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Vols Teach Alum Selected as Global Educator of the Year

March 21, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

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

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

The Power of Sports for Positive Change

March 19, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

By Jett Hatfield, Senior in Sport Management, Class of 2025

“It’s more than just a game.” “There is more to sports than just what you see on tv.” These are phrases I am sure all of us have heard. When I was younger, I heard these sayings, but I didn’t know entirely what they meant. I had athletes I looked up to and knew sports taught things like teamwork and instilled some good values into people, but I didn’t think too much about the bigger aspect of sports. I didn’t know how much it could affect people, especially people who grew up in different places and didn’t have the resources to watch and play sports as I did. However, as I grew older and started working in sports, my eyes were opened to how much sports really means to people. It wasn’t until I participated in ‘Football for Change’ in Los Cabos, Mexico, with my internship, A.B.C. Sports Foundation, and the San Francisco 49ers that I realized the full extent of the power of sports.

The purpose of this trip was to work with the San Francisco 49ers and their players to create a positive impact in the local community. The day after everyone arrived, we began to implement this purpose. We started with a school visit at José Lucas Manríquez Arípez Elementary School and Los Niños del Capitán (community center) where the impact could be seen immediately. As soon as the kids saw the likes of George Kittle, Ricky Persall, and other 49ers Players, the kids’ faces lit up like it was Christmas morning. They were jumping into their arms, and there is simply no other way to describe it other than they were filled with immense joy. The kids got to talk and interact with the players, and then we got to reveal to them and the rest of the school exactly how we were helping. Thanks to all our partners and sponsors, we were able to donate over $15,000 to help repair the school’s fencing, add on to playground structures, as well as donate footballs and flags for the school to use. Overall, the day was filled with tons of smiles, and it felt amazing to be a part of something so great.

San Francisco 49ers Tight End, George Kittle, Greets Students

The following day was filled with another school visit and a football camp. There were once again screams of happiness and cheer as they saw some of their favorite players from their favorite team walk into where they go to school every day. This time, however, we were the ones that were in store for a surprise. The school’s football team, band, and cheer team put on a pep rally-type performance where they celebrated the 49ers coming to their school. They had choreographed dances and chants, and it was obvious that so much time and effort went into the school’s performance. It showed just how special and meaningful it was for the 49ers players to spend their time there. We were able to continue making a difference by donating a check and football equipment to this school as well. Later in the day, I got to finally meet someone from the tourism board who we had been working with for months to plan these school visits. She told our team and me that no one ever thinks about the schools when they come to Los Cabos. Los Cabos is a top vacation destination, but even when people come there for a cause, the schools are normally left out. This made everything we were doing feel even more special because we were planting a seed in a place that needed it!

Right after this school visit, we hosted our first football camp of the trip which hosted high school-aged boys and girls that play tackle football. When the players got out of the vans to walk onto the field, it was once again like The Beatles had pulled up to one of their shows. The kids were immediately going up to the players to meet them, but the local coaches were running up even faster! This just goes to show that sports impact all ages. From high school-aged kids to grown adults, the fact that they got to play or coach the sport they love with an NFL team and its stars was like a dream come true to both the kids and coaches. Kids were catching passes from star QB Brock Purdy, linemen were learning how to block from all-pro Trent Williams, and everyone was getting to learn from the best of the best. The 49ers couldn’t have been better this day. They were engaged the whole day, hyping the kids up, celebrating with them after they caught a pass, and they made the kids feel like the stars. It made the kids feel equal. It gave them hope that they could be in the same spot as a Brock Purdy or George Kittle someday. The impact was real, and it was probably a reality that most of those kids never thought they would have the opportunity to be a part of.

On the last day of the trip, we had our last big football camp. This was our biggest event out of them all. It was open for the public to watch, and there were hundreds of people there decked out in 49ers gear to see and check out the 49ers at work. At this camp, we had a tackle football group as well as a flag football group, with half of the campers being girls. Growing the game of football to flag and making it available to not just boys but also girls was a big point of emphasis for this trip. We wanted to show that football is for everyone, and that was done at this camp. Over the course of 4 hours, the campers got t-shirts, autographs and pictures with the 49ers players, and of course, got to learn more about the game they love from 49ers players. To try to put into perspective how excited people were about this camp, I had dozens of people, whether it be people working security, to parents in the stands, etc. come up to me and try to get the campers’ shirts. The shirts had ‘Football for Change’ written and all of the 49er’s attendees’ names on them. People just wanted to say they got to witness this event and show that they were there. It was a big deal to everyone; they knew it was something special, and they wanted to brag to their friends and families that they got to be there. The 49ers were once again so intentional and knew their significance at this camp. They didn’t hesitate to take pictures with the campers and fans and were engaged the whole way through to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Overall, the first ‘Football for Change’ in Los Cabos, Mexico, was exactly what the name was. We used football to create positive change. I probably saw more smiles that one week than I had the whole rest of the year so far. Sports really do create change. They create happiness. They create hope. They create a sense of community. They create a sense of togetherness. They create a positive outlet for kids to relieve stress, learn about life values, and, most importantly, have fun. I might have heard these impacts of sports and even experienced some of these things. However, I didn’t know these things as I know them now until I saw them from a new perspective on this trip. It just goes to show how special sports can be when people come together to initiate change. It is up to not only the athletes, but workers of the sports industry, and even fans of sports to come together to create change and show the true power of sports.

Jett Hatfield is a senior majoring Sport Management in Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies with a minor in Business Administration. This trip was through his internship with the A.B.C. Sports Foundation. Jett is slated to graduate in May.

Pep Rally and High School Visit in Los Cabos, Mexico

Visiting Recreation Center in Los Cabos, Mexico

School Visit with Members of A.B.C. Sports Foundation and San Francisco 49ers

Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Earns Full Accreditation from ACPHA

March 14, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) is pleased to announce that the the Hospitality and Tourism Management program within RHTM is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

ACPHA, established by the International Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), evaluates and accredits hospitality programs that demonstrate excellence in academic standards, resources, and processes that contribute to high-quality education.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our faculty and staff have put into achieving such high recognition from ACPHA,” said Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM. “The Commission acknowledged that 40 out of 41 standards were met—an exceptional accomplishment for an initial review! This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering a top-tier education and fostering academic excellence.”

The ACPHA consists of 11 Commissioners, including hospitality educators, industry professionals, and public-at-large members. This distinguished group meets biannually to review and assess hospitality programs at colleges and universities across the U.S. and internationally.

“I am extremely proud of the faculty and staff of RHTM. They are doing world-class work and the program deserves accreditation by ACPHA,” said Ellen McIntyre, Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

The accreditation process includes an extensive self-study, followed by a three-day external review and final approval through commissioners’ review and affirmative votes. The initial accreditation, awarded for a seven-year term from Winter 2025 through Winter 2032, affirms that the program meets essential standards in areas such as curriculum quality, student learning assurance, support services, and the availability of resources, including instructional, physical, and financial assets.

To ensure ongoing compliance with ACPHA’s standards, the program will submit annual reports for the duration of the accreditation period.

For more information about RHTM at UT and upcoming initiatives, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/.

Two CEHHS Seniors Named Torchbearers – UT’s Highest Honor

March 10, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Two Seniors in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service and leadership have been named Torchbearers, the university’s highest student honor. Kate McCarville a Senior studying therapeutic recreation and Jada Walker, studying sport management were presented with the awards earlier this week.

The recipients were surprised with the award through a surprise visit from either Chancellor Donde Plowman or a member of her cabinet. UT leadership — and a balloon sculpture of the university’s iconic torch — appeared in each room to honor the new Torchbearers alongside friends, classmates, professors and mentors during seemingly normal classes and club meetings.

The award reflects the university’s Volunteer Creed: “One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others.” Students selected as Torchbearers embody the Volunteer spirit, displaying initiative and service in the best interests of both the university and their fellow students.

Kate McCarville of Springfield, Missouri, is studying therapeutic recreation and psychology with a minor in leadership studies and will graduate this spring. She is a member of UT’s swimming and diving team, where she was awarded the Lady Vol Student-Athlete Academic Achiever Award in 2024, and she has been named twice to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and seven times to the Dean’s List. McCarville has competed in the SEC and NCAA swimming and diving championships, winning the SEC championship alongside her team in 2022, as well as in the U.S. Olympic Team trials in 2024. She completed therapeutic recreation field experiences with Cornerstone of Recovery, NHC HealthCare Fort Sanders and the FUTURE program, and volunteered with 1Tenn, the VOLeaders Academy and the League of Angels.

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Jada Walker of Ooltewah, Tennessee, will graduate this spring with a degree in sport management and a double minor in Spanish and business administration. Walker is president of the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, captain of the VolCorps Volunteer Team and president of the Melanin Mental Health Alliance, an award-winning student organization she founded. Walker has been honored as New Member/Neophyte of the Year by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and as an outstanding junior by UT’s chapter of the NAACP. She is a member of the UT Success Academy and the Global Citizens Program and has previously been involved with leadership and professional development programs including the Academy for Global Scholars, the Tennessee-Rwanda Leadership Experienceand Big Orange Combine. Walker has volunteered with community organizations like Thrive and the Metro Drug Coalition as well as with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack program.

The Torchbearers, along with the Macebearer and Volunteer Spirit honorees, will be recognized for their extraordinary achievements at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet on Tuesday, April 29.

Irwin Recognized as Emerging Professional by ACPA

March 5, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

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

Over 300 Students Participate in TRiO Day 2025

March 4, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

By Carly Utterback, CEHHS Student Reporter, Class of 2025

On Saturday, February 22, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted TRiO Day. This year’s theme was “Cultivating Futures: Growing Sustainable Success,” and the event was hosted by the Education Research and Opportunity Center (ERO) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS).

*TRiO Day 2025 participants walk from lunch to resume activities in Humanities and Social Sciences Building and Art and Architecture Building*

Around 350 students and staff from all over Tennessee participated in a day of workshops, learning leadership skills, academic competitions, and community building.

TRiO Day gives first-generation, low-income, and disabled potential Vols access to the skills, experience, and knowledge they need to succeed in formal post-secondary education.

“We are here to help them tap and show their potential and help develop skills to impact their communities,” said Jonathan Curry, associate director of outreach and principal investigator of the ERO Center.

The participants of TRiO day all come from similar backgrounds but are diverse, with different perspectives. They are shown representation through the staff and students on UT’s campus. Student-workers who previously participated in TRiO Day were there to help guide the new generation into success.

Curry says a main impact they want to leave on the TRiO Day participants is that they matter, and they are important.

Participants were able to use their problem-solving and critical thinking skills to make tough decisions through a hands-on approach. In the morning around 200 participants attended eight varying workshops pertaining to the day’s theme of sustainable and successful growth.

*Bridges built by TRiO Day 2025 participants, along with the trophy for the winning team*

Some groups gathered to engineer bridges with glue and popsicle sticks to see which could hold the most weight, while others were involved in a scholars’ bowl battling others with academics or a mock trial tasked with the roles from a courtroom.

Towards the end of the day, participants gathered in UT’s Art + Architecture Building to write letters to their state representatives, ensuring their voices are heard. They also cycled in and out to paint the Rock in recognition of their hard work.

“My favorite part of the day is seeing everyone come together to celebrate and show the impact of TRiO for first-generation access to education,” said Leigh Elkins, principal investigator and project director for the Math and Science Upward Bound Program.

The ERO Center is focused on outreach and research to “help schools and students succeed by improving policies and practices across the classroom-to-career pipeline.” They assist those who are first-generation, low-income, or veterans that seek post-secondary education. They also provide additional literacy resources to those within these margins.

The ERO Centers involvement with TRiO Day displays their passion to help make education equally accessible for all.

Through its seven departments and 13 centers, the UT Knoxville 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

UT Receives Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Grant

February 28, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

By, Cara Smith, CEHHS Student Reporter, Class of 2024

Films and media are tools educators use to easily enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. The potential of using a film or media to dive into the deeper message and break down different themes is something important to Joshua Kenna, associate professor of Social Science Education and director of Graduate Studies in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences’ (CEHHS) Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Kenna, along with professor of Social Science Education, Stewart Waters, doctoral student, Matthew Stevenson, and assistant professor at East Tennessee State University, Matthew Hensley—comprise the project team managing a Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) grant awarded to the University of Tennessee on Oct. 1. Totaling $99,554, the grant provides one year of funding, with the possibility of two additional one-year grants, contingent upon successful delivery of TPS educational projects based on Library of Congress digitized materials.

UT’s TPS grant project, “Teaching with Film and Media as Primary Sources” intends to train pre-service and in-service teachers to develop lesson plans that capture the rising popularity of film and media consumption among 21st-century students to improve their critical thinking and media literacy skills.

The project idea originated in a doctoral course with Kenna and Stevenson. Later it was refined to develop a website for teachers to access ready-made lesson plans for different films featured on the Library’s National Film Registry, collections found on the Library’s Motion Image Research Center, and other Library of Congress digitized primary sources. These lesson plans will be incorporated into current Social Science Education courses, taught by Waters, and made by CEHHS students. The lesson plans each focus on a specific film, how to utilize it as a primary source, and encourage critical thinking skills.

“The lesson plans that we’re designing are not necessarily about teaching the whole movie, but instead focuses on specific clips,” said Stevenson. “For example, using a one-minute clip and then talking about different themes and elements within that one clip.”

The National Film Registry contains 875 diverse, American-made films dating from 1891-2013. These films are unique because the Library of Congress keeps the original film.

“The focus of the film registry is not just about great films; it’s about great American films that have a cultural component to America,” said Kenna. “The Library then keeps the actual film safe, and archives it.”

By utilizing films from the National Film Registry, the lesson plans allow students to use their critical thinking skills to not only ask questions about the film itself, but also about the time period from which it came.

“Discussing the films and investigating the things that helped lead up to the creation of the film is what helps the critical aspect of thinking,” said Kenna. “We’re teaching students to always ask questions, and then where to go to find answers to the questions.”

Creating lesson plans from the National Film Registry will be implemented in Waters’ Social Science Education 485 and 585 courses starting in spring 2025.

Since 2006, Congress has appropriated funds to the Teaching with Primary Sources program to establish and fund a consortium of organizations working to incorporate “the digital collections of the Library of Congress into educational curricula.” Each year, members of the TPS Consortium support tens of thousands of learners to build knowledge, engagement and critical thinking skills with items from the Library’s collections.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.[SM1]

Boyd Receives Legacy of Excellence Award from ASCA

February 26, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

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.

Karen Boyd in center, holds award plaque from ASCA. — Karen Boyd (center) Receives Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award from ASCA (*Photo courtesy of ASCA)*

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

Blissful Wish Wedding Returns, Bringing Dreams to Life

February 13, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Hospitality and Tourism Management Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Offer the Second Biennial Sponsored Wedding for East Tennessee Couple in November 2025

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is thrilled to announce the second biennial Blissful Wish Wedding, set to take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025. This heartwarming event continues its mission of providing a deserving couple with a dream wedding, planned and executed by dedicated students and faculty in the hospitality and tourism management program.

RHTM Students and Faculty with 2023 Blissful Wish Wedding Winners, Shelby and Jackson Graham. *Photo Courtesy of Ally Robinson, AR Photo*

Following the success of the inaugural Blissful Wish Wedding in 2023, the program is once again offering this unique opportunity to a couple facing financial or personal hardships. The event allows students to gain real-world experience in event planning, hospitality, and design, while making a meaningful impact in the community. Through planning and executing a real wedding, they developed essential skills in event coordination, hospitality management, and teamwork.

“We are thrilled to bring this initiative back and make another couple’s dream wedding a reality,” shared Nancy Barger, Co-Instructor and CEO of Barger Concepts. “Our students found the real-world experience incredibly rewarding, and having the opportunity to offer this again is truly inspiring.”

“The Blissful Wish Wedding truly represents generosity, education, and community engagement,” said Stefanie Benjamin, Associate Professor in RHTM. “It’s a remarkable way for our university to give back while equipping our students with invaluable hands-on experience for their future careers.”

Applications for the Blissful Wish Wedding will open on February 14, 2025, inviting couples to share their stories and dreams through April 18, 2025. The selected couple will receive an all-inclusive wedding experience for a maximum of 75 guests, curated and managed by RHTM students under the guidance of Benjamin and Barger.

“After the success of the wedding event in November 2023, we are grateful to bring it back,” said Junehee Kwon, Professor and Department Head of RHTM. “This opportunity provides a truly transformative learning experience for our students, and I appreciate the support and dedication of everyone involved.”

The Blissful Wish Wedding is made possible through the support of local vendors, faculty expertise, student dedication, and RHTM. From floral arrangements to catering, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable celebration.

For more details about the Blissful Wish Wedding, including eligibility and how to support this initiative, visit tiny.utk.edu/wedding. To inquire further or sponsor the event, email rhtm@utk.edu.