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

Celebrating 2025 CEHHS Top Grads

May 12, 2025 by Rebekah Goode

Celebrating 2025 CEHHS Top Grads

As commencement season unfolds, the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences proudly honors our graduating students with the highest cumulative GPAs. These exceptional Vols have demonstrated outstanding dedication and academic excellence throughout their time on Rocky Top.

Scroll down to learn more about the incredible achievements of our Top Grads from the Class of 2025!

Congratulations, Vols! We can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll do next.

Allyssa Boring

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences, Community Outreach

What You’ve Loved Most: The faculty is phenomenal. They have always been so kind and supportive, not to mention their amazing teaching skills!

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Don’t worry too much about finding the “right path.” It will find you!

Next Steps: I am starting my master’s program here at UT in June. I will be completing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling over the next two years and will then go through the process to become a therapist.

Kaylee Burnett

Hometown: Mableton, GA

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences, Community Outreach

What You’ve Loved Most: I love all of the opportunities that I was pushed to try like a practicum, a new language, and senior thesis.

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Say “yes” to everything while you can and soak in every moment!

Next Steps: I’ll be doing therapeutic recreation as a life enrichment assistant at a skilled nursing facility!

Emma Butler

Hometown: Medina, TN

Major: Nutrition, Dietetics

What You’ve Loved Most: The Nutrition program here is so caring and supportive. All of the professors I had wanted me to excel within the program and in my professional development. In addition, my cohort was small, so I became friends with everyone. We all lift each other up and want each other to succeed.

Next Steps: Once I graduate, I am continuing my education at the University of Tennessee to obtain my master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Kennedy Click

Hometown: Greeneville, TN

Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology, Minor in Business Administration

What You’ve Loved Most: The AUSP major provides so many opportunities to try new things and meet new people! I have loved learning sign language, serving at Camp Koinonia, and building genuine friendships within my cohort!

Favorite UT Tradition: I love so many of UT’s traditions, but I had so much fun roasting s’mores at the Torchbearer to celebrate graduating!

Next Steps: I am pursuing my doctorate degree in audiology at UTHSC in the fall!

Katherine Cofer

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Major: Elementary Education

What You’ve Loved Most: All of my professors were incredibly supportive and deeply committed to equipping us with the skills and knowledge to become exceptional educators for our future students.

Next Steps: I will be a 2nd grade teacher at Sequoyah Elementary School this upcoming school year!

Molly Coleman

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences, Community Outreach

What You’ve Loved Most: I love my program because of the amazing professors, supportive peers, and the strong sense of community. I am so grateful for everything I have learned and all the experiences that have helped me grow!

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Take care of your mental health and take advantage of every opportunity to learn.

Next Steps: I am completing a Child Life Practicum at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, during Summer 2025!

Adalea Davis

Hometown: Robbins, TN

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences, Early Childhood Education

What You’ve Loved Most: I think the best part of CEHHS is the professors! Every CEHHS professor I’ve had has been so kind and willing to provide any support needed! The literacy studies professors have provided me with over three years of research assistant experience, and my early childhood education professors have guided my growth as a future teacher.

Favorite UT Tradition: I love football gamedays! The outfits, Italian ice, and school spirit are so fun!

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Try everything! You’re only 20 in college once.

Next Steps: I’m attending the University of Michigan for a master’s degree in elementary education!

Skylar Fromm

Hometown: Dalton, GA

Major: Therapeutic Recreation

What You’ve Loved Most: The Therapeutic Recreation program at UT helped me discover my passion for helping others and making a difference in their lives. Through internships and my experience at Camp Koinonia, I gained hands-on experience working with individuals with disabilities, which made a huge impact on me. I am so grateful for how this program made my time at UT exciting, meaningful, and truly special.

Favorite UT Tradition: My favorite UT tradition is the iconic checkerboard Neyland. There’s nothing like seeing the stadium decked out in orange and white and feeling the energy of the crowd. I especially love when the stadium gets “Neyland loud.” It’s a sound and feeling you can’t explain unless you’ve experienced it. That roar, that passion—there’s nothing like it, and it makes being a Vol unforgettable.

Next Steps: I will be attending the University of Tennessee this fall to pursue my master’s degree in Sports Management. I’m excited to continue my education on Rocky Top and take the next step toward a career in the sports industry.

Abbie Hadener

Hometown: Boynton Beach, FL

Major: Nutrition, Dietetics

What You’ve Loved Most: I really love all the hands-on learning opportunities that the dietetics concentration provides us with. It has been amazing getting to practice the skills we learn with standardized patients in our practicum classes!

Favorite UT Tradition: My favorite tradition at UT is the checker Neyland game!

Next Steps: I will be attending the Masters of Nursing program at Vanderbilt University!

Jessica Herbert

Hometown: Canton, GA

Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology

What You’ve Loved Most: I love how united the faculty is in my program. I appreciate how they all collaborate together to ensure the students’ understanding of the content.

Next Steps: I will be attending the University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center to obtain my Doctorate in Audiology in the fall. I have been offered and have accepted the most prestigious graduate assistantship the program offers.

Sidney Keck

Hometown: Dandridge, TN

Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology

What You’ve Loved Most: One of my favorite aspects of my experience in the Audiology and Speech Pathology program has been the incredible relationships I’ve built during my final year of undergrad. My professors and classmates have made this year truly unforgettable, and this program gave me some of my best friends!

Favorite UT Tradition: My favorite UT tradition is checkering Neyland each year for big football games.

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Soak in every moment. These last four years have went by so fast, so be present and enjoy each moment while you’re in it!

Next Steps: I am attending the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to pursue a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

One Last Thing: I’m incredibly grateful to God for blessing me with an unforgettable four years and an amazing support system—especially my family and friends who have supported me every step of the way.

Grace Kilgore

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Major: Nutrition, Community Nutrition

What You’ve Loved Most: The opportunities through this program have been so special. I loved working with Nourish Moves for my practicum and going to the farmers market each week! But most importantly, what I have loved most about UT has been the people I have met here. The Volunteer pride and spirit in this community is incredible.

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Say “yes” to everything! And it is never to late to be more intentional with your time and relationships.

Next Steps: I am taking a gap year before pursuing medical school!

Molly Kate Merryman

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN

Major: Elementary Education

What You’ve Loved Most: I have gained many valuable experiences through my placements at schools across Knoxville, which have prepared me to be an elementary school teacher!

Favorite UT Tradition: I have loved spending Saturdays in the fall cheering on the Vols in Neyland Stadium! There is nothing quite like the atmosphere and fans here!

Next Steps: Next year, I will attend grad school at UT while student teaching at an elementary school in Knoxville.

Isabella Reynolds

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN

Major: Deaf Studies, Educational Interpreting

What You’ve Loved Most: Getting involved with the campus and Knoxville community! My program encourages us to attend local events and volunteer regularly, which has been very rewarding. I’ve loved the student organizations and events on campus where I’ve met so many wonderful people. The frequent free food is also a bonus!

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Go out and try new things. I know it may be scary, but all those anxious moments will pay off with fond memories and lasting connections.

Maxwell Riester

Hometown: Waynesville, NC

Major: Kinesiology

What You’ve Loved Most: I love UT because of its strong sense of community and family-like environment. From the moment I toured campus as an incoming freshman, I felt welcomed and supported. Since then, I have made incredible memories and built friendships that will last a lifetime.

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Have fun! It can be easy to get caught up in exams and deadlines, but spending time with friends and enjoying life outside of academics is just as important. The last four years have gone by insanely fast, so make the most of the time you have here!

Next Steps: I will be attending the Quillen College of Medicine at ETSU.

Delaney Stone

Hometown: Cleveland, TN

Major: Audiology and Speech Pathology, Minor in American Sign Language

What You’ve Loved Most: What I love most about my program is the relationships I have made with my cohort and professors. I love how close knit we all are, and they make everyday enjoyable! The +1 year is not without its challenges, but it has been so much fun and I’ve loved every minute!

Favorite UT Tradition: My favorite UT tradition is the Band march at every UT football game. I love to cheer on the band and high-five Smokey with my family before we enter the game!

Next Steps: I will be pursuing my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Abigail Welden

Hometown: Anderson County, TN

Major: Elementary Education

What You’ve Loved Most: I love the internship experience in CEHHS most! Interning during my senior year allowed me to learn from hands on experience and meet so many wonderful students!

Favorite UT Tradition: My favorite UT tradition is painting the rock!

Alexis Wirth

Hometown: Peoria, IL

Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management

What You’ve Loved Most: I really like a lot of the HTM faculty.

Advice You’d Give to your Freshman Self: Keep going. Beautiful days and memories that you can only imagine right now are ahead of you.

Not Pictured:

Sydney Brooks
Major: Sport Management

Kaylie Emitt
Major: Elementary Education

Madison Fritts
Major: Elementary Education

Kate McCarville
Major: Therapeutic Recreation

Michayla Mears
Major: Nutrition, Dietetics

Charlotte Nance
Major: Education, Secondary Social Science

Anna O’Guin
Major: Elementary Education

Caroline Podvin
Major: Nutrition, Biomedical Nutrition Science

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.”

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.

University of Tennessee Earns “Exceeds Expectations” Ranking on Tennessee Educator Preparation Report Card

March 20, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

University of Tennessee Earns “Exceeds Expectations” Ranking on Tennessee Educator Preparation Report Card

Knoxville, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) proudly announces its recognition as an “Exceeds Expectations” institution on the latest Tennessee Educator Preparation Report Card. UT is one of only 10 institutions state-wide to achieve this top-tier ranking and is one of just two public institutions in Tennessee to earn this distinction.

Issued annually by the Tennessee State Board of Education, the report card evaluates educator preparation programs based on criteria such as teacher effectiveness and employment outcomes. UT’s designation as an “Exceeds Expectations” institution highlights its dedication to producing well-equipped, highly effective teachers who meet the evolving needs of Tennessee’s students.

UT is particularly proud of key metrics demonstrating increased enrollment in its educator preparation programs, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing the statewide teacher shortage. Additionally, teachers and school leaders prepared by UT persist and are retained in the classroom at rates higher than the state average, reinforcing the strength of UT’s programs in supporting long-term success in the teaching profession.

“With a 90% teacher retention rate after three years, this achievement reflects UT’s strong commitment to preparing and supporting educators for long-term success,” said David Cihak, CEHHS associate dean of professional educator programs and director of the Bailey Graduate School of Education. “We are grateful to our dedicated school partners for their invaluable role in preparing the next generation of teachers.”

Partnering with Educator Preparation Programs like UT’s is critical for Knox County Schools. “Partnering with UT allows KCS to provide a clear, affordable and well supported pathway to teaching to anyone in East Tennessee,” said Alex Moseman, executive director of talent acquisition for KCS.

The University of Tennessee remains committed to fostering innovative teaching methods, strengthening partnerships with school districts, and continuing to set a high standard for educator preparation in the state.

Through its seven departments and 13 centers, the UT College of Education, Health and Human Sciences enhances the quality of life for all through research, outreach, and practice. Find out more at cehhs.utk.edu

Hill Named Visiting Scholar at North Carolina Central University

October 22, 2024 by Douglas Edlund

Hill Named Visiting Scholar at North Carolina Central University

Portrait photo of Kimberly Hill. She has dark skin and dark hair. She is wearing a red suit and is smiling in the photo — **Kimberly R. Hill**

Kimberly Hill, Community Outreach Coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is joining North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as a Visiting Scholar. During her time at NCCU, Hill will focus on advancing the University’s Community Engagement Initiatives, working to strengthen collaborations with local communities.

With extensive experience in community engagement and social impact, Hill is dedicated to developing inclusive programs that empower marginalized populations. As director of Project Excellence at CEHHS, Hill works with high school students ensure that they understand UT has a place for them and a reason for being there. At NCCU, her expertise will be instrumental in enhancing the university’s commitment to community service and academic engagement.

During her tenure, Hill will develop events, workshops and public discussions, inviting students, faculty, and community members to participate in meaningful dialogue about effective community engagement practices.

NCCU is looking forward to the positive impact of Hill’s work on the campus and in the surrounding community. For more information on her initiatives and upcoming events, please visit nccu.edu.

In addition, Hill, and fellow Educational Leadership and Policy Studies faculty member, Brandon Kliewer, will join the Leadership for Public Purpose leadership team as part of the Carnegie Classification initiative at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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.

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

April 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Jimmy Cheek Inducted into Educators Hall of Honor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

April 4, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 24, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

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.

“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.”