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About ELPS

Welcome to the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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.

Our department offers graduate programs in College Student Personnel, Educational Administration (PreK-12), and Higher Education Administration. Several of our degrees can be completed fully online to support working professionals. We also offer an undergraduate minor in Leadership Studies for students interested in honing their leadership skills before graduation.

ELPS courses are taught by world-class faculty who are at the forefront of tackling key societal challenges and are supported by staff members. Our faculty include former school superintendents, the chancellor emeritus of the University of Tennessee, and researchers with international reputations in their fields of study. ELPS also hosts three centers: the Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), the Postsecondary Education Research Center (PERC), and the College Access and Persistence Services (CAPS) Outreach Center.

We appreciate your interest in ELPS and look forward to engaging with you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our faculty and staff with questions about our programs.

Robert Kelchen, PhD
Professor and Department Head


ELPS Bylaws      Mission, Vision, and Values      Strategic Plan