Departments Archives - College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

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

February 5, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

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

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

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

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

Kelchen Once Again Named Top Scholar Influencer

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

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

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

RHTM Students Make Couple’s Dream Come True

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.

Crouter Named Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology

September 18, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Crouter Named Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology

Scott Crouter, professor of exercise physiology in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Science (KRSS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK). He was inducted along with 10 U.S. and two international scholars during the Academy’s annual awards banquet and ceremony, held in September in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Scott Crouter standing and holding fellowship certificate — Scott Crouter (center) at NAK Induction in Pittsburgh,PA

“Being inducted as a Fellow of NAK—and knowing there are only about 200 active members—is the highest honor,” said Crouter. “Unlike other awards that focus on a single area of work, NAK fellowship recognizes the cumulative impact of a career in teaching and research. I am proud to continue the legacy established by past Fellows and hope we can mentor future faculty toward this great honor.”

Crouter is the third KRSS faculty member to be named a Fellow in as many years, following Songning Zhang in 2024 and department head Zan Gao in 2023.

“The induction of three KRSS faculty members—Drs. Zan Gao, Songning Zhang, and Scott Crouter—as active Fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology in three consecutive years is a powerful testament to the department’s academic distinction,” said Gao. “This prestigious recognition underscores the national influence of our faculty’s research and the collaborative culture that drives innovation, creativity, and scientific progress. KRSS proudly continues its tradition of representation in the Academy, following in the footsteps of esteemed former faculty such as Drs. Edward Howley, David Bassett, Craig Wrisberg, and Dixie Thompson. This ongoing recognition affirms KRSS’s standing as a national and global leader in advancing health, human performance, and education through research.”

NAK President Monica A.F. Lounsbery also welcomed Crouter to the Academy. “His leadership and scholarship exemplify the qualities we seek in Fellows—advancing knowledge, mentoring the next generation, and strengthening the future of kinesiology,” she said.

Crouter’s research focuses on the use of wearable devices to measure and promote physical activity. By collecting metabolic data and raw signals from research-grade devices, he develops algorithms that improve the accuracy of physical activity assessments. In short, his work helps make the wearable devices many people use every day more precise in guiding healthier lifestyles. Find out more about Crouter’s research here.

At UT, Crouter directs the Applied Physiology Laboratory and the Physical Activity Assessment Laboratory. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, a founding editorial board member and associate editor of the Journal for the Measurement of Physical Behaviour, and an associate editor for Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

RHTM Hosts Big Orange Hospitality Day

September 15, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

RHTM Hosts Big Orange Hospitality Day

Inaugural Event Connects Students, Teachers, and Advisors with Industry Leaders

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted its inaugural Big Orange Hospitality Day in partnership with Tennessee DECA and FBLA. The event welcomed 128 high school students and 17 teachers/advisors from across the state to explore dynamic career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The day-long program immersed students in the field through interactive activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and networking with industry professionals. More than 26 hospitality and tourism partners contributed by sharing career pathways during the networking session, hosting business tours, and providing door prizes and swag bag items for students and teachers.

RHTM Department Head, Junehee Kwon Welcomes Attendees

Highlights included exclusive tours of downtown Knoxville landmarks such as the Tennessean Hotel, Tennessee Theatre, Sunsphere Visitors Center, Hyatt Place, Maple Hall, and the Marriott Maker Space with Dogwood Arts. Students learned about each property’s operations and gained firsthand exposure to environments where hospitality professionals build their careers. The event concluded with a celebratory lunch at Covenant Health Park, generously sponsored by The 9 Group: A Knoxville Family of Hotels.

Christopher Kelley, senior coordinator of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and event organizer, emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“This event was only possible thanks to the generous support of the hospitality industry, who gave their time and showcased their passion to inspire the next generation,” Kelley said. “Our department is committed to fostering curiosity in this career field in order to serve the industry.”

Big Orange Hospitality Day reflects UT’s commitment to an unparalleled student experience and to preparing future leaders in hospitality and tourism. By connecting students with professionals and offering hands-on experiences, the event aimed to spark interest in UT’s undergraduate HTM major.

Department head Junehee Kwon opened with a question, “Who wants to work with happy people?” underscoring the excitement of a people-centered industry.

“A major in HTM includes exceptional hands-on experiences, from our Blissful Wish Wedding project to behind-the-scenes work with the Big Ears Music Festival,” Kwon said. “Our students also graduate with a built-in business minor and personalized advising dedicated to their success.”

The event was spearheaded by the RHTM Department with major contributions from the UT Conference Center, which hosted the opening session; The 9 Group, which sponsored lunch; and planning committee members Zach Buchanan (Tennessee DECA/FBLA), Angie Wilson (UT Enrollment Management), Jill Thompson (Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association & RHTM Advisory Board), Martha Axford (ABC Design & RHTM Advisory Board), and Monica Armstrong (Visit Knoxville).

If you want to learn more about UT’s Hospitality and Tourism Management major, visit our website, or contact HTM Senior Coordinator Christopher Kelley at ckelle15@utk.edu.

You can also view a photo gallery of the event here.

Dzikus Awarded Grant to Study Survivor Perspectives

August 26, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Dzikus Awarded Grant to Study Survivor Perspectives

For many, sports offer valuable life lessons in self-improvement and teamwork. For others—especially survivors of sexual violence—their experiences in sport may leave lasting scars. This raises a critical question: how do institutions support survivors, if at all?

That is the question Lars Dzikus and a team of researchers from several American universities are working to answer in a new study funded by the Center for Institutional Courage. Their project, Institutional Courage and Betrayal in SportsWorld: Survivor Perspectives, explores how sports organizations can either support survivors’ healing or deepen their harm.

Lars Dzikus

“Institutions like universities and sports clubs play a crucial role in both preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors,” said Dzikus. “Researchers like Jennifer Freyd have shown how institutions can either exacerbate or reduce harm through betrayal trauma, institutional betrayal, and institutional courage. We are extending this work to sport organizations. Given how deeply athletes, coaches, and fans identify with their teams, survivors of sexual violence in sport may feel even more devastated when their organizations fail to support them.”

Dzikus, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies (KRSS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has focused much of his research on the intersection of sport and violence, including sexual abuse in youth sports. Through this study, he and his colleagues aim to better understand survivors’ lived experiences and how institutions’ actions—or inactions—shape them.

The research aligns with the mission of the Center for Institutional Courage, which seeks to hold institutions accountable and encourage more effective, compassionate responses. Dzikus’s study is one of just 11 grants awarded nationwide. The Center’s president and founder, Jennifer Freyd, is a leading advocate for institutional courage.

“The Institutional Courage Research Grant Program began with a bold vision: to catalyze research into institutional betrayal and institutional courage that could change how organizations understand and respond to harm,” said Freyd. “With 44 grants awarded and approximately $200,000 in funding distributed, we are seeing the early fruits of that investment. This is just the beginning. We’re building a global community of scholars whose work is not only expanding the field, but shaping policy, practice, and public awareness. We’re especially proud of the growing body of peer-reviewed publications emerging from these efforts—tangible evidence of the long-term change these grants are making possible.”

For Dzikus and his team, the stakes are clear: when institutions support survivors, they can aid healing; when they betray survivors, the harm can last a lifetime.

“The findings of our study can deepen our understanding of institutional betrayal and courage by examining the role of identification with an organization,” Dzikus explained. “For sport institutions, we want to inform practices that create safer, more supportive environments.”

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

May 6, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is proud to recognize several faculty members for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Let’s celebrate their success!

Karen Boyd (ELPS)

Boyd received the prestigious Raymond H. Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award from the Association for Student Conduct Administration. With a long history of impactful leadership in student conduct and higher education, Boyd’s contributions continue to inspire and shape the field. Read more about this esteemed acknowledgement.

Leia Cain (ELPS)
Cain received the Tammy K. Renalds LGBT+ Communities Advocate Award at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet in April. She collaborates with campus partners to develop inclusive initiatives that support the success and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff within higher education.

Mary Dueñas (ELPS)

Dueñas is the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award, to be presented at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 15. She was nominated by mentee Abraham Cervantes, who shared,
“Without her encouragement and affirmation, I am certain I would not be here today. Dr. Dueñas’s mentorship has been a lifeline—guiding me through moments of self-doubt and helping me see the importance of my voice, my story, and my place in this field. Because of her, I am not just surviving in this program; I am thriving. She has given me a vision for my future that I never thought possible, and for that, I am eternally thankful.”

Lauren Irwin (ELPS)

Irwin was named as a recipient of the Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professionals Award at the College Student Educators International (ACPA) conference in Long Beach, California, earlier this year. This prestigious award honors exemplary educators in the early stages of their careers. Irwin was one of five early-career professionals recognized for their contributions to the field.

Robert Kelchen (ELPS)

Kelchen was recognized for Research and Creative Achievement at the recent Academic Honors Banquet hosted by the Office of the Provost. Earlier this year, Education Week once again named him a Top Scholar Influencer. He also serves as associate editor of Research in Higher Education, data editor for Washington Monthly magazine’s college guide and rankings, and was the 2023 recipient of the Excellence in Public Policy in Higher Education Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education’s Council on Public Policy.

Lyndsey Hornbuckle (KRSS)

Hornbuckle was honored with the “Heart and Soul Award” at the final Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year, recognizing her compassion, service, and collaborative leadership. A dedicated mentor, she is known for her unwavering commitment to student success. For the past two years, she has served as a faculty fellow in the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach, helping to advance equity, respect, and community care across the greater Knoxville area.

Youn-Kyung (Lydia) Kim (RHTM)

Kim is ranked #2 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, among top researchers in Business and Management, according to Research.com. Nationally, she is ranked #441 among her peers in the United States. Learn more about Kim’s exceptional research and scholarly work.

Junehee Kwon (RHTM)

In May, Kwon received the 2025 Pauly Award from the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association, being honored as Industry Educator of the Year. This recognition follows a series of milestones for RHTM, including HTM program accreditation and the department’s first “Blissful Wish Wedding.” Additionally, students Kylie Nayakwadi and Grace Keffer were awarded scholarships from the association.

Joshua Rosenberg (TPTE)

Rosenberg has been named the Haslam Endowed Professor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in educational data science research and program development. He has an exceptional record of research publications and has secured over $10 million in research funding. Rosenberg initiated data science programs and led the hiring of a cluster of faculty to support and expand the initiative. The five-year professorship includes an endowment to support his ongoing work. Learn more about Rosenberg’s groundbreaking research in data science.

Michael Skyer (TPTE)

Skyer has been awarded the Dr. Jon Henner Memorial Early Career Award by the Association of College Educators–Deaf & Hard of Hearing, recognizing his impactful teaching and research just a few years into his career. Since joining UT in 2022, Skyer has published over 25 works, mentored doctoral students, and led groundbreaking work in Deaf aesthetics—a design philosophy that reimagines education for Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing learners with equity at the center. Learn more about his work and impact in an article by CEHHS Student Reporter, Carly Utterback.

Michael Skyer Awarded with the Dr. Jon Henner Memorial Early Career Award by the Association of College Educators – Deaf & Hard of Hearing

April 28, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Michael Skyer Awarded with the Dr. Jon Henner Memorial Early Career Award by the Association of College Educators – Deaf & Hard of Hearing

By Carly Utterback, CEHHS Student Reporter, Class of 2025

Our very own Michael Skyer, assistant professor of deaf studies and deaf education in the department of Theory & Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE), has received an award for showing an early record of a promising career in both teaching and research in deaf education within five years of obtaining his doctoral degree.

He has been with UT since August 2022 after graduating from the University of Rochester in 2021 with a Doctor of Philosophy degree. He has had over 25 publications listed on Google Scholar since then. His contributions to the TPTE/Deaf Studies team have been recognized by this award.

The Association of College Educators – Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ACE-DHH) presented this award to Skyer at their annual conference in Washington, DC on Feb. 1, 2025.

Skyer says that Henner taught him a lot about writing with clarity and expression.

“That is one of the most important things that I’ve taken away from my friendship and collegial working relationship with Jon. Because this is not just an award, but a named early career

Michael Skyer

award, I want to recognize and uplift Jon’s legacy in our research field. May he forever rest in power,” said Skyer.

He said also expressed his gratitude toward the ACE-DHH awards committee, for their commitment and nomination. His colleagues, national and international, such as his research mentors and even graduate students sent in letters of support to the directors.

“This award is a recognition by my colleagues of my abilities. This signifies their endorsement of my research agenda primarily, but also their support of me as a person whose ideas matter,” said Skyer.

The Dr. Jon Henner Memorial Early Career Award by ACE-DHH is an incredible accomplishment and testament to the hard work Skyer is putting into his research.

The design of teaching methods has made an appearance in Skyer’s previous publications. In Applied deaf aesthetics towards transforming deaf higher education Skyer focused on the changes that need to be made in classrooms to benefit those who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing.

This design is called “deaf aesthetics,” which creates a more compatible learning experience created specifically for those who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing. Deaf aesthetics also happens to be more accessible for non-deaf students. Skyer’s work is intended to benefit marginalized deaf learners understand curricula in an equitable manner.

The University of Tennessee has started adapting these designs and Skyer is leading the charge.

“I believe this is one of the most important aspects of how we approach thinking and action within deaf higher education contexts,” said Skyer.

He said it is not enough to just talk about ethics and equity but to embody them physically and conceptually. The development of curricular frameworks and day to day materialization of these aesthetics is a tangible change towards his approach. The conceptual side is building paths away from audism and ableism in all aspects of education.

Skyer oversees a research team consisting of four other faculty including the director of the Council on Education of the Deaf and former masters/doctoral committee advisors. They are working to formalize their approach towards the integration of deaf aesthetics.

This year Skyer said he is most excited about enriching his working relationships both national and international. He is also excited to continue to develop “the empirical arm of [his] study about queerness in deaf communities.”

Since August of 2022, he has brought in one PhD student and has become the dissertation chair for three of UT’s doctoral students. He is also a member of two other dissertation committees at UT as well as two outside of UT. Skyer says most of his doctoral students are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), queer, or disabled like himself.

As of right now Skyer has a book under contract on Vygotskian deaf pedagogy theory in addition to four other working book proposals. He recently had a poster session with American Educational Research Association (AERA) where he presented about curriculum and deaf education.

His favorite topics of research are the ethical, cognitive, and sociopolitical aspects of art and design in teaching. “This is the wellspring I shall drink from all my life,” said Skyer.

Throughout his own learning career many mentors supported him in pursuit of a doctorate degree. But his strive for higher education came from his mom more than anything. She is a deaf woman with several advanced learning degrees and was a college instructor and counselor for 40 years.

He shared a memory from childhood of him thinking, “That is the peak… that’s the pinnacle… that’s the goal—become a college or university instructor.”

Skyer remarked that his experience at UT has been “tremendous” and that his is “dedicated to supporting an approach to resolving the deep problems of deaf education, that is equally pragmatic and critical. UT gives me wings and space to fly.”