, she served in the US Navy before beginning her career in education.

With over two decades of teaching experience, Williams currently teaches seventh grade social studies at Knoxville’s West Valley Middle School, where she also serves as yearbook advisor and a member of the leadership team. She has been named Teacher of the Year at the building-level in 2016, 2020, and 2022.

Williams’ service extends far beyond the classroom. She has served on the Knox County Schools Teacher Advisory Council and Minority Advisory Council and was honored as WBIR Teacher of the Week and TEA Distinguished Educator. At UT, she has been a UT Promise mentor and President of the Black Alumni Council, where she championed mentorship, engagement, and endowment growth.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Williams is known for her tireless volunteerism—from mentoring students and writing notes to prospective Volunteers, to supporting Smokey’s Pantry and alumni events. Her unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity make her a true embodiment of the Volunteer spirit which was recognized by Williams receiving the UT Alumni Service Award in 2025.

Eliezer Castaneda

2026 EHOH Scholarship Recipient

Eliezer Castaneda is an exceptional student and future educator who consistently demonstrates kindness, professionalism, and attentiveness to others. When challenges arise, he readily offers support, reflecting his collaborative and service-minded spirit.

Thoughtful and detail-oriented, Castaneda carefully designs instruction to meet student needs. For a Read Aloud assignment, he selected a text with his multilingual learner in mind and created a supplemental presentation to enhance engagement and understanding for the entire class. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Castaneda brings strong cultural and linguistic awareness to his work with diverse learners.

Holtz and Rosenberg Present the Presidential AI Challenge at the Inaugural AI Tennessee Summit

April 16, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

At the inaugural AI Tennessee Summit, Emily Holtz and Joshua Rosenberg represented the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences as both attendees and featured presenters, sharing their work on the Presidential AI Challenge and how it is being shaped in collaboration with educators and students across Tennessee.

Their session with Reid Jackson, Computer Science Educator and AI Program Lead at L&N Stem Academy, centered on how the Presidential AI Challenge is being implemented in real, K-12 educational settings, and how classroom-based experimentation and feedback are shaping its direction. The presentation drew a steady audience of educators, researchers, and policymakers interested in how AI initiatives translate beyond theory into practice.

For Josh Rosenberg, Haslam Family Professor and associate professor of STEM Education in the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE), the experience stood out as a defining professional moment. He shared, “This was a statewide collaboration involving a group of wonderful faculty (Memphis, Fisk, MTSU) and educators (Metro Nashville, Knox County, Roane County, Alcoa, Shelby County, and Murfreesboro City), so it was an honor to share a bit on our work at the AI Tennessee Summit. It was a career highlight!”

Emily Holtz, assistant professor of elementary education in TPTE, emphasized the collaborative foundation behind their presentation, noting, “For me, being invited to the AI Summit and asked to share our work done in partnership with faculty, teachers, and students across Tennessee was a truly meaningful opportunity.”

For Holtz, that sense of meaning was rooted in something deeper. “What stood out most was how much stronger this work becomes when it’s shaped alongside teachers, students, and community partners and grounded in real classrooms and real questions,” she said. “It’s a reminder that the future of AI in education is not just about innovation, but about whose perspectives are informing the work and how those closest to it are part of the process.”

Together, their presentation underscored a central theme of the summit: initiatives like the Presidential AI Challenge gain their strongest footing when they are built with educators and students, not just for them.

Learn more about the inaugural AI Tennessee Summit at aitennessee.ai.

Launching the Next Generation of Retail Leaders: NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City

February 5, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

This January, students from the Retail and Merchandising Management (RMM) program in the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) participated in the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation Student Program in New York City.

Recognized as one of the nation’s premier professional development experiences for college students pursuing careers in retail, merchandising, and consumer-focused industries, the program aligns closely with RHTM’s commitment to providing unparalleled student experiences. Held in conjunction with the industry’s largest annual gathering, the program immersed students in the energy, innovation, and evolving opportunities shaping today’s retail landscape.

*NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City*

With generous support from the Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser, the RMM program brought thirteen undergraduate students to New York City to participate in this highly competitive and career-defining experience. Travel funding plays a critical role in expanding access to national-level industry engagement, particularly opportunities that provide direct interaction with employers, recruiters, and executive leaders. For many students, participation in programs of this scale would not be possible without the continued investment of alumni and industry partners.

The NRF Foundation Student Program offers an intensive, multi-day experience focused on career readiness, industry exposure, and professional networking. Students participated in executive-led sessions addressing current trends in merchandising, marketing, sustainability, supply chain management, technology, and artificial intelligence. In addition, company Tours & Talks provided behind-the-scenes access to major retail organizations, allowing students to see how classroom concepts translate into real-world strategy and decision-making.

A cornerstone of the program is its emphasis on talent pipelines and career access. Through recruiter-led sessions, structured networking events, and a dedicated career fair, students engaged directly with employers seeking interns and early-career professionals. These interactions play a critical role in helping students secure internships and full-time positions upon graduation, giving them a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.

Retail and Merchandising Students Attending NRF Foundation in New York City — *Retail and Merchandising Students Attend NRF Foundation in New York City*

Students consistently cited the program’s impact on their professional growth and confidence.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, explore the retail landscape firsthand, and connect classroom learning to real-world careers,” stated Lainey Brossant, a junior in RMM.

Sydney Skelton, a sophomore in RMM, shared a similar perspective, stating, “It has allowed me to build connections that are beneficial now and after my college years. Not only have I gained so much knowledge, but I’ve also been able to strengthen my professional confidence. I am immensely grateful to the RHTM Department for my scholarship, which has allowed me this invaluable experience!”

Participation in the NRF Foundation Student Program reflects RHTM’s broader commitment to experiential learning and career preparation.
“This program exemplifies how experiential learning bridges education and industry, preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence and meaningful professional connections,” stated Junehee Kwon, Professor and Department Head of RHTM.

Michelle Childs, Associate Professor and faculty advisor for the NRF Student Association at UTK, added, “By investing in travel support and high-impact professional experiences, we ensure that our students are not only academically prepared, but also professionally connected and industry-ready.”

RHTM is deeply grateful to its alumni and supporters whose continued investment makes these transformative opportunities possible and directly supports the success of the next generation of retail leaders. For more information about programs offered in RHTM, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm or email rhtm@utk.edu. To support transformative experiential learning opportunities, consider donating HERE or joining us for the 21st Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on Friday, April 24

UT and Knox County Schools Partner to Launch “Teach Knox Teaching Fellows” to Boost Special Education Workforce

February 5, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

New initiative expands access to teacher preparation and strengthens inclusive education across the community

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), in partnership with Knox County Schools (KCS), has announced the launch of the Teach Knox Teaching Fellows program, a bold new initiative aimed at recruiting, preparing, and supporting 30 special education teachers annually at no cost to participants.

The program, spearheaded by UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS), is designed to expand access to high-quality teacher preparation while strengthening inclusive education across the community. By eliminating financial barriers to certification and focusing on specialized training in inclusive practices, Teach Knox Teaching Fellows opens new doors for individuals eager to make a difference in special education classrooms.

“Teach Knox Teaching Fellows is more than a preparation program—it is an investment in educator excellence and a stronger workforce that directly benefits students, classrooms, and families,” said David Cihak, CEHHS Associate Dean. “This partnership between the University of Tennessee and Knox County Schools reflects our shared commitment to ensuring each student is supported by highly prepared educators.”

Program Highlights:

Cost: $0 up-front; fellows are eligible for tuition reimbursement
Cohort Size: 30 fellows selected annually
Focus: Training emphasizes equitable access and support for all learners
Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

For KCS, this collaboration represents a strategic effort to strengthen the educator pipeline and broaden inclusive practices districtwide. “Great educators are the backbone of a successful school district,” said KCS Superintendent Jon Rysewyk. “Teach Knox Teaching Fellows will increase the number of highly skilled special education teachers who are prepared to serve students in inclusive classrooms.”

Brad Carr, KCS executive director of special education, emphasized the alignment with the district’s vision for equity and excellence: “Our investment in special education ensures every student is welcomed and supported by a great educator.”

Jennifer Hemmelgarn, assistant superintendent of business and talent for KCS, added, “Through the intentional training and professional development of new fellows each year, we are building a sustainable pipeline of educators dedicated to making inclusive education the standard for our students.”

How to Apply:
Prospective applicants passionate about student success and inclusive education are encouraged to apply through the UT Plays website by the March 1, 2026 priority deadline.

UT Hospitality Students Experience “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour”

January 22, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

From January 14 through 16, twelve Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students from the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) set out on an immersive trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Themed “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour,” the experience provided exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, alumni connections, and panels showcasing career paths in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Students Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville

The trip featured visits to prominent organizations and companies including the Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Nashville – Broadway, Music City Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, and LEO Events. Students also gained valuable insights from industry leaders at the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. These organizations demonstrated how they collaborate to support and strengthen the hospitality sector.

One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to connect with UT alumni who are thriving in their careers within the industry. Dylan Roberts ’18, General Manager at Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Nashville – Broadway, along with Catherine La Haie ’14, Director of Sales and Marketing, allowed students to shadow their team meeting and led students on a tour of their property. The tour highlighted how the knowledge and skills gained through a hospitality degree can prepare a student for successful careers in hospitality.

At Music City Center, Charles Starks ’82, President and CEO, shared advice about his journey from UT’s hospitality program to leading one of Nashville’s premier event venues. His story inspired students to envision their own potential career trajectories, to work hard, and the power of relationships.

Sean Fisher ’11, Guest Experience & Concierge Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, facilitated access for students to explore one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The students were able to tour the property, hear from the hotels General Manager, Sunil Narang, who has grown his career with the company over 30 years, and ask questions from a panel of key professionals within the organization.

In addition to the trip being a great opportunity for the students who attended, the department also used it as an event planning experience for sophomore hospitality student, Liz Williams. Her responsibilities as the student trip coordinator included organizing the trip agenda, designing the menu for the alumni reception, communicating logistics with the other students, assisting with event setup and breakdown, and creating a post-trip survey. Liz said of the experience, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and apply my knowledge in a real-world setting.”

Reflecting on the event, HTM senior coordinator Christopher Kelley remarked, “The opportunity to bring our students to Nashville to connect with alumni and see career trajectories is an absolute pleasure for me.” Kelley emphasized how these interactions help students envision their future roles in the industry.

Department head Junehee Kwon shared similar sentiments: “This event exemplified hospitality at its best, from hotel accommodations and catering to the exceptional service provided by our industry partners. What made it even more meaningful was that many of those partners were our alumni from 1982 to 2025! Experiences like this remind us how meaningful it is to be Tennessee Volunteers and members of the hospitality industry.”

The “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour and Alumni Reception” not only showcased career opportunities but also strengthened ties between current students and UT alumni across generations. This unique experience reaffirmed UT’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in hospitality while celebrating its Volunteer legacy.

You can see more photos of the students and their experiences here.

Kelchen Once Again Named Top Scholar Influencer

January 8, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

ELPS Department Head Rises in Education Week’s Scholar Influencer Rankings

For the ninth time, Robert Kelchen has been recognized as one of the top scholar influencers shaping educational practice and policy. Kelchen, who serves as the department head of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is ranked 14th out of 200 scholars nationwide in the Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings. Notably, he is one of only two scholars from UT Knoxville to make this prestigious list.

“My goal as a professor at a land-grant university is to conduct research that improves education and benefits the general public,” Kelchen stated. “Through peer-reviewed research, engaging with policymakers, collaborating with journalists, and analyzing new policies in real time, I aim to make a meaningful impact.”
The Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings have been compiled annually for 16 years by Rick Hess, an opinion columnist for Education Week, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, and director of Education Policy Studies. The rankings highlight the top 200 scholars out of an eligible pool of 20,000 across the United States who have the greatest influence on educational issues and policy.

Kelchen is frequently sought out by journalists for his expertise in higher education aistration and policy. In 2025 alone, he participated in 157 published media interviews and was contacted nearly 300 times by journalists seeking insights into higher education. His reputation as a trusted source ensures he remains at the top of contact lists when journalists need expert perspectives on the higher education landscape.

In addition to his media presence, Kelchen has written columns for The Chronicle of Higher Education for the past decade. [RK1] He authored five columns in 2025 and appeared in 21 interviews, offering his unique perspective on opportunities and challenges facing higher education. Over the years, Kelchen has written 20 columns for The Chronicle.
“The connections I build through public-facing work enhance my teaching and student mentoring while supporting external funding efforts for high-impact research,” Kelchen explained.

Romero-Hall Explores Global Perspectives on Learning Design in New Book

December 10, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Spend some time with Enilda Romero-Hall, and you’ll quickly discover her passion for learning design. What may come as a surprise, however, is how deeply cultural and geographic contexts shape the journeys of learning designers around the world. That idea lies at the heart of her new book, Learning Designers in Context: Examining Practices Across the Global South.

The inspiration for the book emerged during the pandemic in 2020, when Romero-Hall was working with three graduate students on a research project examining the competencies of education professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean. As they connected with learning design professionals throughout the region, Romero-Hall found they were eager to share their expertise and experiences.

“It made me realize that I wanted to work on a larger project that would allow me to capture the practices of learning designers not only in Latin America, but also across other regions of the Global South,” said Romero-Hall.

Romero-Hall is an associate professor of interdisciplinary learning & teaching in the Department of Theory & Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her book is among the first to bring together lessons and insights from learning designers in diverse contexts, exploring how practitioners effectively draw on the knowledge, skills, and resources available to them. Romero-Hall highlights the work of 13 professionals in sectors ranging from finance and higher education to government and nonprofit organizations. Each chapter features one practitioner, offering a perspective on their professional journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

“Each learning designer has a story to tell about how they entered the field, the cultural, geographical, and sector-specific contexts in which they work, and the resources and constraints they navigate,” Romero-Hall said. “Even as a learning design professional myself with more than 18 years in the field, writing this book and sharing these journeys has inspired me personally—and I believe it enriches our profession as a whole.”

Learning Designers in Context: Examining Practices Across the Global South is available through Routledge.

RHTM Students Make Couple’s Dream Come True

November 7, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Second Blissful Wish Wedding Event Provides Experiential Learning While Making Dreams Come True

In early November, the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm in Knoxville transformed into a magical setting for the second Blissful Wish Wedding, celebrating the inspiring love story of Kenzie Cathey and Tanner Branam. The event, planned and executed by 12 dedicated students from the University of Tennessee’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM), was the culmination of hard work done by the students since the beginning of the fall 2025 semester.

The Blissful Wish Wedding initiative provided an extraordinary opportunity for students enrolled in HTM 412 Wedding Production and Execution to gain hands-on experience in planning a real-world event. This opportunity is exclusive to students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management major at UT and represents the only university in the country where this opportunity exists.

From the initial selection process to the final execution, these students demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism. Guided by associate professor, Stefanie Benjamin, Nancy Barger of the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm, and Emily Walker a current PhD student in the department, the students coordinated every aspect of the wedding. The team was responsible for venue setup, vendor management, logistics planning, and guest experience design.

Throughout the semester, the students worked to solicit goods and services from local businesses, ensuring that every detail of the wedding reflected both quality and creativity. Their efforts included organizing floral arrangements, catering services, photography, entertainment, and decorations. The students also collaborated with community sponsors who generously contributed their resources to make Kenzie and Tanner’s dream wedding a reality.

“This wedding is a testament to our students’ hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Junehee Kwon, Professor and RHTM Department Head. “It’s incredible to see them apply their classroom knowledge to create such a beautiful event while learning valuable skills that will serve them well in their future careers.”

The event also served as a platform for students to showcase their ability to navigate challenges in event planning. From managing tight timelines to ensuring seamless communication between all parties involved, they exhibited remarkable teamwork and problem-solving skills. Their efforts culminated in a ceremony and stunning reception that celebrated not only Kenzie and Tanner’s love but also the power of collaboration and community support.

You can view a gallery of this year’s Blissful Wish Wedding here.

The students, along with the team they were a part of are as follows:

• Emily Wallace & Kylie Krumenacker, Lead Planners

• Ella Herring & Gabrielle Padilla, Venue and Logistics

• Jenna Moses & Carli Belknap: Catering and Cake

• Abigail Kelley, Margo Riley, Chloe Enfinger & Riley Griffith, Décor and Entertainment

• Leila Kaufman & Carly St. Laurent, Social Media and Media Relations

Sponsors:

All Mixed Up Cakes

Bice’s Bites Home Bakery

CB Media

Forever Heard Audio Guestbook

Graphic Creations

Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm

June Lawson Photography

Prestige Tuxedo

Summer Kitchen Bakery

All Occasions Party Rental

Gluten Free Goodies

Brandon Krul (DJ)

Maddie Reed (Florals)

For more information about the Blissful Wish Wedding, to learn more about the Hospitality and Tourism Management major, or to inquire how you can support future events, contact Christopher Kelley, HTM Senior Coordinator, at ckelle15@utk.edu.