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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.

University of Tennessee and Knoxville Family Justice Center’s Partnership Focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness

November 5, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

UT College of Social Work (UTCSW), UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS), and the Knoxville Family Justice Center (KFJC) are proud to partner to lead the community in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2025 through a powerful lineup of events, outreach initiatives, and a renewed focus on survivor-centered care.

Although emphasized in October, UTCSW Assistant Professor Kristen Ravi and CEHHS Associate Professor Megan Haselschwerdt work closely with the KFJC year-round to empower individuals to make informed choices about their recovery in a safe and supportive environment. A recent Domestic Violence Awareness Mini-Conference was the latest milestone in a multi-year collaboration between the KFJC, the University of Tennessee, and community partners, which began with a thorough needs assessment to better understand the training and service gaps within Knoxville. This collaborative research effort shaped both the content and structure of the conference, ensuring that the topics presented reflect real-world needs identified by survivors and service providers.

The purpose of the needs assessment was to evaluate the current state of domestic violence (DV) services in Knox County with the primary goal of identifying experiences, barriers, and needs among Knox County DV victims, identifying underserved client populations and unmet client needs, and continuing the education needs of DV professionals and non-DV professionals.

“Findings from the needs assessment highlighted the strengths of DV services in Knox County,” Haselschwerdt noted. “This included the collaboration among various agencies working together to address DV in Knox County and the community awareness-raising events.”

While existing collaboration and outreach were recognized as notable strengths, victims and service providers face numerous challenges, and underserved populations continue to encounter disproportionate barriers to support. Providers expressed a strong interest in more robust and accessible training. By acting on these findings and recommendations, service providers can strengthen their impact, enhance coordination, and build a more survivor-centered and equitable DV prevention and response system. Structural barriers such as limited funding, staffing shortages, and a lack of multilingual services constrain providers’ ability to respond effectively.

The full assessment is available at:
https://www.fjcknoxville.org/wp-content/uploads/KJFC_Needs_9.24.pdf

“This partnership is so powerful, and it couldn’t have come at a better time,” Michelle Clayton, Executive Director of the Knoxville Family Justice Center said. “It really captures the heart of what we’re trying to do together: lead with compassion, focus on survivors, and show what real collaboration looks like. At a time when things feel heavy, this reminder of shared purpose means a lot. It gives hope and energy to keep pushing forward. I’m so proud of what we’re building with the University of Tennessee and grateful for everyone who helped make this happen.”

As a collaborative, multi-agency hub offering comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking, the KFJC is a “one-stop shop” approach to empowering individuals to make informed choices about their recovery in a safe and supportive environment. By co-locating services from law enforcement, legal aid, and nonprofit organizations under one roof, the KFJC streamlines access to critical resources, reducing the need for victims to navigate multiple agencies.

“Working with the Knoxville Family Justice Center and seeing the needs assessment come to fruition has been invaluable in helping to shape a more effective response to domestic violence,” Ravi said. “It is our hope that the assessment can serve as a meaningful tool to enhance support systems for both survivors and service providers in Knox County.”

Trentham is 2025 Alumni Service Award Winner

September 24, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Brent Trentham, is a seasoned Private Wealth Advisor and the owner of TSG Financial Advisors. Since beginning his career with Ameriprise Financial Services in 1990, he has built a reputation for integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to putting clients first. With five offices across Tennessee, Florida, and Iowa, he continues to guide individuals and families toward financial confidence and fulfillment.

A 1990 graduate of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, Trentham earned his Certified Financial Planner designation in 1996. His passion for education and service has extended far beyond his practice. He has served on the Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council since 2005 and has been recognized by Barron’s, Forbes, and the Financial Times as one of the nation’s top financial advisors.

Trentham’s philanthropic impact is equally impressive. He and his wife, Rachel (’88, ’91), have established multiple endowments supporting scholarships, faculty awards, and student initiatives across the university. They have served as Big Orange Give matching gift ambassadors for multiple years and have been involved with the UT Knoxville Alumni Chapter. He has served with his time on the CEHHS Dean’s Board of Advisors, with the VolsTeach program, and the UT Center for Sport, Peace, and Society. He has also mentored UT interns, sponsored student awards, and supported numerous campus organizations.

Beyond UT, Trentham is active with Habitat for Humanity, the Volunteer Ministry Center, and his church. Whether on his horse farm, spending time with his two adult daughters, or in the office, he remains grounded in his mission: to help others live full and rich lives.

Students Attend Record-Breaking Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism

September 23, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

For the second year in a row, the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, sent six Hospitality and Tourism Management majors to attend the annual Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism (GovCon). Organized by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association (TNHTA) in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), GovCon brings together industry professionals, government representatives, and stakeholders for educational sessions, networking, a trade show, and the “Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner.” This year’s conference, held in Kingsport, TN, set a record with 608 attendees from across Tennessee.

The experience began with a pre-conference tour of Bristol Motor Speedway. Students heard from staff about major sports tourism events hosted at this venue and its role in promoting tourism in rural northeast Tennessee. During the conference, students listened to remarks from Tennessee officials, including Commissioner for Labor and Workforce Development Deneice Thomas, Commissioner for Tourist Development Mark Ezell (honoree of the 2024 RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser), and Governor Bill Lee. Their remarks highlighted tourism’s vital role as Tennessee’s #2 industry.

The conference gave RHTM students the opportunity to learn, connect, and represent the university. Three students, Grace Keffer, Grace Powell, and Georgia Smith, were selected as official TNHTA Student Ambassadors through a competitive process. Each university with hospitality and tourism management program is allowed to nominate up to three students for the ambassador selection process. RHTM was thrilled to have three outstanding students selected to represent UTK during this year’s GovCon.

In addition to the TNHTA Student Ambassadors, three additional students, Skylar Taylor, Austin Anderson, and Veronica White, attended the event. They gained valuable insights into their career goals while networking with industry professionals.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of representing the place I love to call home. Thank you to the Department of RHTM and the entire team at TNHTA for this amazing opportunity. A special thank you to my advisor, Christopher Kelley, for being a great support throughout my hospitality journey,” said White.

Junehee Kwon, Professor and Department Head, emphasized how this opportunity was made possible through the success of the 2024 Student Enrichment Fundraiser.

“I appreciate all who have supported our fundraiser in the past,” she said. “With industry support, we will continue to fund opportunities like this to create an unparalleled student experience for RHTM students,” said Kwon.

You can learn more about UT’s Hospitality and Tourism Management major or support the Student Enrichment Fundraiser here, or contact HTM Senior Coordinator Christopher Kelley at ckelle15@utk.edu.

Below: RHTM students dressed up for the 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards

Students sign their names on the checkboard finish line at Bristol Motor Speedway — Students had the opportunity to sign the start/finish line at Bristol Motor Speedway during an exclusive private tour of the venue

Three RHTM students posing for a photo at GovCon 2025 — RHTM Students from left Grace Keffer, Georgia Smith, and Grace Powell were selected as TNHTA Ambassadors to represent UT

Jeff Labban

September 19, 2025 by

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jlabban@utk.edu

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Jeff Labban

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