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

2026 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

April 20, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

2026 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

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

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

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

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

Patrick Biddix

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suzanne Bryant

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

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

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

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

Kim Hall

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

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

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

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

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

Terri Hopkins

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

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

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

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

Emily McDonald

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

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

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

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

Suzanne Parham

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

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

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

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

Alesha Shumar

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

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

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

Antoinette Williams

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

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

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

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

Eliezer Castaneda

2026 EHOH Scholarship Recipient

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

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

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.

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.

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.

2025 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

August 28, 2025 by Rebekah Goode

2025 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

The Educators Hall of Honor Class of 2025 includes: Sarah DeYoung, Susan Espiritu, Marica Goldenstein, Bob Kesling, Charmaine Mamantov, Saundra McGuire, Sherry Morgan, David Royse, and Kirsten Salonga. Keep reading to learn about each inductee.

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

Sarah DeYoung

Sarah DeYoung attended Maryville College and had the honor of being selected co-chair of the All College Council which she co-chaired with the college president. Sarah graduated from Maryville College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received her master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee. Her career positions included Admissions Counselor and Financial Aide Counselor at Maryville College, and Financial Aide Director and Director of Academic Advising for the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee.

“Sarah’s leadership qualities made her an invaluable team member in the dean’s office. She was a natural leader and problem solver, always reliable and resourceful, extremely dedicated and hardworking. She always took the initiative to figure out what needed to be done with minimal guidance from me. For example, she developed procedures, protocols, and processes over the years for managing student services within the college and across departments. Those strategies ensured the smooth delivery of services to faculty in their advising roles to students, and to students, as recipients of that advising. I always valued her expertise and direction on student services processes. When I had to be away from the office, I depended on Sarah to step in and she always delivered ably.” — Delores E. Smith, Professor Emerita, UT Dept. of Child & Family Studies

Susan Espiritu

Susan Espiritu retired from Knox County Schools after 35 years as an educator where she taught multiple grades in both elementary and middle schools. She also served as an academic coach for classroom teachers and concluded her career serving 16 years in the assistant and principal positions in three local elementary schools where she was voted by her peers the National Principal of the Year for Tennessee in 2012.

From Laura Haun, close family member, “I have been fortunate to watch and learn from Susan Espiritu over the years as an educator in many different capacities. Her life and service to education have gone far beyond the awards and accolades that she has received.

For over four decades, I’ve been privileged to watch her dedication to using and developing innovative teaching methods that foster learning in students of diverse ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She has challenged other educators not to fall into complacency when things are going well but to continuously grow and continue to find new ways of imparting knowledge while creating a fun environment.

The impact she has made in education and so many other industries is the epitome of the multiplier effect, where her influence has multiplied far beyond the results that she achieved on her own. While many educators chose the profession as a direct result of her example, many professionals are better in other industries because she taught, led, and guided them. I successfully run a division of the largest privately owned media company in the US because of the tenacity, development mindset, and innovative characteristics I learned from her. I pursued and received my DBA in Organizational Management so I could educate high school and college students in the same manner that she did. Additionally, Kalea Derry, her youngest daughter, became a teacher and college counselor because of Susan’s example.”

Marcia Goldenstein

Marcia Goldenstein taught painting and drawing at the University of Tennessee from 1976 to 2013 and recently earned the position of Professor Emeritus. Throughout her career she received numerous research, travel and exhibition grants and awards and was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence in Advising Award in 2006. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Goldenstein exhibited throughout the Southeast and her home state of Nebraska. Her work is included in private and corporate collections all over the country.

Marcia received her B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Painting and Drawing from the University of Nebraska. She taught at the University of Tennessee School of Art for 36 years. She has been a visiting artist at the National Academy of Fine Arts, Bratislava, Slovakia; Sichuan University, Chengdu; Beihang University, Beijing; University of Texas, San Antonio; Arizona State University; University of Indianapolis; Tudor Hall, UK; College of the Ozarks; Knoxville Museum of Art; Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts, Wroclav, Poland, and many other schools and museums. She has an international exhibition record and is represented in numerous public and private collections in the US, Europe, and China.

In 2021 Professor Goldstein was awarded a Tennessee Arts Commission Fellowship.In 2016 she was named Outstanding Alumna at the University of Nebraska Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. She has also received numerous awards for her paintings.

She is currently Professor Emerita of Painting and Drawing at the University of Tennessee School of Art.

Bob Kesling

For more than 21 years, Bob Kesling has served as the “Voice of the Vols” and is a beloved figure representing the men’s UT basketball team and football program. To say he expertly educated listeners everywhere in the x’s and o’s of sports is an understatement.

He began his association with the University of Tennessee in 1972 as a walk-on fullback for the Vols, and his broadcasting career began in 1974 as a film editor for the Bill Battle Show. Bob served as John Ward’s spotter for Vol Network radio broadcasts in 1976, and from 1978-1999 he served as the voice for the Lady Vol basketball team.

Bob served as the basketball pre-game host and play-by-play announcer in 1989, and then in football broadcasts as a sideline reporter and play-by-play announcer in 1992. His other announcer credits include SEC football & basketball championship games, NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, as well as Tennessee baseball.

Bob has graciously served as our emcee for the Educators Hall of Honor induction ceremony for more than a decade and we thank him for his professionalism and dedication.

Charmaine Mamantov

Charmaine Mamantov is a chemist, published scientist, 89-year-old grandmother of nine (eight of them women in science), and University of Tennessee emerita faculty member. During her 44-year career, Charmaine embraced new technologies such as computer-based grading and the ever-present, SmartBoard.

Charmaine Bienvenu Mamantov came to Knoxville in 1961 with her late husband, Gleb. As his research partner, Charmaine had her name on several books, papers, and a patent. In 1976, she earned a UT doctorate in education, and taught freshman chemistry with tireless verve.

They visited Gatlinburg on their 1956 honeymoon and returned for Gleb’s appointment to the Department of Chemistry. They researched batteries and molten salt chemistry.

Charmaine graduated from Our Lady of Mercy girls’ Catholic high school in St. Martinville, Louisiana, and was the valedictorian in a class of twelve.

Along with teaching, the Mamantov legacy includes financial support: Charmaine has given to UT for more than 40 years, notably to the Department of Chemistry, which is looking to replace the aging Buehler Hall.

Saundra McGuire

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire is the Director Emerita of the Center for Academic Success and retired Assistant Vice Chancellor and Professor of Chemistry at LSU. Prior to joining LSU, she spent eleven years at Cornell University, where she received the coveted Clark Distinguished Teaching Award. She has delivered keynote addresses or presented workshops at over 400 institutions in 46 states and ten countries. Her book, Teach Students How to Learn: Strategies You Can Incorporate into Any Course to Improve Student Metacognition, Study Skills, and Motivation, was released in October 2015 and is a Stylus Publishing bestseller. The student version of this book, Teach Yourself How to Learn: Strategies You Can Use to Ace Any Course at Any Level, was released in January 2018.

The most recent of her honors include the 2017 American Chemical Society (ACS) Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students to Pursue Careers in the Chemical Sciences and induction into the LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction. She also received the 2015 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Lifetime Mentor Award and the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. She is an elected Fellow of the ACS, AAAS, and Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations. In November 2007 the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring was presented to her in a White House Oval Office Ceremony. Additionally, she has achieved Level Four Lifetime Learning Center Leadership Certification through the National College Learning Center Association.

She received her B.S. degree, magna cum laude, from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her master’s degree from Cornell, and her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received the Chancellor’s Citation for Exceptional Professional Promise. She is married to Dr. Stephen C. McGuire, a professor of physics at Southern University. They are the parents of Dr. Carla McGuire Davis and Dr. Stephanie McGuire, and the doting grandparents of Joshua, Ruth, Daniel, and Joseph Davis.

Sherry Morgan

Dr. Sherry Morgan is a native of East Tennessee. She is the daughter of a blue-collar father who proudly served his country as a tail gunner in World War II and a mother who raised three children in the Powell community of Knoxville.

Sherry always knew she wanted to attend the University of Tennessee. She arrived on the Hill in the fall of 1967 as the first in her immediate family to attend college. She enrolled in the College of Home Economics to pursue her dream of working in retail merchandising. That first fall at UT, a high school classmate who was also a freshman asked her out as his homecoming date. More than 50 years later, she and Charlie are still inseparable.

Sherry graduated from UT in 1971 and went to work for Millers Department Store. One of her first assignments was to help open the company’s anchor store at the new West Town Mall in 1972. After a few years of working in retail, which included weekends and evenings, Sherry realized that she and Charlie were ships passing in the night, so she made the decision to go back to school and get her master’s in Elementary Education. That decision changed Sherry’s life and subsequently the lives of thousands of students she would impact over her more than 30 years in education.

She began her career in education at Chilhowee Elementary School where she gained experience across a spectrum of grades from kindergarten to the 6th grade. Her passion to influence the lives of young people led to a desire to have a broader impact. So, she once again returned to UT to pursue her doctorate. This led to 26 years in educational administration including eight years as the Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville.

Throughout her career, Dr. Morgan was known as an innovator, unifier, and a champion for the educators she led and the students she served. Despite being retired for almost 15 years, Dr. Morgan continues to have a profound impact in the educational community and the Knoxville community at large. She has always embodied the Volunteer creed through her deeds and has dedicated her life’s work to giving light to others.

David Royse

Dr. David M. Royse has over thirty-nine years’ experience in the education field. He taught middle and high school band in the Kentucky public schools for five years, then spent ten years as a music education faculty member at Kansas State University, where he was a 1998 recipient of the William L. Stamey Undergraduate Teaching Award from the KSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Royse was hired at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2000, where he served as Coordinator of Music Education from 2002 until his retirement at the end of Fall Semester 2024. A frequent presenter at state and national conferences, he authored or co-authored articles in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Contributions to Music Education, Music Educators Journal, and Teacher Magazine.

He is a Past President for the Southern Chapter of the College Music Society. He was the recipient of a 2004 University of Tennessee Citation for Excellence in Advising and the 2012 University of Tennessee School of Music Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Royse is a 2022 inductee into the Tennessee Music Education Association Hall of Fame.

Kirsten Salonga

Kirsten Salonga graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in ecology and evolutionary biology, and a minor in secondary education. Among many other awards, she received the Brent and Rachel Trentham Endowed Scholarship in 2015.

Through the VolsTeach program, Kirsten was able to earn licensure to teach secondary science while completing her bachelor’s degree, and today she is an ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) Environmental Science & Biology teacher at Justice High School in Falls Church, Virginia.

Recently Kirsten received the American Field Service 2025 Educator of the Year Award and is serving as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair for the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.

In 2024, National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions selected Kirsten as one of 35 PreK-12 classroom and informal educators from across the continent to be part of their 16th cohort of Grosvenor Teacher Fellows. As a Fellow, she had the opportunity to embark on a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage, “Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness,” aboard one of Lindblad Expeditions’ state-of-the-art expedition vessels, National Geographic Quest. Throughout her voyage, Kirsten had hands-on, field-based educational and research opportunities, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that she will use to inform her curriculum and inspire her students to become environmental stewards.

Vols Teach Alum Selected as Global Educator of the Year

March 21, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Vols Teach Alum Selected as Global Educator of the Year

Kirsten Salonga, a 2017 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minor in Secondary Education through Vols Teach is the 2025 AFS-USA Global Educator of the Year. Solonga received the honor at the March AFS-USA Global Conference in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Each year, AFS-USA honors an exceptional global educator to recognize and celebrate the vital role educators play in fostering a more peaceful world. The selected educator demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating global engagement and intercultural learning into their daily instruction, embodying the knowledge, skills, and mindset of a globally competent educator. Through this annual recognition, AFS-USA aims to inspire more educators to incorporate cultural awareness and global perspectives into their classrooms, empowering students to become active global citizens.

Kirsten Salonga (second from left) With Her Award

Salonga, an English as a Second Language (ESL) Biology and Environmental Science teacher and Science Department Chair, is recognized for her outstanding commitment to integrating global perspectives into her teaching.

Recently, the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions selected Salonga as one of 35 PreK-12 classroom and informal educators from across the continent to be part of their 16th cohort of Grosvenor Teacher Fellows. As a Fellow, she had the opportunity to embark on a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage, “Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness,” aboard one of Lindblad Expeditions’ state-of-the-art expedition vessels, National Geographic Quest. You can read more about Salonga’s Alaska adventure here.

“We are honored to present this award to Ms. Salonga,” said Tara Hofmann, President and CEO of AFS-USA. “Through her innovative instruction, intercultural learning initiatives, and dedication to creating international opportunities for students, she exemplifies what AFS-USA strives to achieve—empowering educators to cultivate active global citizens.”

Recognizing Excellence in Global Education

The AFS-USA Global Educator Award celebrates educators nationwide who incorporate cultural diversity, global competence, and internationalized concepts into their teaching, inspiring students to become engaged global citizens.

Salonga Speaking to Attendees at AFS-USA Global Conference in Tysons Corner, Virginia

Salonga’s impact is widely recognized within her school community. Benjamin Slyngstad, a fellow Biology teacher at Justice High School, praised her “innovative approach to the curriculum” and her “vivacious commitment to a student population that is sadly overlooked.” He highlighted her contributions to Fairfax County Public Schools, including the development of diverse science resources and her passion for exposing students to global perspectives.

Former student Karen Rosicela Orozco Carreto also shared a heartfelt recommendation, stating, “What sets Ms. Salonga apart is her ability to combine her love for teaching with her dedication to making the world a better place. She not only teaches science but also instills in her students the importance of empathy, collaboration, and global citizenship. Her lessons go far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she teaches.”

Honoring an Inspirational Educator

As the 2025 Global Educator of the Year, Salonga attended the annual AFS-USA Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Program Workshop in March, held in Tysons Corner, Virginia. There, she will receive her award, engage with educators and AFS-USA volunteers from across the U.S. and abroad—including participants from Indonesia, Egypt, and Thailand—and further expand her network of global education leaders.

For more information on AFS-USA’s exchange programs, visit www.afsusa.org. To learn about the AFS-USA Global Educator Award and the nomination process, visit www.afsusa.org/educators/global-awards.

Mark Finchum Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Mark Finchum Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Mark Finchum’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, followed by a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, and ultimately achieved a Ph.D. in Social Studies Education, all from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Throughout his 33-year tenure as a social studies educator, he consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching and unwavering dedication to his craft. He has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Middle School Teacher of the Year and the Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award in Jefferson County. Mark’s contributions to the field were further acknowledged with prestigious honors such as the American History Teacher of the Year from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Finchum’s impact extends beyond the classroom and his involvement reflects his commitment to community engagement and historical preservation. His involvement includes: the Jefferson County Historical Society, Tennessee Geographic Alliance, the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association, and the East Tennessee Historical Society. He has served as the Past President and current Executive Director of the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies (TCSS), demonstrating his commitment to advancing social studies education statewide. Mark’s leadership extends to the national level as well, where he served as a board member for the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and chairs the NCSS Indigenous Education Community.

Finchum, along with his wife Sherry, co-founded Indian Creek Productions, Inc., which hosts the annual Spirit of Nations Powwow at Jefferson County High School, and conducts workshops for teachers’ professional development.

Other professional accomplishments include various consultative roles, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to advancing educational resources. His contributions to projects with organizations such as the Library of Congress, PBS News Hour, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Museum, Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, and various textbook publishers reflect his dedication to enhancing educational materials and experiences for students nationwide.

Denise Dean Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Denise Dean Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

Denise Dean’s love for children is what led her to start the East Tennessee Freedom Schools where she is the Executive Director. ETFS delivers the Children’s Defense Funds’ Freedom Schools® program that helps children fall in love with reading and engage in social and civic action. They operate three sites, two in Knox County and one in Blount County. She is proud to offer a program that makes a difference and where communities of children and families can learn, love and flourish.

In 2003 Denise left IBM as an executive where she led and worked in the areas of sales, management training, executive coaching, and Organization Development. She left to become an elementary school teacher. She spent her first year of teaching with 5th-grade students in San Jose, CA. In subsequent moves she delivered programs and tutored children at elementary schools in Bethel, Connecticut, Dubai, U.A.E., and here in Knoxville, TN.

Denise’s IBM career, teacher training, and life experience have prepared her well for her current journey. Making the CDF Freedom Schools® program available to children in neighborhoods across East Tennessee is how she will leverage her experience to make a positive difference.

In addition to running ETFS, Denise serves on the boards of Muse Knoxville, the East Tennessee Foundation, the Community Building Institute, and Harmony Family Center.

Denise has a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College, a Masters in Organization Development from American University, and a Teaching Credential from San Jose State University.

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