UT Knoxville Archives - College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

UT Knoxville Launches Online MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

June 3, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

UT Knoxville Launches Online MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) is pleased to announce that its new Master of Science in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management has received final approval and is now accepting applications for Fall 2026.

The fully online graduate degree is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in retail, hospitality, tourism, and related industries. As the only Master of Science degree of its kind in Tennessee, the program combines academic rigor with practical industry application while offering the flexibility needed to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

The 30-credit-hour curriculum is delivered through intensive seven-week courses in a fully asynchronous online format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. Most students can complete the degree in approximately 18 months while continuing to work full time. Qualified students with significant managerial experience may also be eligible to receive up to six graduate credit hours through prior learning assessment.

Through case studies, applied projects, market research, and real-world problem solving, students will develop advanced leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.

“Our MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management prepares professionals to advance their careers by strengthening analytical, problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making skills,” said Hongping Zhang, the director of the program. “Through a flexible, problem-based learning approach, students develop the strategic thinking and communication skills needed to succeed in a wide range of leadership and professional roles.”

The program was developed in response to growing demand for leaders who can navigate complex business challenges and drive innovation in rapidly changing consumer markets.

“This program represents years of planning, collaboration, and commitment to serving the evolving needs of industry professionals,” said Junehee Kwon, professor and RHTM department head. “We are excited to offer a graduate degree that is accessible, relevant, and aligned with the needs of today’s retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors. We believe it will help prepare the next generation of leaders while strengthening Tennessee’s workforce and economy.”

Students may pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option depending on their career goals. The thesis option is designed for those interested in doctoral study and academic careers, while the non-thesis option emphasizes professional advancement and leadership development.

The curriculum includes courses in data analytics, strategic leadership, consumer and market research, customer experience management, entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, and organizational management.

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2026. The application deadline is August 1, 2026.

For information about the program, admission requirements, and application procedures, visit Vols Online. For additional information about detailed degree requirements, visit RHTM’s website.

RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser Receives Record Gift from Stand Out For Good, Inc.

May 15, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser Receives Record Gift from Stand Out For Good, Inc.

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) hosted its 21st annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on Friday, April 24, at the Hilton Knoxville, bringing together industry partners, alumni, friends, and students to celebrate education, partnership, and the future of the retail and hospitality industries.

This year’s event proudly recognized Stand Out For Good, Inc. as the 2026 Honoree. A purpose-driven lifestyle retailer representing Altar’d State, AS Revival, Altar’d State Kids, Altar’d State Home and Vow’d, Stand Out For Good, Inc. was honored for its meaningful partnership and leadership. The organization demonstrated extraordinary commitment to student success with a $75,000 contribution, marking the largest single donation in the fundraiser’s more than 20-year history. The partnership and contribution reflect a shared passion for investing in future leaders and creating opportunities for students to grow both personally and professionally.

Guests experienced an immersive, student-produced evening that highlighted the talent and creativity of RHTM students. The program featured the fundraiser’s first-ever fashion show, produced and styled by students enrolled in RMM 495 Fashion Show Management and Production. Students worked closely with retail partners to curate the evening’s looks, with hair and makeup support from the Tennessee School of Beauty. Culinary experiences were designed and executed by hospitality students, and the evening also included a curated silent auction showcasing unique items and experiences.

The event was made possible through the efforts of students in HTM 435 Advanced Event Planning, who spent the semester studying, planning, and executing every aspect of the fundraiser. Through this hands-on experience, students gained practical skills in event design, logistics, vendor coordination, teamwork, and leadership – reflecting real-world industry expectations.

Morgan Hodgdon, a student enrolled in Advanced Event Planning shared, “The most enjoyable aspect of the planning/execution of the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser was seeing all of my classes’ hard work come to life and being able to attend and participate in the event!” she stated. “I learned the most when I had the opportunity to work hands on!”

Abigail Alexander, a student enrolled in Fashion Show Management and Production reflected, “This experience taught me that confidence does not come from knowing everything immediately, but from learning how to adapt, communicate, and problem-solve effectively. Moving forward, I feel much more prepared to take initiative and lead within future professional environments.”

Proceeds from the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser directly support student scholarships and high-impact experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that graduates leave the program with real-world experience, strong industry connections, and career-ready skills.

Now in its 21st year, the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser continues to serve as both a signature academic experience for students and a powerful demonstration of what is possible through university–industry partnership. The evening reflects a shared commitment to education and to the future leaders of retail, hospitality, and tourism.

See more photos from the event.

About the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prepares students for dynamic careers through applied learning, industry engagement, and transformative educational experiences that bridge the classroom and the professional world.

2026 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

April 20, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

2026 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

In the hallowed halls where aspiring teachers learn, the Educators Hall of Honor represents all those who have passed along knowledge, understanding, creativity, and the joy of learning from one generation to the next. By touching the lives of others, educators make the world a better place for generations to come.

The preparation of educators has been a tradition of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, since 1880. The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ Educators Hall of Honor allows donors to offer a tribute to those special individuals who have inspired and shaped and transformed them. It is our hope that this permanent tribute to the large accomplishments and small miracles of the past will also inspire new generations of educators.

The Educators Hall of Honor Class of 2026 includes: Patrick Biddix, Suzanne Bryant, Kim Hall, Terri Hopkins, Emily McDonald, Suzanne Parham, Alesha Shumar, and Antoinette Williams. This year’s Educators Hall of Honor Scholarship Recipient is Eliezer Castaneda. Keep reading to learn about each inductee.

To see photos of from year’s induction ceremony, click here.

Patrick Biddix

J. Patrick Biddix is Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Analytics and Executive Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan at UT. He is also the Jimmy and Ileen Cheek Endowed Professor of Higher Education and has been a member of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences faculty for 15 years. He believes that every person on a college campus has both an opportunity and an obligation to educate. His research and teaching focus on assessment, research methods, and college student engagement, with an emphasis on how students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

He began his career in student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, then taught at Valdosta State University before joining UT’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in 2011. His leadership roles have included program coordinator for higher education and college student personnel, associate director of the Postsecondary Education Research Center, interim department head, chair of the college and department promotion and tenure committees, faculty director for research and assessment in the Division of Student Success, and Faculty Fellow for Access and Engagement.

He has authored nine books and more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and has received awards for research and graduate student mentorship. In 2022, he was awarded the first endowed professorship in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, and in 2015 was named a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Montreal, Canada. Nationally, he serves as a Faculty Research Fellow and Project Lead with the What Works project at Penn State’s Piazza Center. He also advises the Women’s Research Committee of the National Panhellenic Conference and has been recognized with international awards for his service.

A proud UT alumnus, Biddix earned his bachelor’s degree in Classical Civilization in 2001, where he was actively involved in orientation, fraternity life, Team VOLS, and student government. He later earned his master’s at the University of Mississippi and his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. A first-generation college graduate from a ninth-generation rural Appalachian family in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, he was the first in his family to attend college. In addition to his work at UT, he remains closely connected to his alma mater, serving on the Classics Advisory Council.

Outside of work, Biddix enjoys spending time with his wife, Erika, an entrepreneurial strategist for women, and their three children: Jackson, Clare, and Benjamin. He volunteers with Scouts BSA, is an avid board gamer, musical theatre enthusiast, and 1980s movie fan. He enjoys competitive 5K training and can often be seen running across and around campus in preparation for his next race.

Portrait of a light-skinned woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiling broadly, wearing a black blazer over a white top, with a softly blurred wall of colorful artwork in the background.

Suzanne Bryant

Dr. Suzanne Bryant is a dedicated master educator with K-12 experience as a teacher (1990-2005), principal (2005-2007), data/curriculum coordinator (2007-2010), Assistant Director of Schools for Instruction (2010-until retirement), and an adjunct professor (East Tennessee State University (2019-2020), Carson Newman (2024- Present), and Co-founder Designing Leaders.

She is a lifelong resident of Campbell County and has been actively invested in the betterment of education to make a positive difference in the lives of students. Through her professional positions in both her home county and later in Greeneville City Schools, her commitment remained steadfast.

A 1986 Campbell County High School graduate, Dr. Bryant entered the University of Tennessee where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist Administration and Supervision degree. In 2016 she earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University. After devoting 34 years to the advancement of education for students and colleagues, Dr. Bryant retired. Upon retirement, she co-founded Designing Leaders, offering custom consulting for education, business, and technology by providing solutions to grow leadership and cultivate the next generation of leaders.

While serving as Greeneville City Assistant Director of Schools, Dr. Bryant led in the development, planning, and implementation of a fully on-line K-12 school as well as the Teacher Leader Academy and Aspiring Administrator Academy. She has served as a board member for the Diversity and Inclusion Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and a committee member for the Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Advisory Committee. She was selected as Greeneville City District Supervisor of the Year for 2023-2024.

Kim Hall

Dr. Kimberely Bingham Hall is a distinguished three-time graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

Dr. Hall has dedicated herself to the private sector of higher education where she has served in a variety of institutional leadership roles including faculty member, Academic Dean, Executive VP/Provost, and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement & Effectiveness. She is considered an authority and leading voice on the value of proprietary higher education.

Additionally, Dr. Hall has made numerous contributions beyond her campus to the peer review process of accreditation. Her positions of leadership include Board of Trust of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Tennessee Representative to the SACSCOC Executive Council.

Dr. Hall serves on the Executive Committee of the Tennessee College Association and has presented and published on a variety of higher education topics.

Dr. Hall is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville and is a past member of the Knoxville Chamber Partnership Higher Education Forum, the American Association of University Women, and the Association for the Study of Higher Education. She is a member of South Harriman Baptist Church.

Terri Hopkins

Dr. Theresa Hopkins is a Master Teacher for the Center for Enhancing Education in Mathematics and Sciences. She has taught mathematics in public schools in middle Tennessee, working with students in grades 7-12 and was named building-level teacher of the year 3 times and system-level teacher of the year once.

Moving back to Knoxville in 2000, Hopkins returned to UT Knoxville and earned her MS and PhD degrees in teacher education. As a graduate student, she worked with student interns as they completed their student teaching experience, serving as a mentor and evaluator.

As a Post-Doctoral fellow, she taught courses for the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education. Most recently, Hopkins has served as a mathematics teacher, lead teacher, and Director for the Tennessee Governor’s Academy for Mathematics and Science, a residential high school for advanced juniors and seniors from across the state.

Throughout her career, Hopkins has focused on professional development – her own and that of fellow teachers. She has presented at a number of local, state, regional, and national conferences for mathematics teachers and mathematics teacher educators.

Emily McDonald

Emily Ann McDonald has taught high school mathematics in Hamilton County Schools since 2015. She began her teaching career at Red Bank High School, where she gained experience teaching Algebra 1 through Calculus. She currently teaches Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Statistics at University High, a partnership between Hamilton County Schools and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

McDonald was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) 2023 by the White House for her passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom. Also, she received the Chattanooga Technology Council 2024 Tech Educator of the Year Award, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network 2024 Excellence in STEM Teaching Award, the Tennessee Educational Technology Association 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Hamilton County Schools High School Teacher of the Year in 2019. In 2025, McDonald was selected for the “20 Under 40” class by Chatter Magazine in Chattanooga.

McDonald strives to provide innovative ways to incorporate STEM concepts in her mathematics lessons through the integration of technology, student choice, and community partnerships. By integrating real-world problems through problem-based learning, McDonald aspires to make mathematics accessible and relevant for all students. Her students participate annually in the Mathematics Poster Competition at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

McDonald has presented at several local, state, regional, and national mathematics conferences and educational technology conferences. McDonald is a Google Certified Trainer, Google Innovator, and Desmos Classroom Fellow. She has been awarded grants from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Junior League of Chattanooga, Tennessee Valley Authority STEM Grant, Chattanooga Public Education Foundation Teacherpreneur Program, and Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association. In 2023, McDonald completed a six-week summer teacher research experience in Maryland as part of the Research Experiences for STEM Educators and Teachers hosted by the Army Educational Outreach Program. Also, she was a participant in the National Museum of Mathematics Rosenthal Prize Summer Institute. She is currently participating in the Medal of Honor Heritage Center Teacher Fellowship program.

Suzanne Parham

Suzanne Parham is the Executive Principal of Farragut Intermediate School in Knox County Schools, where she leads a community of approximately 1,186 students in grades three through five, supported by a leadership team of three assistant principals and a staff of more than 120 employees.

Under her leadership, Farragut Intermediate School has earned recognition as a Tennessee Reward School for five consecutive years, received the Governor’s Civic Seal Award, been named one of USA Today’s Top 100 Elementary Schools, and consistently ranked among the top three schools in Knox County Schools. Her work is grounded in high expectations for student learning, strong instructional systems, and a commitment to developing educators as leaders.

Parham holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Florida State University, a Master of Science in Education and Reading Specialist Certification from the University of Tennessee, an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Tennessee. She is also a graduate of the Knox County Schools Leadership Academy.

In addition to her service at Farragut Intermediate School, Parham serves as a District Director for the Tennessee Principals Association, contributing to statewide leadership development and professional advocacy. She also serves the Town of Farragut through active civic engagement, including service on the Town of Farragut Tree Board and as a consulting member to the town’s educational advisory efforts and related municipal committees. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to public service, community partnership, and the advancement of education.

Alesha Shumar

Alesha Shumar is Associate Professor, Fred O. Stone University Archivist, and Assistant Director of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives. She oversees more than 4,000 linear feet of multi-format collections, stewarding the university’s history while expanding access to primary sources that enrich teaching, learning, and research.

Shumar joined UT Libraries in 2010 after serving as Archivist for the Frick Collection at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and geography education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh. Her passion for archives began as a student employee for her alma mater’s special collections and was further shaped by processing archaeological artifacts during a study abroad experience in Cyprus.

Among the first archivists in the country to be certified as a Digital Archives Specialist by the Society of American Archivists, Shumar is a leader in advancing digital access to archival collections. Deeply engaged in campus life, she also curates’ university history displays across campus that celebrate distinguished faculty, traditions, and institutional legacy, bringing the past to life for new generations of students and scholars.

Antoinette Williams

Antoinette Williams is a dedicated educator, veteran, and community leader whose service to UT and the Knoxville community exemplifies the Volunteer spirit. A proud UT alumna, she earned her Master of Science in Education from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Originally from Merritt Island, Florida, she served in the US Navy before beginning her career in education.

With over two decades of teaching experience, Williams currently teaches seventh grade social studies at Knoxville’s West Valley Middle School, where she also serves as yearbook advisor and a member of the leadership team. She has been named Teacher of the Year at the building-level in 2016, 2020, and 2022.

Williams’ service extends far beyond the classroom. She has served on the Knox County Schools Teacher Advisory Council and Minority Advisory Council and was honored as WBIR Teacher of the Week and TEA Distinguished Educator. At UT, she has been a UT Promise mentor and President of the Black Alumni Council, where she championed mentorship, engagement, and endowment growth.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Williams is known for her tireless volunteerism—from mentoring students and writing notes to prospective Volunteers, to supporting Smokey’s Pantry and alumni events. Her unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity make her a true embodiment of the Volunteer spirit which was recognized by Williams receiving the UT Alumni Service Award in 2025.

Eliezer Castaneda

2026 EHOH Scholarship Recipient

Eliezer Castaneda is an exceptional student and future educator who consistently demonstrates kindness, professionalism, and attentiveness to others. When challenges arise, he readily offers support, reflecting his collaborative and service-minded spirit.

Thoughtful and detail-oriented, Castaneda carefully designs instruction to meet student needs. For a Read Aloud assignment, he selected a text with his multilingual learner in mind and created a supplemental presentation to enhance engagement and understanding for the entire class. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Castaneda brings strong cultural and linguistic awareness to his work with diverse learners.

UT and Knox County Schools Partner to Launch “Teach Knox Teaching Fellows” to Boost Special Education Workforce

February 5, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

UT and Knox County Schools Partner to Launch “Teach Knox Teaching Fellows” to Boost Special Education Workforce

New initiative expands access to teacher preparation and strengthens inclusive education across the community

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), in partnership with Knox County Schools (KCS), has announced the launch of the Teach Knox Teaching Fellows program, a bold new initiative aimed at recruiting, preparing, and supporting 30 special education teachers annually at no cost to participants.

The program, spearheaded by UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS), is designed to expand access to high-quality teacher preparation while strengthening inclusive education across the community. By eliminating financial barriers to certification and focusing on specialized training in inclusive practices, Teach Knox Teaching Fellows opens new doors for individuals eager to make a difference in special education classrooms.

“Teach Knox Teaching Fellows is more than a preparation program—it is an investment in educator excellence and a stronger workforce that directly benefits students, classrooms, and families,” said David Cihak, CEHHS Associate Dean. “This partnership between the University of Tennessee and Knox County Schools reflects our shared commitment to ensuring each student is supported by highly prepared educators.”

Program Highlights:

Cost: $0 up-front; fellows are eligible for tuition reimbursement
Cohort Size: 30 fellows selected annually
Focus: Training emphasizes equitable access and support for all learners
Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

For KCS, this collaboration represents a strategic effort to strengthen the educator pipeline and broaden inclusive practices districtwide. “Great educators are the backbone of a successful school district,” said KCS Superintendent Jon Rysewyk. “Teach Knox Teaching Fellows will increase the number of highly skilled special education teachers who are prepared to serve students in inclusive classrooms.”

Brad Carr, KCS executive director of special education, emphasized the alignment with the district’s vision for equity and excellence: “Our investment in special education ensures every student is welcomed and supported by a great educator.”

Jennifer Hemmelgarn, assistant superintendent of business and talent for KCS, added, “Through the intentional training and professional development of new fellows each year, we are building a sustainable pipeline of educators dedicated to making inclusive education the standard for our students.”

How to Apply:
Prospective applicants passionate about student success and inclusive education are encouraged to apply through the UT Plays website by the March 1, 2026 priority deadline.

2025 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

August 28, 2025 by Rebekah Goode

2025 Educators Hall of Honor Inductees

The Educators Hall of Honor Class of 2025 includes: Sarah DeYoung, Susan Espiritu, Marica Goldenstein, Bob Kesling, Charmaine Mamantov, Saundra McGuire, Sherry Morgan, David Royse, and Kirsten Salonga. Keep reading to learn about each inductee.

To see photos of from year’s induction ceremony, click here.

Sarah DeYoung

Sarah DeYoung attended Maryville College and had the honor of being selected co-chair of the All College Council which she co-chaired with the college president. Sarah graduated from Maryville College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received her master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee. Her career positions included Admissions Counselor and Financial Aide Counselor at Maryville College, and Financial Aide Director and Director of Academic Advising for the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee.

“Sarah’s leadership qualities made her an invaluable team member in the dean’s office. She was a natural leader and problem solver, always reliable and resourceful, extremely dedicated and hardworking. She always took the initiative to figure out what needed to be done with minimal guidance from me. For example, she developed procedures, protocols, and processes over the years for managing student services within the college and across departments. Those strategies ensured the smooth delivery of services to faculty in their advising roles to students, and to students, as recipients of that advising. I always valued her expertise and direction on student services processes. When I had to be away from the office, I depended on Sarah to step in and she always delivered ably.” — Delores E. Smith, Professor Emerita, UT Dept. of Child & Family Studies

Susan Espiritu

Susan Espiritu retired from Knox County Schools after 35 years as an educator where she taught multiple grades in both elementary and middle schools. She also served as an academic coach for classroom teachers and concluded her career serving 16 years in the assistant and principal positions in three local elementary schools where she was voted by her peers the National Principal of the Year for Tennessee in 2012.

From Laura Haun, close family member, “I have been fortunate to watch and learn from Susan Espiritu over the years as an educator in many different capacities. Her life and service to education have gone far beyond the awards and accolades that she has received.

For over four decades, I’ve been privileged to watch her dedication to using and developing innovative teaching methods that foster learning in students of diverse ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She has challenged other educators not to fall into complacency when things are going well but to continuously grow and continue to find new ways of imparting knowledge while creating a fun environment.

The impact she has made in education and so many other industries is the epitome of the multiplier effect, where her influence has multiplied far beyond the results that she achieved on her own. While many educators chose the profession as a direct result of her example, many professionals are better in other industries because she taught, led, and guided them. I successfully run a division of the largest privately owned media company in the US because of the tenacity, development mindset, and innovative characteristics I learned from her. I pursued and received my DBA in Organizational Management so I could educate high school and college students in the same manner that she did. Additionally, Kalea Derry, her youngest daughter, became a teacher and college counselor because of Susan’s example.”

Marcia Goldenstein

Marcia Goldenstein taught painting and drawing at the University of Tennessee from 1976 to 2013 and recently earned the position of Professor Emeritus. Throughout her career she received numerous research, travel and exhibition grants and awards and was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence in Advising Award in 2006. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Goldenstein exhibited throughout the Southeast and her home state of Nebraska. Her work is included in private and corporate collections all over the country.

Marcia received her B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Painting and Drawing from the University of Nebraska. She taught at the University of Tennessee School of Art for 36 years. She has been a visiting artist at the National Academy of Fine Arts, Bratislava, Slovakia; Sichuan University, Chengdu; Beihang University, Beijing; University of Texas, San Antonio; Arizona State University; University of Indianapolis; Tudor Hall, UK; College of the Ozarks; Knoxville Museum of Art; Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts, Wroclav, Poland, and many other schools and museums. She has an international exhibition record and is represented in numerous public and private collections in the US, Europe, and China.

In 2021 Professor Goldstein was awarded a Tennessee Arts Commission Fellowship.In 2016 she was named Outstanding Alumna at the University of Nebraska Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. She has also received numerous awards for her paintings.

She is currently Professor Emerita of Painting and Drawing at the University of Tennessee School of Art.

Bob Kesling

For more than 21 years, Bob Kesling has served as the “Voice of the Vols” and is a beloved figure representing the men’s UT basketball team and football program. To say he expertly educated listeners everywhere in the x’s and o’s of sports is an understatement.

He began his association with the University of Tennessee in 1972 as a walk-on fullback for the Vols, and his broadcasting career began in 1974 as a film editor for the Bill Battle Show. Bob served as John Ward’s spotter for Vol Network radio broadcasts in 1976, and from 1978-1999 he served as the voice for the Lady Vol basketball team.

Bob served as the basketball pre-game host and play-by-play announcer in 1989, and then in football broadcasts as a sideline reporter and play-by-play announcer in 1992. His other announcer credits include SEC football & basketball championship games, NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, as well as Tennessee baseball.

Bob has graciously served as our emcee for the Educators Hall of Honor induction ceremony for more than a decade and we thank him for his professionalism and dedication.

Charmaine Mamantov

Charmaine Mamantov is a chemist, published scientist, 89-year-old grandmother of nine (eight of them women in science), and University of Tennessee emerita faculty member. During her 44-year career, Charmaine embraced new technologies such as computer-based grading and the ever-present, SmartBoard.

Charmaine Bienvenu Mamantov came to Knoxville in 1961 with her late husband, Gleb. As his research partner, Charmaine had her name on several books, papers, and a patent. In 1976, she earned a UT doctorate in education, and taught freshman chemistry with tireless verve.

They visited Gatlinburg on their 1956 honeymoon and returned for Gleb’s appointment to the Department of Chemistry. They researched batteries and molten salt chemistry.

Charmaine graduated from Our Lady of Mercy girls’ Catholic high school in St. Martinville, Louisiana, and was the valedictorian in a class of twelve.

Along with teaching, the Mamantov legacy includes financial support: Charmaine has given to UT for more than 40 years, notably to the Department of Chemistry, which is looking to replace the aging Buehler Hall.

Saundra McGuire

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire is the Director Emerita of the Center for Academic Success and retired Assistant Vice Chancellor and Professor of Chemistry at LSU. Prior to joining LSU, she spent eleven years at Cornell University, where she received the coveted Clark Distinguished Teaching Award. She has delivered keynote addresses or presented workshops at over 400 institutions in 46 states and ten countries. Her book, Teach Students How to Learn: Strategies You Can Incorporate into Any Course to Improve Student Metacognition, Study Skills, and Motivation, was released in October 2015 and is a Stylus Publishing bestseller. The student version of this book, Teach Yourself How to Learn: Strategies You Can Use to Ace Any Course at Any Level, was released in January 2018.

The most recent of her honors include the 2017 American Chemical Society (ACS) Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students to Pursue Careers in the Chemical Sciences and induction into the LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction. She also received the 2015 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Lifetime Mentor Award and the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. She is an elected Fellow of the ACS, AAAS, and Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations. In November 2007 the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring was presented to her in a White House Oval Office Ceremony. Additionally, she has achieved Level Four Lifetime Learning Center Leadership Certification through the National College Learning Center Association.

She received her B.S. degree, magna cum laude, from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her master’s degree from Cornell, and her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received the Chancellor’s Citation for Exceptional Professional Promise. She is married to Dr. Stephen C. McGuire, a professor of physics at Southern University. They are the parents of Dr. Carla McGuire Davis and Dr. Stephanie McGuire, and the doting grandparents of Joshua, Ruth, Daniel, and Joseph Davis.

Sherry Morgan

Dr. Sherry Morgan is a native of East Tennessee. She is the daughter of a blue-collar father who proudly served his country as a tail gunner in World War II and a mother who raised three children in the Powell community of Knoxville.

Sherry always knew she wanted to attend the University of Tennessee. She arrived on the Hill in the fall of 1967 as the first in her immediate family to attend college. She enrolled in the College of Home Economics to pursue her dream of working in retail merchandising. That first fall at UT, a high school classmate who was also a freshman asked her out as his homecoming date. More than 50 years later, she and Charlie are still inseparable.

Sherry graduated from UT in 1971 and went to work for Millers Department Store. One of her first assignments was to help open the company’s anchor store at the new West Town Mall in 1972. After a few years of working in retail, which included weekends and evenings, Sherry realized that she and Charlie were ships passing in the night, so she made the decision to go back to school and get her master’s in Elementary Education. That decision changed Sherry’s life and subsequently the lives of thousands of students she would impact over her more than 30 years in education.

She began her career in education at Chilhowee Elementary School where she gained experience across a spectrum of grades from kindergarten to the 6th grade. Her passion to influence the lives of young people led to a desire to have a broader impact. So, she once again returned to UT to pursue her doctorate. This led to 26 years in educational administration including eight years as the Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville.

Throughout her career, Dr. Morgan was known as an innovator, unifier, and a champion for the educators she led and the students she served. Despite being retired for almost 15 years, Dr. Morgan continues to have a profound impact in the educational community and the Knoxville community at large. She has always embodied the Volunteer creed through her deeds and has dedicated her life’s work to giving light to others.

David Royse

Dr. David M. Royse has over thirty-nine years’ experience in the education field. He taught middle and high school band in the Kentucky public schools for five years, then spent ten years as a music education faculty member at Kansas State University, where he was a 1998 recipient of the William L. Stamey Undergraduate Teaching Award from the KSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Royse was hired at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2000, where he served as Coordinator of Music Education from 2002 until his retirement at the end of Fall Semester 2024. A frequent presenter at state and national conferences, he authored or co-authored articles in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Contributions to Music Education, Music Educators Journal, and Teacher Magazine.

He is a Past President for the Southern Chapter of the College Music Society. He was the recipient of a 2004 University of Tennessee Citation for Excellence in Advising and the 2012 University of Tennessee School of Music Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Royse is a 2022 inductee into the Tennessee Music Education Association Hall of Fame.

Kirsten Salonga

Kirsten Salonga graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in ecology and evolutionary biology, and a minor in secondary education. Among many other awards, she received the Brent and Rachel Trentham Endowed Scholarship in 2015.

Through the VolsTeach program, Kirsten was able to earn licensure to teach secondary science while completing her bachelor’s degree, and today she is an ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) Environmental Science & Biology teacher at Justice High School in Falls Church, Virginia.

Recently Kirsten received the American Field Service 2025 Educator of the Year Award and is serving as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair for the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.

In 2024, National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions selected Kirsten 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. Throughout her voyage, Kirsten had hands-on, field-based educational and research opportunities, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that she will use to inform her curriculum and inspire her students to become environmental stewards.

CEHHS Launches Teaching-Time Out Podcast

February 14, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

CEHHS Launches Teaching-Time Out Podcast

Are you an educator looking for professional, evidence-based information to enhance your career?

Join Jed Blanton for this series by educators for educators. In just the time it takes for a cup of coffee, learn how you can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented during the academic year. This podcast series is meant to share brief tactics and reflections to help evolve and sharpen our teaching practices, supported by evidence and resources. Each episode will feature one idea or strategy to bring into your teaching practice.

About Teaching Time-Out from Jedediah Blanton

Welcome to Teaching Time-Out.

I am Dr. Jedediah Blanton and I am glad you are taking a quick time out to think about teaching. I am on the faculty at the University of Tennessee and currently serve as the director of Teaching Development for the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences.

This podcast will be a way for me to chat about some of the impactful teaching practices that I’ve learned from great colleagues and through readings that have been shared with me.

In no way am I an expert nor do I think of myself as any sort of accomplished teacher – in fact, it’s probably my epic failures over the years that have best equipped me with the awareness that I need to pause and think thoroughly about how to evolve and enhance my teaching practice.

In each episode, I will share summaries of evidence that positively impact a classroom along with a set of practical instructions that you can use to sharpen your teaching practice. These teaching time-outs will be short, practical activities or reflections, based on interesting readings that have made me pause and think or re-think something about my classroom or courses. You can check the episode descriptions for links or more information about the resources that support each episode. I aim to share one topic a month during the academic year, that you can pocket and add to your teaching practice.

Listen and subscribe to wherever you listen to podcasts!
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