JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (June 13, 2022) – East Tennessee State University’s Clemmer College has announced that Dr. Dawn A. Rowe will serve as the James H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning. She will assume her position on July 1, 2022.
The James H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, originally established
in 1994, is an endowed chair in the Clemmer College created specifically to address
issues related to teaching, its relationship to learning and innovative practice and
problem solving to enhance the future and quality of life in the region and beyond.
It honors former First District Congressman James H. Quillen, who represented Northeast
Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives for more than 30 years.
In this position, Rowe will play a critical role in assisting the administration and
faculty of Clemmer College in building upon its reputation as the principal provider
of education and related service professionals in East Tennessee by facilitating the
research and studies of students and faculty members. Rowe will also be dedicated
to working across university and regional organizations to strengthen rural education,
health, wellness and community development.
“Dr. Rowe is not only a leader in her field, but has very quickly become a research leader at ETSU. Her research track record is commendable,” said Dr. Nicholas Hagemeier, vice provost for Research and chief research officer. “Perhaps more importantly, her ability to come alongside researchers and students to advance projects positions her to be very impactful in the Chair of Excellence position. Rowe is a genuine thinker, relator and colleague. She is the type of person who will leave anything she touches better than she found it. I am truly excited about Rowe serving in this role.”
Rowe received her bachelor of science in communication disorders from Appalachian State University, in Boone, North Carolina before earning her master of arts in teaching in special education. Rowe then went on to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received her Ph.D. in special education. Rowe's research, primarily focused on secondary education for students with disabilities, has been published in more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, Rowe has been invited to speak at national and international conferences and has helped secure millions of dollars in funding through various grants dedicated to improving lives through commitment to the quality of education.
“As I moved into higher education to pursue my goals of impacting change on a larger
scale, I moved into supporting others who were engaging with students and families,”
said Rowe. “As I continued to develop my skills as an educator, leader, innovator
and researcher I realized I must approach opportunities from multiple levels. This
drove me to examine our systems and to support those in leadership positions to build
the capacity of those they supported through strategic planning. This journey has
illuminated the many barriers that impact an individual's ability to achieve their
goals.”
Prior to being selected for the James H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and
Learning position, Rowe served as the interim chair of Educational Foundations and
Special Education in Clemmer College. She is also the Program Director for Access ETSU, which offers services to young adults with intellectual disabilities who desire
to experience inclusive postsecondary education.
“By nature, my general line of research focuses on education and well-being. Transition-related
skills are defined as the academic and functional skills needed to support students
in moving through school to adult life,” said Rowe. “Because of this, I can make connections
to a lot of different disciplines including counseling and human services, health
care, and even sports science and kinesiology. This is what excites me about the James
H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning position. It allows me to
help others make connections in teaching and research to facilitate collective efforts
to improve the quality of life for others.”
To find out more about the James H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning
position, contact Rowe at roweda@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-7171.