Two faculty members and five students from the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling were recognized at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet on April 16, 2019.

See below for a description of each individual’s award.

Extraordinary Professional Promise

Honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promise in teaching, research, or other contributions.

Terry O. Gibson Jr.
PhD Candidate in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

“Receiving the Extraordinary Professional Promise award was inspirational and made me feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Marlon Johnson
PhD Candidate in Counselor Education

“It’s humbling to be acknowledged as someone who can make an impact in the field of Counselor Education. I’m often resistant to exploring and experiencing acknowledgements like this. I work hard like my colleagues, knowing that we do it all to better our communities and our profession. I’m overwhelmed with joy and hope to continue to make a difference after graduation!”

Ashley Scheyder
MS in School Counseling ’19

“Receiving the Extraordinary Professional Promise Award is such an honor. I am so thankful for my entire graduate experience with the counseling program and I know that this award reflects the hard work of many others that have supported me and poured into me in various ways. I would not me the person that I am today if it were not for this program and I am thankful that they have challenged and helped me to grow while still allowing me to be myself along the way. I am so excited to begin my professional journey in School Counseling, and receiving this award reminded me that I am ready and that there are many people right next to me cheering me on along the way.”

Mary Wynn
MS Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

“I am so appreciative for our program and the counseling field. I always knew I wanted to help people, but it was a journey to find my way to the counseling profession. Now that I’m here, my spirit is overflowing with exuberant gratitude! I love what we do! We get to help and empower clients through individual counseling and psychoeducation, and we are working to break down systemic barriers through social justice advocacy. I love that our program doesn’t ask us to put on a façade of perfection, rather we are called to openness and self-awareness to harness our life experiences, to attune our perceptions and biases. I am so thankful for my cohort, professors, and mentors who have seen me and invested their time to help me grow.”

Excellence in Teaching

Honor bestowed by the Office of the Chancellor and the Teaching Council of the Faculty Senate to honor outstanding work in the classroom.

Lauren Moret
Assistant Professor

Excellence in Advising

Honor bestowed by the Office of the Chancellor and the Teaching Council of the Faculty Senate to honor outstanding work in advising.

Jennifer Ann Morrow
Associate Professor

“Over the past 21 years I have gotten to work with some amazing students and colleagues. Thank you for continuing to remind me why I love what I do.”

LGBTQ Student Leadership Award

Award given by the Commission for LGBT People to a student who demonstrates a commitment to advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues on campus.

Nancy Thacker
PhD in Counselor Education ’19

“I am honored to receive the LGBT Student Leadership Award. Working for the Commission for LGBT People at UT Knoxville for the past three years has been the most rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve the UT Knoxville LGBTQ+ community alongside a group of strong, persistent, and dedicated LGBTQ+ social advocates. ”

Twenty-five members from Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling (EPC) were commended at the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony on April 25, 2018.

To see photos from the event, please go to the “EPC at the 2019 CEHHS Faculty & Staff Recognition Ceremony” album on our EPC Facebook page.

Awards

Gary L. & Rebecca S. Blauser Endowed Faculty Support Award in Honor of Bob Rider, Dean
Awarded to recognize current and past accomplishments or future projects of one outstanding faculty member for excellence in teaching, research, and/or service efforts within any CEHHS area.

Jennifer Ann Morrow
Associate Professor in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

“What I love most about working at UT is I get to mentor an amazing, diverse group of graduate students as they become more proficient in research methodology. A profound thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Blauser for their support for this award in honor of Dean Rider. Thank you!”

Helen B. Watson Faculty/Student Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation
Awarded to a student and the faculty member who directed the outstanding doctoral dissertation within the departments of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Educational Psychology and Counseling; Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies; or Theory and Practice in Teacher Education.

Recognition

Casey A. Barrio Minton
Professor & Program Coordinator for Clinical Mental Health Counseling

– Recognized under Presidents of National/International Professional Organizations for being President-Elect of Southern Association of Counselor Education & Supervision

– Recognized under Recipients of National/International Professional Awards for the American Counseling Association Fellow

Carolyn Blondin
Licensed Psychologist for the Korn Learning, Assessment & Social Skills Center

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for five years of service

Ralph G. Brockett
Professor in Adult Learning

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for 30 years of service

Beverly Cate
Accounting Specialist II

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for 25 years of service

Synthia Clark
Administrative Specialist I

– Recognized under UT Support Staff Awards & Certifications for the AECT Design & Development Competition Award

Lisa Crawford
Associate Director of the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under Grants & Contracts Recipients as PI for the TDOE Summer Trainings, Tennessee Department of Education, $621,980

Stephanie Daniels
PhD Candidate in School Psychology

– Recognized under Grants & Contracts Recipients as PI for “Understanding students’ typing skills: Evaluating the effects and efficiency of a typing intervention for elementary school students,” Society for the Study of School Psychology, $5,000

David Fields
Program Manager/Event Manager of the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for 10 years of service

Katherine H. Greenberg
Professor Emerita

– Recognized under Authors/Editors of Books & Assessments Published 2018-2019 for Greenberg, K. H., Sohn, B. K., Greenberg, N. B., Pollio, H. R., Thomas, S. P., & Smith, J. T. (2019). The phenomenological heart of teaching and learning: Theory, research, and practice in higher education. New York, NY: Routledge.

Aaron Kohring
Director of the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under Grants & Contracts Recipients as Co-PI for the TDOE Summer Trainings, Tennessee Department of Education, $621,980

Robert Kronick
Professor & Director of University-Assisted Community Schools

– Recognized under Grants & Contracts Recipients as PI for the University-Assisted Community Schools, United Way of Greater Knoxville via Catholic Charities, $125,000 of anticipated $375,000

R. Steve McCallum
Professor in School Psychology

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publication for being Co-Founder and Consulting Editor of the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment

– Recognized under Authors/Editors of Books & Assessments Published 2018-2019 for Bracken, B. A., & McCallum, R. S. (2018). Universal nonverbal intelligence test. Austin, TX: ProEd Publishing Company

– Recognized under Authors/Editors of Books & Assessments Published 2018-2019 for McCallum, R. S., & Bracken, B. A. (2018). Universal talented and gifted screener (UTAGS). Austin, TX: Prufrock Publishing Company

Merilee McCurdy
Associate Department Head, Associate Professor & Program Coordinator for School Psychology

– Recognized under Grants & Contracts Recipients as PI for “Understanding students’ typing skills: Evaluating the effects and efficiency of a typing intervention for elementary school students,” Society for the Study of School Psychology, $5,000

Lauren Moret
Assistant Professor in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

– Recognized under 2019 Chancellor’s Honors Awards for Excellence in Teaching

Jennifer Ann Morrow
Associate Professor in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

– Recognized under 2019 Chancellor’s Honors Awards for Excellence in Advising

Louis Rocconi
Assistant Professor in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

– Recognized under Grants & Contracts Recipients as PI for “Measuring quality in legal education: Examining the relationship between law school rank and student engagement,” Association of Institutional Research, $50,000

Blaine Sample
Coordinator I of University-Assisted Community Schools

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for five years of service

Mike Sass
East TN Teaching Coordinator & Team Leader of the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under 2018-2019 Faculty & Staff Retirements, 1996-2018

Gary J. Skolits
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator for Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publications for being Co-Editor of The Qualitative Review

Qi Sun
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator for Adult Learning

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publications for being Co-Editor of Adult Education Quarterly
– Recognized under Recipients of National/International Professional Awards for the Outstanding Service Award by The American Association of Adult and Continuing Education

Christine Tidwell
Administrative Specialist III

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for 15 years of service

Connie White
Associate Director of the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under 2018-2019 Faculty & Staff Retirements, 1990-2018

Brian Wilhoit
Director of the Korn Learning, Assessment & Social Skills Center

– Recognized under UT Faculty & Support Staff Service Awards for 10 years of service

Jennifer Ann Morrow, associate professor, co-authored a national report titled The Assessment Profession in Higher Education: Addressing the Varied Professional Development Needs of Practitioners.

“I am very grateful for the support of my UT and AALHE colleagues who encourage my passion for teaching and engaging in quality higher education assessment work. I look forward to continued collaboration with my students and colleagues in this important area.”

The report was released by the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE) and Watermark. The organizations stated a mission to work collaboratively in striving to develop resources that help assessment practitioners and institutions advance the practice of meaningful assessment, provide opportunities for assessment professionals to connect, as well as conduct and share research on current assessment practices and results.

AALHE and Watermark explained the report provides insights into several area of assessment including:

• practitioners’ perceptions of assessment
• the roles/positions and activities conducted by assessment practitioners
• practitioners’ professional development needs

The report authors – Laura Ariovich, Conna Bral, Patricia Gregg, Matthew Gulliford, and Jennifer Ann Morrow – provided practical recommendations for institutions and professional organizations to better support assessment practitioners, particularly in the area of professional development.

• Collaborative sharing across institutions and assessment personnel should be examined as a viable method for supporting the work of assessment practitioners.
• Professional associations, individual institutions, and consortia should offer professional development opportunities in a wide variety of delivery methods to meet the varied needs of practitioners.
• Topics addressed in professional development offerings must include both assessment tasks, such as conducting data collection and analysis activities, and more complex assessment work, such as creating assessment cultures and facilitating change in higher education organizations.

“We see a real alignment in our organizations to advance the practice of assessment and help institutions use better data to improve student learning and institutional outcomes – an area that is of critical and growing importance to the future of higher education,” said Monica Stitt-Bergh, AALHE President. “We share the belief that this collaboration has been mutually beneficial for our organizations and higher education more broadly.”

“We have a great deal of respect for AALHE, its researchers, and the leadership it provides for the higher education community,” said Kevin Michielsen, CEO of Watermark. “This study underscores our commitment to supporting and empowering higher education with the kind of information and insight needed to drive decision making that ultimately improves student and institutional outcomes.”

About AALHE
Founded in 2009, the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education is a non-profit professional association for assessment practitioners at colleges, universities, and higher education support organizations. It serves the needs of those in higher education for whom assessment is a tool to help them understand learning and develop processes for improving it. AALHE provides resources and a forum to support assessment practitioners’ professional development and the research, documentation, open discussion of issues, strategies, policies, and processes associated with the use of assessment to improve student learning and institutional effectiveness in fostering student success. For more information and to become a member, visit www.aalhe.org.

About Watermark™
Watermark’s mission is to put better data into the hands of administrators, educators, and learners everywhere in order to empower them to connect information and gain insights into learning which will drive meaningful improvements. Through its innovative educational intelligence platform, Watermark supports institutions in developing an intentional approach to learning and development based on data they can trust.

Nineteen members of EPC were commended at the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony on April 27, 2016.

To see photos from the event, please go to the “CEHHS Faculty & Staff Recognition Ceremony 4.27.16” album on our EPC Facebook page.

Awards

College Senate Departmental Staff Award
Recognizes a departmental-level non-exempt staff person who has provided exceptional contributions to his/her department (going above & beyond job expectations to accomodate students and faculty, contributing to a positive and supportive work culture and environment.

Synthia Clark
Administrative Specialist I

“I am so lucky to work in a department with such caring, supportive, and appreciative individuals!”

The Helen B. Watson Faculty/Student Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation
Awarded to a student and the faculty member who directed the outstanding doctoral dissertation within the departments of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Educational Psychology and Counseling; Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies; or Theory and Practice in Teacher Education.

CEHHS Board of Advisors Faculty Support Award
Awarded to recognize current/past accomplishments or future projects of one outstanding faculty member for teaching/research/service efforts in any area within CEHHS.

R. Steve McCallum
Professor in School Psychology

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the CEHHS Board of Advisors for their recognition and support of my work. Over the years I have worked closely with board members and know firsthand of their many contributions to the college!”

Recognition

 Casey A. Barrio Minton
Associate Professor in Counselor Education

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publications for being Editor of Journal of Counselor Leadership & Advocacy
– Recognized under Authors/Editors of Books and Assessments for Evaluating Student Learning Outcomes in Counselor Education. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association
– Recognized under Recipients of National/International Professional Awards for Outstanding Research Award from Chi Sigma Iota International

Bonnie Bull
Administrative Support Assistant III

– Recognized under University of Tennessee Support Staff Service Awards for five years of service

Stephanie Cowherd
Associate Director of Corporate Connections for Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under Grants and Contracts Recipients for the Tennessee DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services/UT CLEE from the Tennessee Department of Human Services, $788,443

Joel F. Diambra
Associate Department Head & Director of Graduate Studies

– Recognized under Recipients of National/International Professional Awards for Outstanding Counselor Educator of the Year from the Tennessee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

Patrick L. Dunn
Program Co-Coordinator for Rehabilitation Counseling

– Recognized under Grants and Contracts Recipients for the Long-Term Training: Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf from the US Department of Education – Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services, $148,492

Sandra Fugate
Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under 2014-15 Faculty & Staff Retirements (2000-2015)

Melinda Gibbons
Program Coordinator for Counselor Education/School Counseling

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publications for being Associate Editor of Professional School Counseling Journal
– Recognized under Grants and Contracts Recipients for the PIPES: Possibilities in Postsecondary Education and Science among Rural Appalachian Youth from the Office of Research Infrastructure Program, $209,136

Aaron Kohring
Director for Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under Grants and Contracts Recipients for the LINCS Regional Professional Development Centers Program from the US Department of Education, $284,750 and the Transition & Self Determination Support from the Tennessee Department of Education, $549,105

Robert Kronick
Professor for School Counseling & Cultural Studies of Educational Foundations

– Recognized under Chancellor’s Honors Awards for the Alumni Public Service Award
– Recognized under Grants and Contracts Recipients for the University-Assisted Community School from the Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Inc., $100,000

R. Steve McCallum
Professor for School Psychology

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publications for being Co-Founder & Consulting Editor of Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment
– Recognized under Authors/Editors of Books and Assessments for Handbook of Reading Assessment: A One-Stop Resource for Prospective and Practicing Educators. Routledge: Taylor and Francis
– Recognized under Authors/Editors of Books and Assessments for Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test 2. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed Publishing Company
– Recognized under Chancellor’s Honors Awards for the Research & Creative Achievement Award

Merilee McCurdy
Program Coordinator for School Psychology

– Recognized under Presidents of National/International Professional Organizations for being Chair of Council for Directors of School Psychology Programs

Jennifer Ann Morrow
Program Coordinator for Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

– Recognized under Chancellor’s Honors Awards for the Excellence in Teaching Award

Roma Powis
Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under 2014-15 Faculty & Staff Retirements (2004-2015)

Stephanie Robinson
Institute for Assessment & Evaluation

– Recognized under 2014-15 Faculty & Staff Retirements (1994-2015)

Connie Settle
Institute for Assessment & Evaluation

– Recognized under 2014-15 Faculty & Staff Retirements (1993-2015)

Barbara Thayer-Bacon
Program Coordinator for Learning Environments & Educational Studies/Cultural Studies of Educational Foundations

– Recognized under Editors/Co-Editors of Peer Reviewed Publications for being Editor-in-Chief of Studies in Philosophy and Education

Connie White
Associate Director of School & Family Programs for Center for Literacy, Education & Employment

– Recognized under Grants and Contracts Recipients for the Tennessee Teachers’ Professional Development Event Support from the Tennessee Department of Education, $2,214,746 and the Tennessee Teachers’ Professional Development Event Support from the Tennessee Department of Education, $877,092

Three faculty members and five doctoral students from the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling were recognized at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet on April 19, 2016.

See below for a description of each individual’s award.

Extraordinary Community Service
For students and student organizations that exhibit the Volunteer spirit in the community.

Janine Al-Aseer
PhD Student in Learning Environments & Educational Studies

“I am deeply honored to receive the award and credit the amazing team and cohort I have to work with. I thank John Peters for the nomination!”

UT Alumni Association Public Service
Honors a faculty or staff member whose work has made a significant impact on the Knoxville-area community.

Robert Kronick
Professor in School Counseling & Cultural Studies of Educational Foundations

“This award represents the work of a lot of people.”

Extraordinary Professional Promise
Honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promise in teaching, research or other contributions.

Wenshu Li
PhD Candidate in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

Research and Creative Achievement
Given to senior faculty in recognition of excellence in research, scholarship, and creative achievement.

R. Steve McCallum
Professor in School Psychology

“During my tenure at the University of Tennessee I have been blessed to work with many talented students and colleagues. The Research and Creative Achievement Award is a tribute to these collaborators; it is as much theirs as it is mine!!”

Excellence in Teaching
Bestowed by the Office of the Chancellor and the Teaching Council of the Faculty Senate to honor outstanding work in the classroom.

Jennifer Ann Morrow
Associate Professor in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

“I’m incredibly grateful to all of my awesome students who nominated me. Teaching is the best part of my job and I strive to get students as excited about statistics as much as I am.”

Extraordinary Professional Promise
Honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promise in teaching, research or other contributions.

Everett Painter
PhD Student in Counselor Education

“I have a great deal of respect for our program faculty. The fact they were comfortable in nominating me is gratifying and means a lot to me. This is a result of their investment and support as much as anything else.”

Extraordinary Professional Promise
Honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promise in teaching, research or other contributions.

Kala Taylor
PhD Student in School Psychology
“I am honored to receive this award.”

Extraordinary Professional Promise
Honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promise in teaching, research or other contributions.

Lakmal Walpitage
PhD Candidate in Evaluation, Statistics & Measurement

To see photos of our recent award recipients, please go to the “EPC Award Winners” album on our EPC Facebook page.

*Award descriptions listed from Chancellor’s Honors Banquet program and website.