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Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

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Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Jimmy G. Cheek

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

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

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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.

Enilda Romero-Hall

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?

Are Student Consent Forms Outdated When it Comes to Privacy?

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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.

Joshua Rosenberg

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.

Sondra Stegenga

“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

Information for Students Registering for CFS-Prefix Classes

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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 TitleNew Prefix

& Number

CFS 210Human DevelopmentHDFS 210
CFS 211Development in Infancy and ChildhoodHDFS 211
CFS 213Development in Adolescence and AdulthoodHDFS 213
CFS 220Marriage and Family: Roles and RelationshipsHDFS 220
CFS 240Human SexualityHDFS 240
CFS 320Family InteractionHDFS 320
CFS 345Life DesignHDFS 345
CFS 360Family StressHDFS 360
CFS 385Diversity among Children and FamiliesHDFS 385
CFS 395Introduction to Research Methods and StatisticsHDFS 395
CFS 405Development of Professional SkillsHDFS 405
CFS 440Family Life and Parent EducationHDFS 440
CFS 460Directed Study in (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 460
CFS 480Practicum: Community PlacementHDFS 480
CFS 481Research in (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 481
CFS 485Special Topics in (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 485
CFS 490Practicum: ResearchHDFS 490
CFS 497Honors: (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 497

 

Old Prefix

& Number

Course TitleNew Prefix

& Number

CFS 210Human DevelopmentHDFS 210
CFS 211Development in Infancy and ChildhoodHDFS 211
CFS 213Development in Adolescence and AdulthoodHDFS 213
CFS 220Marriage and Family: Roles and RelationshipsHDFS 220
CFS 240Human SexualityHDFS 240
CFS 320Family InteractionHDFS 320
CFS 345Life DesignHDFS 345
CFS 360Family StressHDFS 360
CFS 385Diversity among Children and FamiliesHDFS 385
CFS 395Introduction to Research Methods and StatisticsHDFS 395
CFS 405Development of Professional SkillsHDFS 405
CFS 440Family Life and Parent EducationHDFS 440
CFS 460Directed Study in (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 460
CFS 480Practicum: Community PlacementHDFS 480
CFS 481Research in (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 481
CFS 485Special Topics in (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 485
CFS 490Practicum: ResearchHDFS 490
CFS 497Honors: (was CFS) (now HDFS)HDFS 497

 

 

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

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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.

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

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

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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 13th, 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

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

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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 equity and access issues in higher education.

Mary Dueñas

Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Just recently, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education named Dueñas “An Equity and Access Champion” in their January 18th, 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

Three Educational Psychology and Counseling Masters Students Selected for NBCC Fellowships

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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

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

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 Scout

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.

UT Researchers Receive Two Grants Totaling $790,000 to Research Food Insecurity on College Campuses and to Develop Food Security Certificate Program

UT Researchers Receive Two Grants Totaling $790,000 to Research Food Insecurity on College Campuses and to Develop Food Security Certificate Program

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UT Researchers Receive Two Grants Totaling $790,000 to Research Food Insecurity on College Campuses and to Develop Food Security Certificate Program

Junehee Kwon, professor and head of the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, leads two research teams with federal and private funding sources. One team received a $740,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a food security certificate program. Earlier, Kwon also led a team of UT researchers including Marsha Spence, Jacqueline Yenerall, and Tyler White to secure a $50,000 grant from the Danone Institute of North America (DINA) to learn more about food and nutrition insecurity on the UT campus.

Junehee Kwon, with Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, Faculty headshot taken in the Communications Studio on February 07, 2023. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee

With the USDA grant, Kwon will work with researchers from the University of South Carolina and Montana State University to increase food security education for college students, while finding practical solutions to food insecurity on their campuses. The team will develop food upcycling programs at the collaborating universities using UT’s food4VOLS as a model.

“We are very excited to receive both grants to conduct food security research and to develop an academic program to increase food security education in three universities,” Kwon stated. “The goal of the USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant is to develop a multidisciplinary certificate program across each campus. I am excited to work with the new College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies and faculty in related programs to build a food security certificate program at UT.”

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, roughly 33.8 million, or 10.2%, of Americans faced food insecurity in 2021. In the southeast, that number is even higher at 11.4%. However, those numbers pale when compared to the percentage of college students facing food insecurity on campus. For example, one study showed that one of three students on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus might be considered food insecure. A 2017 study reported that nationwide, 14-59% of college students were food insecure at one time during their college careers.

To help address rising food insecurity on the UT campus, the University of Tennessee Culinary Institute in RHTM developed food4VOLS, to repurpose unused food into heat-and-serve meals to increase students’ access to food as well as to reduce food waste on campus. In 2022, food4VOLS recovered nearly 120,000 pounds of food from food service establishments on campus.

In a distribution partnership with the Big Orange Pantry, an average of 350 meals were distributed daily to UT students in 2022. However, when considering an enrollment of over 33,000 students, it’s estimated that 10,000 students on the UT campus may be food insecure. When you do the math, 350 meals per day is a far cry from the students in need of a nutritious meal.

Three Examples of food4VOLS Meals

“The USDA grant allows the team to establish food upcycling programs in the University of South Carolina and Montana State University campuses using food4VOLS as a model,” said Kwon. “We will use these food upcycling programs for an experiential learning course for the food security certificate program.”

While food collection and distribution data are well known, less is known about food4VOLS’ reach, its ability to lower food insecurity, or the dietary quality of the meals being consumed by students.

“The Danone Institute of North America grant allows us to learn more about food and nutrition insecurity on the UT campus,” Kwon explained. “We also plan to increase food access points on the UT campus.”

With the grant from the DINA, the UT research team is utilizing a transdisciplinary approach to ascertain motivators of and barriers to utilizing the on-campus food upcycling program while evaluating the diet quality of users of the on-campus food upcycling program. At the end of the project, the team is planning to communicate lessons learned from this project with other scholars at public colleges and universities in the Southeast region of the U.S. through a symposium and academic manuscripts.

Kwon is hopeful that the information gathered and programs established by these funded projects will help reduce food insecurity on college campuses. By finding innovative and sustainable solutions that may be adopted by other colleges and universities, soon we may have fewer students on campuses in need of a nutritious meal.

“It is exciting to work with dedicated team members, without whom these grants would not have been possible. I appreciate their contributions, and I am very excited to conduct the research and to develop programs to mitigate campus food insecurity.”

Two CEHHS Alums Selected to Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Two CEHHS Alums Selected to Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

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Two CEHHS Alums Selected to Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Andraya Carter and Jacques McClendon are the latest alumni from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) to join the UT Knoxville Alumni Volunteer 40 Under 40 class for 2024.  The Volunteer 40 under 40 recognizes alumni who have made incredible accomplishments in their careers as well as impacts in their communities, on campus, and with other alumni.

Carter graduated in 2017 with a Master of Science in Kinesiology. She joined ESPN as a game analyst, working primarily on SEC Network in 2018. Over the past four years, Carter has established herself as one of ESPN’s rising stars across the network’s comprehensive sports coverage. What was a part-time contract with approximately 40 assignments per year ballooned to 128 assignments in 2022. While continuing her role as a color analyst, 2022 featured expanded roles as a studio analyst, studio host, sideline reporter and sideline analyst (a hybrid role created for her) not only for Women’s College Basketball but also for the WNBA, NBA, and Men’s College Basketball across ESPN platforms, including ABC.

While there are many commentators who have countless assignments every year, the multitude of assignments and various roles is what sets Andraya apart. Andraya was also added as a studio analyst for the Brooklyn Nets pregame, halftime and postgame shows this NBA season. Andraya also had the honor of being an analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Draft alongside JJ Reddick, Jay Bilas and Malika Andrews.

As a member of the Rising Media Stars mentorship program, Andraya has committed to helping guide young aspiring women in sports. She often welcomes current student-athletes shadowing her on the road and is brought in by teams for media training. She has already formed long lasting connections and earned the respect of many. Andraya hosts coffee meet ups, dinners and zoom calls with aspiring sports broadcasters and sideline reporters. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Andraya put on outdoor PE classes for kids in the metro Atlanta area and over the past few years has visited different schools, organizations and team events to speak to young boys and girls about overcoming adversity, embracing being uncomfortable and being your authentic self.

Jacques McClendon received his Master of Science in Sport Management in 2010. He is in entering his seventh season with the Los Angeles Rams and serves as their Director of Football Affairs. McClendon serves as a key liaison between football and business operations for the organization and has multiple touchpoints throughout the organization.

Jacques McClendon

He also serves on the organizational leadership team. McClendon’s department is tasked with leading and aligning Player and Alumni Affairs and their integration within the overall organizational strategy. He assists the Scouting department with conducting interviews and evaluations during the draft process. Jacques is also involved in football staff talent recruitment efforts, with a specific focus on inclusion and diversity, leveraging his experience with the Rams scouting apprenticeship program as well as his advisory board role for the ID council.

Jacques serves as the Rams liaison for the Nunn Wooten and Bill Walsh Fellowship Program. Jacques serves on the Player Benefits, Bill Walsh, DEI and Legends steering committees with the NFL league office. He also serves as the club liaison with the NFLPA. In May 2022, McClendon graduated with his MBA from Brown University.

McClendon serves on the Chairman’s Forum for Unify Credit Union. He is also on the advisory board for the Black Sports Symposium which was created as an opportunity to create networking, professional development, and job opportunities for black sports professionals. McClendon also serves on the Knight Commission for Intercollegiate Athletics. In 2022, he was also selected to attend and participate in the Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum.

McClendon spent 7 years as an NFL player, which included time with the Colts, Jags and Dolphins. A four-year letterman at the University of Tennessee, McClendon was an Academic All-SEC choice and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and master’s degree in Sports Management from Tennessee.