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.

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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Melinda Gibbons, associate professor, has been selected to serve on the inaugural School Counseling Advisory Council.

“I am excited to learn from other school counseling leaders in our state and to offer ideas on transforming the school counseling profession.”

The School Counseling Advisory Council is led by Leigh Bagwell, coordinator of School Counseling for TN. The first meeting of the council is April 7, 2016.

The purpose of the council is to effectively engage stakeholders with leaders at the department, as we work together to increase the capacity of Tennessee school counselors to provide counseling programs that successfully support our students.

Council members will regularly share feedback on local implementation of state school counseling initiatives. Additionally, council members will serve as advocates for comprehensive school counseling in their communities.