UTK Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

05/28/2026

The mission of the Higher Education Administration (HEAM) PhD program is to offer advanced graduate study to those students aspiring to enhance their leadership knowledge and skill for service in their current positions; to establish knowledge and skill bases for more responsible and executive leadership appointment; and to build the capacity and inclination for active participation in policy for service in administrative, faculty, and policy scholar roles!

The mission of the Higher Education Administration PhD program is t...

05/27/2026

For over 60 years, ELPS has prepared talented and passionate individuals to take on leadership roles in schools, colleges, and other organizations. Education plays a crucial role in fostering social mobility and reducing longstanding inequities in American society. Our graduates are at the forefront of addressing these challenging problems through their roles leading educational organizations and conducting cutting-edge research.

ELPS courses are taught by world-class faculty who are at the forefront of tackling key societal challenges and are supported by outstanding staff members. Our faculty include leading scholars and practitioners in their areas of study who are dedicated teachers and mentors!

05/26/2026

The Adult & Continuing Education program is designed to help participants broaden ideas and competency to live and work within society, while also learning skills in order to make contributions to the areas of adult and continuing education as well as educational leadership & policy studies through presentations and the publication of original research!

Learn more here: https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/adult-continuing-education/

05/21/2026

The Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Department offers an online masters of science in Educational Administration (EDAM) with a concentration in Higher Education Administration (HEAM).

The degree offers advanced graduate study for individuals who aspire to work in higher education settings including post-secondary institutions, policy and research centers, and government agencies! In addition, professionals currently working in higher education settings will also enhance their leadership knowledge and skills for service in current and future positions!

Learn more here: https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/heam/higher-education-administration-ms/

05/20/2026

Evaluation is the systematic study of an organization or program's fidelity, merit, or worth using a recognized set of national standards!

Students in our Ph.D. ESM program will learn about the hands-on application of evaluation procedures, as well as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods evaluation designs! Interested? Learn more by visiting our website!

05/18/2026

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Welcome to the Alumni Family

05/14/2026

The Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies held its annual Awards and Honors ceremony yesterday! Various students, faculty, and staff across the department's programs were recognized for their hard work!

A special thanks to everyone who attended as well as those who made this event possible!

05/13/2026

Our Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) Program, formerly known as College Student Personnel (CSP), aims to prepare graduate students for work serving others in higher education or related services!

This program provides students with an education grounded in research, theory, and practical experience. Check out the link below to learn more!

https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/student-affairs-and-higher-education/

05/11/2026

The Leadership Studies minor, offered by ELPS, is a 12-credit program designed to prepare students for careers and civic engagement!

Open to all majors, this minor combines leadership theory with hands-on experiences! Students will develop skills and confidence to apply their leadership learning and practice in college, community, and career settings!

Learn more here: https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/leadership-studies/

05/08/2026

Are you ready for your next leadership challenge?

Prepare for your leadership future through our Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program! The program was designed with the following in mind:

-Online
-Allows you to pursue a doctorate while still continuing to work full-time as a school leader
-A cohort model throughout the program
-No GRE
-Examine a problem of practice in the Doctoral Applied Research culminating project
-Courses on advanced leadership

(Three Years of K-12 School Experience in Leadership Roles is Required)

Interested? Please email the Program Coordinator, Dr. Mary Lynne Derrington ([email protected]), with any questions. We look forward to assisting you with your leadership goals!

05/07/2026

Wishing everyone a productive Spring study day! Good luck on finals!