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Home » Recognition

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

May 6, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

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

Karen Boyd (ELPS)

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

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

Mary Dueñas (ELPS)

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

Lauren Irwin (ELPS)

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

Robert Kelchen (ELPS)

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

Lyndsey Hornbuckle (KRSS)

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

Youn-Kyung (Lydia) Kim (RHTM)

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

Junehee Kwon (RHTM)

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

Joshua Rosenberg (TPTE)

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

Michael Skyer (TPTE)

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

Filed Under: CEHHS, Departments, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sports Studies, Recognition, Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, Uncategorized

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

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

Side view profile shot of Michael Skyer. He has light skin and dark hair and beard. He is wearing classes and is communicating via American Sign Langugage
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.”

Filed Under: CEHHS, Departments, Featured, Informative, Recognition, Theory and Practice in Teacher Education, Uncategorized

Vols Teach Alum Selected as Global Educator of the Year

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.

Filed Under: Alumni, CEHHS, Events, Featured, Graduate, Informative, Meeting, Recognition, Theory and Practice in Teacher Education

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

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

Filed Under: CEHHS, Featured, Informative, Recognition, Theory and Practice in Teacher Education

Irwin Recognized as Emerging Professional by ACPA

Irwin Recognized as Emerging Professional by ACPA

March 5, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Irwin Recognized as Emerging Professional by ACPA

Lauren Irwin

At its recent convention in Long Beach, California, College Student Educators International (ACPA) recognized Lauren Irwin with the Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professionals Award. This prestigious award honors exemplary educators in the early stages of their careers. Irwin was one of five early-career professionals recognized for their contributions to the field.
Irwin, an assistant professor in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS), is a long-time ACPA member and was deeply honored to receive the award.

“ACPA has long been my professional home in student affairs, and it means a lot to receive this recognition,” said Irwin. “The Annuit Coeptis award is ultimately about community and discussion to support the future of our field. As a former student affairs administrator and early-career faculty member, I am honored to be part of this prestigious multigenerational community and to have the opportunity to learn from and with some of the brightest minds in our field.”

Irwin primarily teaches in the College Student Personnel and Higher Education Administration programs. Her research informs student affairs practice, aiming to enhance and affirm the success of both students and practitioners. Her doctoral dissertation, which examined racialization and whiteness in college student leadership programs, earned ACPA’s Marylu McEwen Dissertation of the Year Award. Additionally, her research has been published in numerous scholarly journals.

“I hope to continue centering my commitment to student learning, equity, and inclusion through my teaching, research, and service,” Irwin said.
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

Filed Under: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Meeting, Recognition

Romero-Hall Recognized by Canadian Social Knowledge Institute

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.

Enilda Romero-Hall

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: CEHHS, Featured, Recognition, Theory and Practice in Teacher Education

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

March 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

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

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

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

Natalie Welch

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

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

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

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

Welch Speaking to a Group of Youth in Seattle

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: CEHHS, Departments, Informative, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sports Studies, Recognition

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

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

January 31, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

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

Mary Dueñas is passionate about student success, especially among underrepresented and marginalized student populations. Because of her passion for students to thrive in a higher education environment, she dedicates a large portion of her scholarship research to examine equity and access issues in higher education.

Mary Dueñas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: CEHHS, Departments, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Informative, Recognition

Three Educational Psychology and Counseling Masters Students Selected for NBCC Fellowships

Three Educational Psychology and Counseling Masters Students Selected for NBCC Fellowships

January 29, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Three Educational Psychology and Counseling Masters Students Selected for NBCC Fellowships

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

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

Meet the NBCC MFP Fellows

Abby Gomez

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

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

 

Tyler Ricks

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

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

 

Ulika Scout

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

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

A Program for Professional and Personal Development

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: CEHHS, Departments, Educational Psychology and Counseling, Informative, Recognition

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

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

January 22, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jacques McClendon

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: CEHHS, Departments, Informative, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sports Studies, Recognition

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