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New Faculty


The Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling is pleased to announce newest faculty member, Patricia Higgins. Dr. Higgins will serve as Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master’s in Educational Psychology degree beginning June 1, 2022.

Dr. Higgins joins the department with a twenty-year background in International Education. She most recently served as the International Admissions Specialist for Pellissippi State Community College and as Adjunct Instructor for the University of Tennessee Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling.Graphic that says "Welcome to the Team, Patricia Higgins, PhD" and includes a headshot of Dr. Higgins.

Dr. Higgins earned a PhD in Educational Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education from the University of Tennessee in 2019. Additionally, she holds certification in English Language Teaching Leadership Management from TESOL and was awarded the Friends of Educational Psychology & Counseling Research Grant in 2019.

Upon the distinguished retirement this summer of current Ed Psych Online Co-Coordinator, Dr. Cathy Hammon, Dr. Higgins will assume the role of Ed Psych Online Co-Coordinator.

Dr. Higgins is passionate about applying her extensive experience and research to the EdPsych Online graduate program at the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Higgins lives in East Tennessee with her partner, Matthew, and fur-kids. She enjoys gardening for pollinators, watching classic films, and soaking in the beautiful East Tennessee outdoors.

The Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling is honored to gain Dr. Patricia Higgins on its team.

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The Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling is pleased to welcome newest faculty member, Hyunhee Kim.

Kim joins the department as an Assistant Professor, and will teach courses in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Counselor Education beginning in fall 2022. Profile photo of Hyunhee Kim, PhD, newest faculty member of the Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling

Kim earned a dual major BA in Education & Ethics Education from Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea in 2003, as well as a Master’s in Educational Counseling from Seoul National University in 2008. A PhD in Counselor Education will be awarded from The Pennsylvania State University (CACREP-accredited) in 2022.

Kim holds additional certifications as a Professional Counselor from The Korea Counseling Association, and School Counseling and Teaching Certificates from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Korean Ministry of Education. She was named the 2018 “Emerging Leader” by the NARACES, and received the “Exemplary Doctoral Research & Practice Award” from the AARC in 2020.

Hyunhee’s research primarily focuses on the role of relationships in educational settings. “I am particularly interested in developmental assets and protective factors that help students thrive, regardless of the adversities they may encounter.”

Hyunhee credits her upbringing on the beautiful Jeju Island, South Korea, for her deeply instilled values of “peace, collaboration, and adaptability,” which she looks forward to contributing as a Tennessee Volunteer and leader. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her family, practicing yoga and meditation, and enjoying music.

The Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling is honored to gain Hyunhee Kim on its team.

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