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Meet Our Faculty


 

Dr. Julia Kirk, Program Director

Headshot of Dr. Julia Kirk

 

 

Office Location: Cedar Bluff 126

Email: julia.kirk@LMUnet.edu 

 

 

 

 

 Personal Bio

 Dr. Julia Kirk has served over 15 years in public education and has served as faculty in the LMU EdD Program since 2016. Dr. Kirk has served as a K-12 teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, district facilitator, district supervisor, and Executive Director of the Tennessee Department of Education. Dr. Kirk has also worked in the private educational technology industry. Dr. Kirk's research interests include adult learning, self-directed learning, professional development, educational technology, instructional leadership, and teacher leadership. 

 


 

Dr. Cherie Gaines

Headshot of Dr. Cherie Gaines 

 

Phone: 865.531.4154

Office Location: Cedar Bluff 126

Email: cherie.gaines@LMUnet.edu 

 

 

 

Personal Bio

Cherie Barnett Gaines began her career in 2001 as a middle school teacher of science, reading, and English. Cherie earned her PhD from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a concentration in Educational Administration and Supervision, and she currently works as an Associate Professor of Education in the doctoral program at Lincoln Memorial University. Dr. Gaines's research includes rural schools, teacher leadership, school climate, social justice, middle school education, and leadership preparation.


 

Dr. Bethany Powers 

Headshot of Dr. Bethany Powers 

 

Phone: 865.531.4114

Office Location: Cedar Bluff 123

Email: bethany.powers@LMUnet.edu 

 

 

 

Personal Bio

Dr. Bethany Powers serves as an Assistant Professor in Lincoln Memorial University’s Doctor of Education program. Before earning her EdD at LMU, she was a 3rd and 4th grade teacher and a Behavior Coach in Knox County Schools. She has obtained over eight years of behavioral, social, and emotional experience and training in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Trauma Informed and Resilient Schools, Response to Intervention in Behavior, Restorative Practices, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Conscious Discipline, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention which guided her research. She resides in Knoxville, TN with her husband, Adam, and son, Harrison.



 

Please see our Scholarly Activity Page for more information concerning presentations and publications from our faculty.