Alyssa Seisser, Author at College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

April 4, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are Student Consent Forms Outdated When it Comes to Privacy?

March 26, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Are Student Consent Forms Outdated When it Comes to Privacy?

Study Examines Media Release Policies of U.S. School Districts

It’s 2024. Do you know where your child’s private information is on the internet? The latest addition to a line of research initiated by Knox County teacher and University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumna, Macy A. Burchfield (‘22), and co-authored by associate professor in the Department of Theory & Practice in Teacher Education, Joshua M. Rosenberg and Sondra M. Stegenga from the University of Utah, has revealed the alarming indication that, not only is private information belonging to school-aged children circulating through social media channels largely untracked and unprotected, the media release policies and parental consent forms in use among the nation’s largest school districts currently do not inform caregivers about their planned use of social media in a comprehensive way. These policies, or, lack thereof, may be where the problems and risks with student data privacy in social media are originating.

The new study, published in The Journal of Research on Technology in Education, used qualitative content analysis (QCA) to analyze district policies from the 120 largest school districts in the United States, based on enrollment. The districts contained more than 86,000 students on average, or, about 20.9 percent of students in the country.

Though 87.7 percent of informed consent/media release documents analyzed mentioned the types of media that might be shared by the school, (photos, students’ names) and where it may be shared (newspapers, school websites, social media in general), only 13.3 percent of the forms contained mention of specific social media platforms where student information may be shared, such as Facebook, X, or YouTube. Furthermore, almost no forms disclosed the potential risks of sharing students’ personal information publicly. This is concerning since we know as a society that social media use is extremely widespread and that privacy risks exist, let alone the possibility of FERPA violations from sharing student information.

One thought-provoking and actionable conclusion from the study was that the forms in question may simply be outdated and in need of revision. Many of the consent forms analyzed were created prior to today’s age of social media. These outdated forms were meant to address sharing information in non-digital media, such as school directories and yearbooks.

“We now appear to be in a time of outdated consents that lack the specificity for an authentic understanding of the consents, leading to genuine risks to the child and family,” according to the study. “We question, is it really true informed consent, even if the boxes are checked and it is signed, if the family does not have all the necessary details and information to understand what, where, and why personally identifiable information will be shared?”

In an age of increasing digital experiences across the globe, this study contributes to the larger conversation of digital data ethics and informed consent. School districts in the U.S. and the wider educational community can increase safety by examining and updating their data policies and consent forms to better protect our younger generations’ privacy.

“I must say, attention to this issue of consent is immensely important, not only related to best practices in information security, but also related to the ethical obligations we have in ensuring truly informed consent with parents and students, ” said co-author Sondra Stegena.

Information for Students Registering for CFS-Prefix Classes

March 21, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Information for Students Registering for CFS-Prefix Classes

Beginning August 1, 2024, the Department of Child and Family Studies will become the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science (CHDFS).

The current undergraduate and graduate programs and courses will either be moved to an existing department (TPTE – IEC Interdisciplinary Early Childhood) or the newly-formed Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science (CHDFS) department.
In preparation for these program changes, all CFS-prefix classes will be discontinued, beginning in Fall 2024.
However, current students’ academic plans and degree plans WILL be honored, and the actual content of our courses will remain the same.
For Fall 2024, students should register for courses with either the HDFS-prefix or the IEC-prefix.
Here are two tables that give more details about the course prefix changes.

Old Prefix & Number	Course Title	New Prefix & Number
CFS 210	Human Development	HDFS 210
CFS 211	Development in Infancy and Childhood	HDFS 211
CFS 213	Development in Adolescence and Adulthood	HDFS 213
CFS 220	Marriage and Family: Roles and Relationships	HDFS 220
CFS 240	Human Sexuality	HDFS 240
CFS 320	Family Interaction	HDFS 320
CFS 345	Life Design	HDFS 345
CFS 360	Family Stress	HDFS 360
CFS 385	Diversity among Children and Families	HDFS 385
CFS 395	Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics	HDFS 395
CFS 405	Development of Professional Skills	HDFS 405
CFS 440	Family Life and Parent Education	HDFS 440
CFS 460	Directed Study in (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 460
CFS 480	Practicum: Community Placement	HDFS 480
CFS 481	Research in (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 481
CFS 485	Special Topics in (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 485
CFS 490	Practicum: Research	HDFS 490
CFS 497	Honors: (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 497

Old Prefix & Number	Course Title	New Prefix & Number
CFS 210	Human Development	HDFS 210
CFS 211	Development in Infancy and Childhood	HDFS 211
CFS 213	Development in Adolescence and Adulthood	HDFS 213
CFS 220	Marriage and Family: Roles and Relationships	HDFS 220
CFS 240	Human Sexuality	HDFS 240
CFS 320	Family Interaction	HDFS 320
CFS 345	Life Design	HDFS 345
CFS 360	Family Stress	HDFS 360
CFS 385	Diversity among Children and Families	HDFS 385
CFS 395	Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics	HDFS 395
CFS 405	Development of Professional Skills	HDFS 405
CFS 440	Family Life and Parent Education	HDFS 440
CFS 460	Directed Study in (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 460
CFS 480	Practicum: Community Placement	HDFS 480
CFS 481	Research in (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 481
CFS 485	Special Topics in (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 485
CFS 490	Practicum: Research	HDFS 490
CFS 497	Honors: (was CFS) (now HDFS)	HDFS 497

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

March 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

The Growing Seattle Nonprofit Serves Native Youth Through Sports Clinics and Mentorship

Rise Above, a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to empowering Native youth, has announced that Natalie Welch has joined the organization as its new executive director.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Natalie on our growing team,” says Rise Above CEO and founder Jaci McCormack. “Her expertise, knowledge and compassion are going to help us inspire even more kids.”

Natalie Welch

“I’m thrilled and honored to join Rise Above in this role,” Welch said. “Jaci and Brad have built an amazing foundation through their relationships and passion to serve Native youth.”

Welch brings over a decade of professional experience in the fields of marketing and education. She obtained her MBA from the University of Central Florida and completed her doctorate degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focusing her dissertation on Native American athletes giving back to their communities.

She is originally from the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina, and is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Before moving to Seattle, Welch helped build a sport management program at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. She volunteers regularly, including coaching for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that focuses on the social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills of third- to eighth-grade girls.

As executive director, Welch will oversee Rise Above’s community services, organizing events and coordinating with like-minded nonprofits. Welch will continue in her current role as a professor at Seattle University, teaching in the MBA in Sport and Entertainment program in the Albers School of Business.

Welch Speaking to a Group of Youth in Seattle

“Having Natalie on our team is only going to make our work stronger as our organization expands its reach,” says Rise Above co-founder Brad Meyers. “Our mission is to empower Native kids, and she’s going to help us live out that mission.”

Rise Above is projected to grow 25% annually over the next five years, with an aim to double its staff and programming by 2025. To keep pace with expanding services and increased client requirements, Rise Above seeks a range of talented professionals to conceive, develop and implement new and emerging programs; identify and secure additional sources of funding; and recruit, retain and promote top-tier professionals to manage and shape strategy for the organization.

Rise Above has historically been funded by grants and charitable fund programs. Moving forward, it seeks to enlist more support from individuals, foundations, businesses and community partners.

“In the coming years, we have the opportunity to expand our work beyond the Pacific Northwest by maintaining crucial relationships across Indian Country and local governments,” Dr. Welch explained. “This opportunity to serve our Native people is one that I cherish, and I hope to inspire our youth and let them know that their dreams are possible.”

For more information, please nativeyouthriseabove.org or contact Rise Above at info@nativeyouthriseabove.org.

CEHHS and Campus Partners Present Achieving Health Equity Lecture Series with Dr. Jillian C. Shipherd

February 21, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

CEHHS and Campus Partners Present Achieving Health Equity Lecture Series with Dr. Jillian C. Shipherd

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Colleges of Communication & Information; Education, Health, and Human Sciences; Nursing; and Social Work; Department of Sociology; and AgResearch invite the campus community and health community partners to two presentations from Dr. Jillian C. Shipherd, deputy director of the LGBTQ+ Health program at the Veterans Health Administration in Washington D.C.

Achieving Health Equity Lecture Series

LGBTQ+ Support: Building a Healthier University Community
Thursday, March 21 from 2 – 3 p.m. in Student Union 262
Reception: 3 – 4 p.m. in Student Union 270
Register to join the reception at tiny.utk.edu/JCSreception.

Measurement Considerations With LGBTQ+ Populations
Friday, March 22 from 1 – 2 p.m. in Student Union 169

Jillian C. Shipherd is an international expert in trauma recovery and in LGBTQ+ health policy, education, and research. She received the American Psychological Foundation Gold Medal Award for Impact in 2023.

“Shipherd has pioneered national training programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on all facets of transgender health care to support policy changes and improvements, positioning clinicians to evaluate and treat this previously ignored and stigmatized group of veterans. Her research has received wide attention in the media and in senior management within the VA. Shipherd has taken her research findings and applied them to make groundbreaking change throughout the VA spanning education and policy. Her trailblazing work has had a transformational impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ veterans and will continue to affect access to care for generations to come.” (American Psychologist)

CEHHS Launches Teaching-Time Out Podcast

February 14, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

CEHHS Launches Teaching-Time Out Podcast

Are you an educator looking for professional, evidence-based information to enhance your career?

Join Jed Blanton for this series by educators for educators. In just the time it takes for a cup of coffee, learn how you can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented during the academic year. This podcast series is meant to share brief tactics and reflections to help evolve and sharpen our teaching practices, supported by evidence and resources. Each episode will feature one idea or strategy to bring into your teaching practice.

About Teaching Time-Out from Jedediah Blanton

Welcome to Teaching Time-Out.

I am Dr. Jedediah Blanton and I am glad you are taking a quick time out to think about teaching. I am on the faculty at the University of Tennessee and currently serve as the director of Teaching Development for the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences.

This podcast will be a way for me to chat about some of the impactful teaching practices that I’ve learned from great colleagues and through readings that have been shared with me.

In no way am I an expert nor do I think of myself as any sort of accomplished teacher – in fact, it’s probably my epic failures over the years that have best equipped me with the awareness that I need to pause and think thoroughly about how to evolve and enhance my teaching practice.

In each episode, I will share summaries of evidence that positively impact a classroom along with a set of practical instructions that you can use to sharpen your teaching practice. These teaching time-outs will be short, practical activities or reflections, based on interesting readings that have made me pause and think or re-think something about my classroom or courses. You can check the episode descriptions for links or more information about the resources that support each episode. I aim to share one topic a month during the academic year, that you can pocket and add to your teaching practice.

Listen and subscribe to wherever you listen to podcasts!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify

From the Green Book to the Orange Book: Travel, Tourism, and Resistance in the Black Community

February 9, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

From the Green Book to the Orange Book: Travel, Tourism, and Resistance in the Black Community

“Carry your Green Book with you. You may need it.”

If you were a Black traveler journeying through the segregated South, odds are you may have heard these words before setting off. From 1936 – 1967, The Negro Motorist Green Book published by Victor Hugo Green, was a guide where Black travelers found friendly businesses that would serve them while traveling. The Green Book, as it became widely known, helped many Black people safely navigate their travels during the Jim Crow Era.

Fast forward to 2023, and the launch of a new resource guide for the greater UT community entitled The Volunteer Orange Book. The Orange Book was initially conceived by a larger working group. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) asked for permission to move forward as a smaller project with Dorian L. McCoy, CEHHS Access and Engagement director, serving as the lead. However, McCoy will be the first to say that bringing The Orange Book to life was indeed a team effort, especially through the significant contributions of FUTURE intern, Asjha McAllister and CEHHS Marketing and Communications team.

This February, McCoy will moderate a panel about the legacy of the Green Book on Friday, February 13^th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. Presented by CEHHS Office of Access and Engagement, The Beck Cultural Exchange Center, and the UT Commission for Black Communities, a highly-regarded panel will discuss the impact of the Green Book through the lenses of scholarly research and lived experiences.

Derek Alderman, Stefanie Benjamin, Sylvia Peters, and Theotis Robinson, Jr., comprise the panel and will discuss how the Green Book inspired a legacy of resistance and empowerment felt today in the Black community. All are invited to travel to the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and join in the conversation. It promises to be an enjoyable evening of learning and understanding.

Since its launch, The Orange Book has become a widely-utilized resource, offering minoritized populations at UT a guide to the Knoxville area and highlights a number of “hidden gems” in the small-business community. What started out as a simple book is morphing into a dynamic web site, with regularly-updated content sure to please many.

You can register at http://tiny.utk.edu/BHM-GreenBook

Dueñas Highlighted as a 2024 Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

January 31, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Dueñas Highlighted as a 2024 Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Mary Dueñas is passionate about student success, especially among underrepresented and marginalized student populations. Because of her passion for students to thrive in a higher education environment, she dedicates a large portion of her scholarship research to examine belonging and mattering in higher education. Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has been named a Top 15 Emergent Scholar. The publication highlights emerging scholars making an impact on education on college campuses nationwide

Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Just recently, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education named Dueñas “An Equity and Access Champion” in their January 18^th, 2024, issue and has named her a Top 15 Emergent Scholar. The publication highlights emerging scholars making an impact on education on college campuses nationwide.

“Receiving this national recognition is wonderful, and I’m honored to share this platform with other outstanding scholars from different disciplines,” said Dueñas.

Dueñas is an assistant professor in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS). In addition, she serves as program coordinator for the master’s student personnel program in College Student Personnel (CSP).

Using both quantative and qualitative research methods, Dueñas focuses on Latina/o/x/e college students’ sense of belonging and their experience with imposter syndrome. She uses holistic frameworks and critical theory to share stories and explain systemic inequities that marginalized communities face in higher education.

“My research examines the ways in which larger social processes affect students and their overall well-being while also addressing underrepresented and marginalized students in relation to retention and success,” said Dueñas.

Cristobal Salinas, Jr., an associate professor of educational leadership and research methodology at Florida Atlantic University, nominated her for this prestigious national recognition. In his nomination letter, Salinas commended Dueñas for her commitment to scholarship that pushes the boundaries of higher education through novel perspectives and an innovative approach to research.

“This commitment to pioneering scholarship has been complemented by her unwavering dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scholars, which is an integral part of her academic mission, explains Salinas.

Despite having a full plate at CEHHS, Dueñas has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, been a guest on a podcast, and has several works she is authoring or co-authoring under review. One is “Síndrome del impostor: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Latinx College Students’ Experiences with Imposter Syndrome.” She is co-authoring “Culturally Responsive Mentoring: A Psychosociocultural Perspective on Sustaining Students of Color Career Aspirations in STEM”.

Dueñas takes a glass-half-full approach to her work, focusing on the whole student. In other words, she says it’s about the positives that make a student’s experience successful and asking questions about what works.

“There is a changing landscape in how we think about higher education,” Dueñas says. “It’s not so much about the students adapting to higher education, it’s more about how higher education institutions supporting and serving students.”

Three Educational Psychology and Counseling Masters Students Selected for NBCC Fellowships

January 29, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Three Educational Psychology and Counseling Masters Students Selected for NBCC Fellowships

Three masters students in the department of Educational Psychology and Counseling (EPC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) are the recipients of a prestigious fellowship award. Abigail Gomez, Ulika Scout, and Tyler Ricks are part of the latest cohort in the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).

As part of the NBCC, the MFP is a prestigious, rigorous, and highly effective program designed to enhance the workforce of professional counselors who have specialized skills to meet the unique needs of underserved communities. According to the organization’s website, the NBCC is the premier credentialing body for counselors. Once nationally certified, NBCC credentialed counselors have achieved the highest standard of practice through education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical guidelines. As of today, there are over 69,000 national certified counselors in more than 40 countries.

Meet the NBCC MFP Fellows

Abby Gomez is a master’s student who wants to work with underserved populations to provide much-needed quality mental health care.

“I am thrilled to be a part of such a prestigious organization aimed at equipping counselors to support underserved communities, said Gomez. “Not only do I believe that this will profoundly impact my professional development, but that it will also strengthen and equip me to provide quality mental health care to the Hispanic population.”

Tyler Ricks will work with the Minority Fellowship Program for mental health counselors.

“Receiving the NBCC Minority Fellowship opens doors that Black women like myself can’t always access. Unparalleled mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support are just a few of the ways being an NBCC fellow will advance my career in the counseling field,” stated Ricks.

Ulika (Ulli) Scout master’s studies focus on how counselors may play a role in helping others in facing the challenges of addiction and recovery.

“I am honored by the recognition and investment from NBCC in my current studies and my future as an addiction counselor. I see the previous recipients and those within my new cohort and feel as though I am right where I need to be,” said Scout.

A Program for Professional and Personal Development

“Unmet mental health needs have a significant impact on the wellbeing of our communities in Tennessee and beyond,” said Casey Barrio, department head in EPC. “Sometimes, mental health need goes unmet because there are simply not enough accessible providers. At other times, mental health need goes unmet because community members do not perceive the help that is available help as responsive to their beliefs, values, or context. This unique program targets both areas, equipping participants with unique skills for providing accessible, culturally sustaining counseling services in their communities.”

Jamian Coleman is a previous NBCC Minority Fellow and is an assistant professor in EPC. He credits the fellowship with having a transformative impact on his professional and personal growth and development.

“The NBCC fellowship provided me with invaluable support, mentorship, and numerous opportunities for professional development,” said Coleman. “It significantly influenced my career path, and I am thrilled and proud that three of our outstanding master’s counseling students have been chosen for this fellowship. This reflects the fellowship program’s commitment to nurturing counselors to serve historically marginalized communities. My involvement in theNBCC community has been truly enriching, and I look forward with enthusiasm to witness the ongoing positive transformations it brings about for our students selected for this upcoming NBCC fellowship cohort.”

Established in 1982, NBCC’s original and primary purposes have broadened, and its divisions and affiliates have taken on additional responsibilities to advance the counseling profession and enhance mental health worldwide.

“Our scholars have demonstrated strong potential to optimize mental health care in East Tennessee and beyond. We are proud of the achievements and grateful for the meaningful differences they will make in their communities,” said Barrio.