Chara Hess Rand Recognized As Field Award Recipient

March 4, 2026 by Jonah Hall

Chara Hess Rand Recognized As Field Award Recipient

Ms. Chara Hess Rand, Principal at Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School in the Metro Nashville Public Schools, has been named as the recipient of the William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in School Principalship for the State of Tennessee in the Secondary Division.

The Field Award was established to recognize school leaders who demonstrate leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies within the College of Education, health, & Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee secondary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages secondary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.

After serving as an Assistant Principal in the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for four years, Ms. Chara Hess Rand was appointed the executive principal oof Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School in 2015. Since that time, she has effectively served a diverse community of learners in East Nashville “where curiosity, creativity, and academic growth come together.” According to Adrienne Battle, Superintendent of MNPs, “Chara Rand models excellence, community, and persistence through transformative leadership that elevates student achievement, strengthens teacher capacity, and cultivates a culture where every learner is known and valued.” Ms. Rand’s stewardship at Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School has resulted in Level 5 and Reward School statuses as well as Tennessee’s first Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Lighthouse Award. Ms. Rand holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Fisk University, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University, and an Education Specialist’s degree from Union University.

On behalf of the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, congratulations, Chara Hess Rand!

Sonya Hayes Elected As Vice President of Division A for AERA

March 3, 2026 by Jonah Hall

Sonya Hayes Elected As Vice President of Division A for AERA

Sonya Hayes, an Associate Professor within ELPS and the Program Coordinator of the Leadership Studies PhD Program, was recently elected as Vice President of Division A (Educational Leadership) for the American Educational Research Association (AERA)! 

This significant national leadership role within the field reflects Hayes’ influence in shaping research and practice in educational leadership and highlights her strengths on the national stage! In this well-deserved position, she will help lead the work of Division A by shaping annual programming, contributing to governance and policy discussions, and supporting the Division’s continued growth and national presence.

“I am deeply honored by the trust of my colleagues across the country,” Hayes said. “Division A has long been a professional home for scholars of educational leadership, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth by supporting strong mentoring networks and advancing conversations about responsible and ethical scholarship.”

We are proud and honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and the impact Sonya Hayes continues to make through her scholarship, mentorship, and service. Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement!

Alisha Erickson Recognized As Field Award Recipient

February 18, 2026 by Jonah Hall

Alisha Erickson Recognized As Field Award Recipient

Alisha Erickson, Principal at Poplar Grove School in the Franklin Special District, has been named as recipient of the William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in School Principalship for the State of Tennessee in the Elementary Division.

The Field Award was established to recognize school leaders who demonstrate leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) within the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee elementary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages elementary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.

Erickson has served as Principal of Poplar Grove Elementary School since 2013. In addition to this role, she was placed in charge of the middle school in 2025. She currently leads the newly unified Poplar Grove School, serving 600 kindergarten through eighth grade students. Over the years, the students in all grade levels have achieved consistent A ratings on the Tennessee School Report card. In 2025, Poplar Grove Elementary was one of only four schools in Tennessee named a Model PLC School.

According to David Snowden, Franklin Special District Director of Schools, “Dr. Erickson is a connector. She brings the structure and support that empower both students and teachers to thrive. Her ability to build strong relationships and lead with clarity makes her the ideal leader.”

Erickson holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Middle Tennessee State University, master’s degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University and Tennessee State University, and holds a Doctor of Education from Lipscomb University.

On behalf of the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, congratulations, Alisha Erickson!

ACED Students & Faculty Attend 2025 AAACE Conference

November 3, 2025 by Jonah Hall

ACED Students & Faculty Attend 2025 AAACE Conference

The faculty and students of the Adult & Continuing Education (ACED) PhD and master’s programs demonstrated active participation both virtually and onsite at the 2025 American Association of Adult & Continuing Education (AAACE) Annual Conference! AAACE is recognized as the leading international and national organization for adult education professionals.

The conference was held virtually on September 26th, 2025, and physically in Cincinnati, Ohio October 6th-10th. Faculty members and mentors, Qi Sun, Mitsunori Misawa, and Jennifer Kobrin not only presented their own research but also actively guided and collaborated with both PhD and master’s students on research projects. They worked closely with ACED PhD students such as Rosite Delgado, Dan Wang, Lauren Davenport, Georgette Samaras, and Steven Henley. Additionally, master’s students such as Kortney Jarman, and Janie Swanger also wrote and submitted proposals that were presented at the conference receiving positive feedback. Multiple students also presented their own research projects, gaining experience in academic writing and developing their professional presentation skills!

During the virtual conference, Qi Sun delivered a presentation on lifelong learning policy, using China’s adult and continuing education movement and reform as a context and case study to highlight emerging trends in standardization, accessibility, digital transformation, and holistic human development. Additionally, she collaborated with PhD candidate Rosite Delgado on a study titled Exploring the Multiple Dimensions of Faculty Wellness in Higher Education: A Holistic Support Approach, and with PhD student Dan Wang on their research titled Enhancing Cross-Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication: Experiential Learning in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, which Dan Wang presented onsite on their behalf. 

Furthermore, Kobrin and PhD student Lauren Davenport presented a session titled “From Exclusion to Empowerment: Supporting Older Adults’ Learning Technology in Nonformal Settings.” Their presentation drew from their ongoing research project exploring how older adults engage with technology, privacy, and digital literacies in community-based, nonformal learning settings. Misawa collaborated with MS graduate Kortney Jarman and co-presented: Exploring Workforce Development from Holistic Approaches, and collaborated with Janie Swanger, a  Master’s degree program student, and co-presented: Self-Directed Learning in OBGYN Residency: The Intersection of Medical and Adult Education. 

Some students, for example, Georgette Samaras and Billie McNamara, presented their research at respected commission sessions. Georgette Samaras presented “Mind the Gap: A Psychology Technician Pathway for Workforce Success” at the Commission for Workforce and Professional Development. Billie McNamara also presented at the Commission of International Adult Education (CIAE). Additionally, we are very proud to share that Billie has served as an editor for the CIAE proceedings of the AAACE Annual Conference. 

Misawa has recently joined the AAACE Board of Directors, serving as the Director of the Commission for Workforce and Professional Development. The annual AAACE Conference convenes educators, scholars, and practitioners from across the nation and internationally to exchange research and promote the advancement of adult and continuing education. The upcoming conference is scheduled to take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from October 6 to 9, 2026. The faculty anticipate the opportunity to involve more of our program students in this esteemed event!

Bartlett, McGuigan, & Miller Join ELPS this Fall as New Faculty Members

August 29, 2025 by Jonah Hall

Bartlett, McGuigan, & Miller Join ELPS this Fall as New Faculty Members

The Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies is excited to announce that three faculty members joined our department this Fall! Dr. Caroline Bartlett, Dr. Allie McGuigan, and Dr. Ryan Miller each joined the ELPS team following successful faculty searches earlier this year.

First, Dr. Caroline Bartlett joined ELPS as an Assistant Professor! Her research uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods to understand how education policies enhance or constrain educational opportunities for historically underserved groups of students, with a particular focus on multilingual students classified as English learners (ELs). Feel free to check out her CV here!

Her research has been supported by a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy and K-12 Educational Leadership from Michigan State University and an M.P.A. with a focus in Education Policy Analysis from Texas A&M University. She teaches education policy and politics. Before her Ph.D., Caroline worked as an English as a Second Language and English teacher!

“I’m excited to begin my faculty career here as an Assistant Professor in ELPS. It has been a pleasure to get to know the department’s outstanding scholars, staff, and EdD students,” said Dr. Bartlett. “I look forward to continuing my research in education policy, law, and finance, while teaching in the EdD program and working and learning alongside EdD students who are engaged with pressing policy issues across the country.”

Next, Dr. Allie McGuigan joined ELPS as an Associate Professor of Practice and the Coordinator of our Higher Education Administration Master’s Program! She obtained her doctorate and graduate certificate in institutional research through Penn State, and her master’s in postsecondary educational leadership and student affairs from San Diego State University. Her research, which focuses on online education, examines relationship building, engagement, and connection for online learners. Dr. McGuigan’s CV can be found here!

Allie’s professional interests span numerous student affairs offices, and she has had experiences in residence life, new student orientation, summer bridge programs, academic advising, student life and leadership, and more. She also served on the Board of Trustees for The Pennsylvania State University which developed her interest in university governance and administration. Allie enjoys teaching courses related to college student development, governance, higher education law, and more – and working with online students to help them integrate into their online campuses.

“I am thrilled to join the faculty at UTK and to coordinate the online master’s in higher education administration program. From my very first conversations with students and colleagues, it is clear that this is a fantastic department and program to work in and learn from,” said Dr. McGuigan. “I’ve worked in online program coordination for nearly a decade, and I am eager to use my experience to help continue to grow this program alongside such talented colleagues. I especially look forward to forming meaningful relationships with students and being a small part of their academic and professional journeys within higher education.”

Lastly, Dr. Ryan Miller joined ELPS as a Professor of Higher Education and the Coordinator of our Higher Education Administration Ph.D. Program! Informed by his background as a student affairs practitioner and first-generation college graduate, Ryan’s scholarship focuses on the experiences of minoritized social groups in higher education (primarily LGBTQ+ and disabled students). He has produced more than 70 publications on these topics in outlets including AERA Open, Journal of Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development, The Review of Higher Education, and Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. He teaches courses on student affairs administration, college student development, and research design. Dr. Miller’s Google Scholar can be viewed here!

Nationally, Ryan serves as vice chair for the Council for the Advancement of Higher Education Programs and associate editor (and former editor) of the College Student Affairs Journal. He was named an Emerging Scholar for ACPA College Student Educators International and is a former Fellow of the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Ryan’s research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, John M. Belk Endowment, ACPA, and NASPA.

Prior to joining the University of Tennessee, Ryan was a tenured faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an administrator at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Florida. He holds graduate degrees in higher education administration including his Ph.D. from UT-Austin and master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Ryan received the Melvene D. Hardee Dissertation of the Year award from NASPA; the Outstanding Publication Award from the NASPA Faculty Assembly; and was named the Bonnie E. Cone Early Career Professor in Teaching at UNC Charlotte.

“I’m excited to continue my faculty career at the University of Tennessee and to work with outstanding graduate students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Miller. “The higher education administration Ph.D. program has a rich history and strong reputation nationwide, and I’m looking forward to building on the success of the program while I also continue my research agenda at UTK. I’m teaching first-year doctoral students this semester and have found them to be enthusiastic, intellectually curious, and interested in shaping the future of the field.”

The Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies is excited to welcome three new faculty members to the department as we continue our work to enrich the knowledge, skills, and values requisite to effective leadership, teaching, and research in educational settings. ELPS prepares administrators for schools and colleges, faculty for colleges and universities, and policy scholars for service in state, regional and national agencies associated with educational and human service enterprises. For more information on our programs, please visit this page!

Irwin Recognized As Emerging Professional By ACPA

March 5, 2025 by Jonah Hall

Irwin Recognized As Emerging Professional By ACPA

Courtesy of the College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences

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

Boyd Receives Legacy of Excellence Award From ASCA

February 27, 2025 by Jonah Hall

Boyd Receives Legacy of Excellence Award From ASCA

Karen D. Boyd, professor of practice in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, received the Raymond H. Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award by the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) during its 2025 Annual Conference held in Portland, Oregon.

The Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award is a new initiative launched from the Goldstone Foundation to recognize distinguished individuals who have impacted the field of student conduct and higher education. The Legacy of Excellence Award annually recognizes a select group of individuals who have left an enduring impact on the profession through significant contributions to the field of student conduct; impactful scholarship and research; and/or leadership within ASCA and other organizations.

Boyd has been a part of ASCA since its inception. Her leadership included Conference Chair, President, and Gehring Academy Chair, as well as authoring multiple publications and presentations and even serving as Interim Executive Director. In addition, Boyd serves as a professor of practice and director of undergraduate education in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS).

“It is an honor to be so recognized for doing work in service to the success of my students and colleagues that I have loved so very much,” said Boyd.

Many members, past and present, have benefited from all she implemented in the Association. The future of our field continues to benefit through her role as professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where her courses are consistently regarded by students as among their favorite and most impactful.

Her work with educating professionals and students about the landmark Dixon v. Alabama case, and her partnership on the documentary regarding the case, has made a significant impact on the conduct field.

The ASCA Annual Conference, spanning from February 5 – February 8, 2025, gathered nearly 650 student conduct and student affairs practitioners for a professional development experience. The awards were presented during the Awards Luncheon on February 6, 2025, where attendees gathered to connect and congratulate the recipients.

Since its inception in 1986, the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) has been at the forefront of supporting campus judicial officers and student conduct practitioners. ASCA provides members strategic resources, including communities of practice, webinars, intensive-learning opportunities (Donald D. Gehring Academy) as well as partnering with the Raymond H. Goldstone Foundation for scholarship funding. Today, ASCA supports over 2,660 members worldwide and is committed to its mission of serving as a vital resource and advocate in the field of student conduct administration. Learn more at theasca.org.

Through its seven departments and 13 centers, the 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

David Hamilton Recognized as Field Award Recipient

February 20, 2025 by Jonah Hall

David Hamilton Recognized as Field Award Recipient

Mr. David Hamilton, Principal at Cumberland Gap High School in the Claiborne County School District, has been named as this year’s recipient of the William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in Secondary Principalship for the State of Tennessee.

Pictured from Left to Right: Dr. James Martinez, Mr. David Hamilton, & Mr. Randy Atkins

The Field Award was established to recognize one outstanding secondary school leader each year who demonstrates leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee secondary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages secondary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody. 

The Field Award recipient for this year is Mr. David Hamilton, Principal at Cumberland Gap High School (CGHS) in the Claiborne County School District. Mr. Hamilton has served as the principal of CGHS since 2019, and served as the school’s assistant principal from 2003-2018. During that time, he developed and implemented a program that significantly improved student transition and retention, organized initiatives that paired students and community mentors, spearheaded fundraising efforts that raised over $20,000 for student resources and facility upgrades, and established a year-round food and hygiene pantry that ensures students have access to essential resources.

Mr. Hamilton served as a high school health and physical education teacher in the Claiborne County School District from 1999-2003 and coached high school baseball teams between 2003-2006, and again between 2015-2018. Mr. Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education, and Masters of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision, all from Lincoln Memorial University. The department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud to name Mr. David Hamilton as this year’s Field Award Winner. Congratulations, Mr. Hamilton! 

Mr. David Hamilton, Cumberland Gap High School Principal, Named Field Award Recipient

January 30, 2025 by Jonah Hall

Mr. David Hamilton, Cumberland Gap High School Principal, Named Field Award Recipient

Press Announcement – for Immediate Release

Mr. David Hamilton, Principal at Cumberland Gap High School in the Claiborne County School District, has been named as recipient of William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in Secondary Principalship for the State of Tennessee.

The Field Award was established to recognize one outstanding secondary school leader each year who demonstrates leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, the Field Award identifies a Tennessee secondary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages secondary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.

The Field Award recipient for this year is Mr. David Hamilton, Principal at Cumberland Gap High School (CGHS) in the Claiborne County School District. Mr. Hamilton has served as the principal of CGHS since 2019, and served as the school’s assistant principal from 2003-2018. During that time, he developed and implemented a program that significantly improved student transition and retention, organized initiatives that paired students and community mentors, spearheaded fundraising efforts that raised over $20,000 for student resources and facility upgrades, and established a year-round food and hygiene pantry that ensures students have access to essential resources. Mr. Hamilton served as a high school health and physical education teacher in the Claiborne County School District from 1999-2003 and coached high school baseball teams between 2003-2006, and again between 2015-2018. Mr. Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education, and Masters of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision, all from Lincoln Memorial University. The department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud to name Mr. David Hamilton as this year’s Field Award Winner. Congratulations, Mr. Hamilton!