Election for Student Life Committee

I am an Assistant Professor of Instruction and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Kinesiology & Health Education. I am interested in joining the Student Life Committee to learn more about students' experiences beyond the classroom and how these affect their education and time at UT. I am hoping to further develop community with colleagues across campus, and to serve my College (Education) and the larger University.

I teach in the Health & Society program, where I also serve as Associate Director of Student Affairs. I'm a strong advocate for student success and well-being, and have been recognized with a UT Tower Award for creating an outstanding community-based learning course and by Services for Students with Disabilties Office for contributing to an inclusive environment for all students. I spend many hours each week formally and informally mentoring students at all levels of academic achievement -- from the strongest students at the top of their class to struggling students needing extra support and connections to resources to stay at UT and graduate.

I have several semesters of experience teaching an upper-division sociology course called Mental Health in Social Context, and during fall 2023 I facilitated a Professional-Track Faculty networking circle on the topic of Supporting Student and Faculty Mental Health. I hope to have the opportunity to become more deeply involved in campus-wide efforts to support student life and well-being.

I am Clinical Assistant Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (promoted to Associate in fall 2024), & Director of the Earl Maxwell Scholars Program. I supervise a yearly cohort of 10-14 students at their community-based practicums, teach graduate level courses. Serve as the faculty liaison for the Environmental Justice and Ecotherapy student group, and formerly the Black Student and Scholars Network at SHSSW