Our people
Meet the trailblazers of education, health and human sciences
At U of I's College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, our faculty and staff are more than educators — they're pioneers in research, teaching and mentorship. Each brings a wealth of experience and a passion to help you succeed.
Hands-on learning, innovative research and a student-centered approach prepare future educators, health professionals and leaders to make a lasting impact. Recognized for excellence, EHHS faculty drive forward-thinking programs, inspiring curiosity and pushing boundaries.
EHHS college
Administration
Brooke Blevins
Dean and professor of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Julie Amador
Associate dean for research and faculty development, professor
Ann Brown
Associate dean of graduate studies; associate professor; director of human performance laboratory, exercise, sport and health sciences
Christina Cox
Professional development program manager
Taylor Raney
Associate dean of undergraduate studies, director of teacher education and clinical full professor
Matt Johnson
Director of development, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Melissa Epler
Director, student recruitment and communication
EHHS faculty
Explore faculty profiles to uncover their backgrounds, research interests and the ways they’re empowering the next generation.
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Julie Amador
Associate dean for research and faculty development, professor
Vanessa Anthony-Stevens
Associate professor of social and cultural studies
Carol Billing
Clinical assistant professor
Brooke Blevins
Dean and professor of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Rebekka Boysen-Taylor
Director of field placement, assistant clinical professor
John G. Cannon
Associate professor and program coordinator
Janice Carson
Professor, project director, CDHD
Sarah Castle
Assistant professor
Yin Hong Cheah
Assistant professor
Janine Darragh
Professor
Raymond A. Dixon
Professor
Ryan Gillespie
Assistant professor
Aleksandra Hollingshead
Department chair, special education
Allen Kitchel
Associate professor
Lauren McCleary
Assistant clinical professor
Melissa McConnell
Sr. Instructor and program coordinator, advanced studies
Rodney McConnell
Senior instructor
Corey McKenna
Clinical assistant professor of education
Brant G. Miller
Professor of science education
Taylor Raney
Associate dean of undergraduate studies, director of teacher education and clinical full professor
Andrew Scheef
Associate professor, special education program coordinator
Jue Wang
Assistant professor of literacy studies
Department of Leadership and Counseling
TJ Bliss
Clinical assistant professor, adult, organizational learning, and leadership
Sydney Freeman, Jr.
Professor
Laura Holyoke
Department chair, associate professor
Juhee Kim
Clinical assistant professor, educational leadership
Michael Kroth
Professor
Jerry R. McMurtry
Dean of the College of Graduate Studies
Krista M. Soria
Associate professor, adult, organizational learning and leadership
Bethani Studebaker
Clinical associate professor
Elizabeth Wargo
Associate professor
Kyle Znamenak
Clinical assistant professor, adult, organizational learning and leadership
Department of Movement Sciences
Joshua P. Bailey
Associate professor; ISMMAL coordinator
Jayme Baker
Clinical associate professor; interim director of athletic training program
Russell "Rusty" Baker
Interim co-director; associate director of medical research and clinical associate professor of athletic training
Ann Brown
Associate dean of graduate studies; associate professor; director of human performance laboratory, exercise, sport and health sciences
Scott Cheatham
Clinical assistant professor of athletic training
Cate A. Egan Loiacono
Associate professor of physical education; program coordinator; director of the Physical Activity Pedagogy Laboratory
Brian Fowler
Clinical assistant professor, recreation, sport and tourism management
Emma Grindley
Instructor; internship coordinator, exercise, sport and health sciences
Samantha Hanna
Clinical assistant professor and clinical education coordinator of athletic training
Sydney Leverett
Clinical assistant professor, associate director of therapy services - ISMaRT Clinic
Erik Luvaas
Clinical assistant professor; program director, CDHD
Nickolai Martonick
Assistant professor of clinical biomechanics
Melanie Meenan
Clinical associate professor, program coordinator and dance studio director
Christopher B. Merica
Assistant professor of physical education, teacher education and health education teacher
Alan Nasypany
Clinical Associate Professor, Director of Therapy Services, ISMaRT Clinic
David Paul
Professor
Philip W. Scruggs
Department chair; associate professor
Sharon Stoll
Professor; director of the Center for ETHICS, recreation, sport and tourism management
Chantal A. Vella
Professor; interim program coordinator; director, Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory