FUTURE Program Receives Tennessee Believes grant from state Department of Disability and Aging

May 8, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Story and Photos by Carly Utterback, Student Reporter, Class of 2025

For the second time, the Tennessee Believes grant has been awarded to the FUTURE Postsecondary Education Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS). The first grant was awarded in 2022, totaling $124,384 to meet the increasing demand for staff and provide specialized, skill-based vocational training. 

“The overall goal of the Tennessee Believes program is to expand inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Emma Burgin, director of the FUTURE Program. 

For example, the Tennessee Believes Kitchen, hosted through the grant, has connected almost 50 community members with a disability to a professional chef to learn cooking skills. 

“FUTURE is a comprehensive program that helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities make a successful transition from high school to adult life,” says Burgin. 

The FUTURE Program has grown continuously from 2011, with 12 graduating classes and over 80 graduates. 85 percent of FUTURE graduates find competitive, integrated employment with in 90 days of graduation. 

The program provides students with specifically designed classes, the opportunity to audit undergraduate courses, and an internship on or off campus. They offer career and clinical counseling to help develop academic, vocational, social, and decision-making skills. Support on- and off-campus is available to students working to increase their independence. 

This year, FUTURE was awarded the Partnership in Excellence Award for their collaboration with Student Government Association to honor a partnership that enriched the student experience at UT. 

As of now, there are 35 FUTURE students, 150 peer mentors rotating each semester, and 11 staff. 

“Peer mentors are the backbone of the daily operations at FUTURE,” Burgin says. 

The mentors help with day-to-day campus lives of students, from in-class help to lunch buddies. 

On Aug. 27, Burgin will take a group from FUTURE to Atlanta to be honorees at the Big Game Ball, organized by the National Down Syndrome Congress. 

Doctoral Students Win Dissertation Fellowship

April 21, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Two Doctoral Students from TPTE Win Dissertation Funding in National Competition

Dani Rimbach-Jones and Bethany Parker are the recent recipients of a $25,000 fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to help offset expenses related during the final year of dissertation writing. Both are doctoral students in the department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, under the mentorship of Frances Harper, Associate Professor in TPTE.

According to Harper, the AAUW Dissertation Fellowship is a national, competitive fellowship that offers financial support to students completing their dissertations. The program is open to all women in all fields of study though those engaged in science, technology, engineering and math fields, or those researching gender issues, are especially encouraged to apply.

“Both Dani and Bethany have worked tirelessly this year to apply for multiple dissertation fellowships, which has finally paid off,” said Harper. “They are both doing such exceptional work, and I am overjoyed that they will have this support as they finalize their dissertations.”

Rimbach-Jones and Parker expressed deep gratitude for being selected for this prestigious fellowship.

“Becoming a recipient of the AAUW’s American Dissertation Fellowship is an incredible honor; and a testament to the support I have received from my dissertation committee, particularly Dr. Frances  Harper, and broader community of colleagues, family, and friends,” said Parker. “I’m excited that this funding will provide me with the opportunity to compensate research participants, without whom this research would not exist. Thank you to everyone! My dissertation research will explore the lived experiences of PhD students through critical, philosophical, and feminist lenses with a particular focus on conceptualizations of knowledge and sense of belonging.”

“Being a recipient of the AAUW Fellowship is a significant achievement. One I am beyond proud of, after a few rejections. However, this fellowship would not have been possible without Aginisi, who has taken me under her wing, taught me, and shown me tremendous love and grace.” said Rimbach-Jones.  

AAUW American Fellowships are the oldest non-institutional source of graduate funding for women in the United States. The program began in 1888, at a time when women were discouraged from pursuing an education.

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

CEHHS Earns National Recognition in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

April 8, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has received national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings, with several programs achieving high marks—including those in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS).

CEHHS graduate education programs saw a significant rise, ranking 43rd among public institutions (up from 51st) and 54^th (up from 63^rd) nationally among all institutions.

“Our teacher educators are not only committed to addressing teacher shortages but also to preparing high-quality educators,” said Ellen McIntyre, dean of CEHHS. “These rankings reflect their dedication to impactful research and community engagement.”

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and excellence of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners,” said David Cihak, associate dean of Professional Educator Programs and director of the Bailey Graduate School of Education. “We are excited to build on this momentum as we continue to innovate in education.”

CEHHS was also recently recognized on the Tennessee Educator Preparation Report Card, receiving the highest-tier “Exceeds Expectations” designation—one of only two public institutions in the state to do so.

The college continues to play a key role in addressing statewide teacher shortages, particularly in Knox County Schools (KCS). At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, KCS had only six vacant teaching positions across 92 schools, a dramatic improvement from the 80-100 vacancies in previous years.

The Best Graduate Schools rankings serve as a guide for prospective graduate students, assessing programs in business, education, engineering, law, and nursing. These rankings are based on expert evaluations and statistical data, reflecting program excellence, faculty credentials, research activity, and student outcomes.

“The success of our graduate programs underscores the dedication of our faculty, the excellence of our students, and the impact of our research,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “These rankings highlight our commitment to excellence and our role in preparing the workforce and thought leaders of the future.”

Through its seven departments and 13 centers, the UT Knoxville College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is dedicated to enhancing quality of life through research, outreach, and practice. Learn more at cehhs.utk.edu.

Dueñas Recognized as Outstanding Faculty by NASPA

March 28, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Mary Dueñas, an assistant professor in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) was recently honored for her outstanding contributions in the field of student affairs. Dueñas received the Mena Valdez Outstanding Faculty Award at the NASPA annual conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The award recognizes a faculty member who has made significant contributions to the field of student affairs and higher education through teaching, research, and mentorship. It honors individuals who demonstrate a commitment to advancing student success, particularly for historically marginalized communities. Recipients are distinguished by their dedication to fostering the development of future student affairs professionals and their impact on the broader higher education landscape.

Dueñas’s research is grounded in three central areas that support student success and well-being in higher education. Her first line of inquiry focuses on how students experience a sense of belonging and mattering in educational settings, and how they define success on their own terms. Her second area examines the role of culture and familial environments in shaping college experiences, with a focus on how institutions can better understand and support students’ cultural backgrounds. Her third line of research explores the connection between Latinx college students and impostor syndrome, examining how it influences their academic journeys. Across all of her work, Dr. Dueñas aims to inform practices that promote student access and foster environments where students feel they truly belong

Dueñas will also receive an honorable mention in the Early Career Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) LRI SIG this April in Denver, Colorado.

University of Tennessee Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management Hosts 20th Student Enrichment Fundraiser

March 26, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Event to Honor Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development with the Innovative Leadership Award

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is excited to announce the 20th Student Enrichment Fundraiser, honoring Commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) with the Innovative Leadership Award. Commissioner Ezell has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Tennessee hospitality and tourism industry, and under his guidance, the industry’s statewide revenue has grown by an impressive 25%, or $6 billion, since he took office in 2019.

The fundraiser will take place on April 3, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville. The event will be organized and executed by RHTM students, with faculty mentors, reflecting the event’s theme: “For Students, By Students.” The primary goal is to raise essential funds to support RHTM students’ transformative learning opportunities, including travel expenses for national competitions, conferences, and tradeshows, where they can showcase their skills, gain valuable industry insights, and network with national and international leaders.

“We are thrilled to honor Commissioner Ezell, a visionary leader in the hospitality and tourism industry. Tennessee ranks 11th in the U.S. for total tourism revenue, which reached $30.65 billion in 2023,” said Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM. “Commissioner Ezell and TDTD have played a pivotal role in this success.”

The event is generously supported by several sponsors, including the Nashville Music City Center, Blackberry Farm, Bacon and Company, Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association, Wilderness at the Smokies, The Old Mill, and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Education Foundation. These sponsors, along with numerous local businesses, have contributed exciting silent auction items, which will help raise funds for RHTM students’ experiential learning opportunities.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by a formal program featuring a three-course dinner with complimentary wine and beer, which will conclude around 8:30 p.m.

In addition to the evening event, RHTM will host a dynamic speech by Commissioner Ezell at 2:30 p.m. on April 3, titled “Economic Impact of the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Industry.” The speech will be held in the UTK Student Union’s Pilot Ballroom on the second floor. This event is open to students, faculty, and community members (RSVP here: tiny.utk.edu/ezellspeech).

Limited tickets for the evening fundraiser are available for purchase at tiny.utk.edu/RHTMFundraiser. For more information, please contact RHTM via email at rhtm@utk.edu or by phone at (865) 974-2141.