Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

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http://elps.utk.edu

Norma T. Mertz, Interim Head

Professors
Cheek, J.G., PhD (Chancellor) – Texas A&M
Mertz, N.T., EdD – Columbia

Associate Professors
Angelle, P.S., PhD – Louisiana State
Biddix, J.P., PhD – Missouri
Ishitani, T.T., PhD – Iowa

Assistant Professors
Derrington, M.L., EdD – Washington
McCoy, D.L. PhD – Louisiana State
Robinson, K.K., PhD – Virginia Commonwealth

Visiting Assistant Professor
Boyd, K.D., PhD – Georgia

Emeriti Faculty
Brewer, E.W., EdD – Tennessee

The mission of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is to prepare entry-level and executive-level administrators and faculty for schools and colleges, and to prepare policy scholars to serve in these organizations and in state, regional, and national policy agencies associated with the educational and human service enterprise. The graduate degree programs in the department are designed to enrich the knowledge, skills and values requisite to effective leadership in educational practice settings. The department views leaders as stewards and servants of organizations; designers of the social and cultural climate in which we do our work; teachers who facilitate human growth and development; change agents who continually examine the effectiveness of their organizations; and conceptual provocateurs who challenge ideas and assumptions on which practice and policy are built.

Financial Assistance

The department offers scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial assistance opportunities. For application forms visit the departmental website or contact our department office.

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION MAJOR

Through the educational administration programs, the department prepares entry-level and executive-level administrators for schools and colleges. All masters, specialist in education, and certificate coursework will be delivered in an online format through distance education. Additionally, it prepares policy scholars to serve in state, regional, and national policy and human services agencies. The graduate degree programs are designed to enrich the knowledge, skills and values requisite to effective leadership in educational practice settings. The graduate programs focus on the preparation and development of administrative and instructional leaders who serve in diverse school settings and educational units of government.

Courses for the educational administration program are offered online through Distance Education. 

HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION

Under higher education administration, two programs are offered – a major in college student personnel and a major in higher education administration. 

The Center for Educational Leadership

The Center for Educational Leadership, through its Leadership Academy, offers a 15-month intensive leadership preparation program that offers a Master of Science degree with a major in Educational Administration or a Specialist in Education degree with a major in Education (concentration in Educational Administration). Students (called “Fellows”) in the Leadership Academy must be available on Monday through Thursday of each week for an intensive internship experience under the direction of a school mentor (e.g., the school principal). On Fridays, classes are conducted in order to complete the required curriculum and meet the knowledge and skill standards for initial certification as a beginning school leader. Admission to the Leadership Academy is highly selective. Information about the Leadership Academy and the application process can be obtained from cel.utk.edu.

Return to: College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences