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 Frost
Associate dean of graduate studies and associate professor
Christina Cox
Professional development program manager
Taylor Raney
Associate dean for undergraduate education, director of teacher education, 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
Carol Billing
Associate professor, clinical faculty
Rebekka Boysen-Taylor
Director of field placement, assistant clinical professor
John G. Cannon
Associate professor; Career and Technical Education Program coordinator
Janice Carson
Clinical assistant professor
Sarah Castle
Assistant professor
Yin Hong Cheah
Assistant professor of instructional technology
Janine Darragh
Professor of literacy and ESL education
Raymond A. Dixon
Professor of CTE; curriculum and instruction, HRD
Ryan Gillespie
Assistant professor
Aleksandra Hollingshead
Department chair and professor of special education
Allen Kitchel
Associate professor
Kirsten LaPaglia
Director and STEM access adjunct faculty
Lauren McCleary
Clinical associate professor
Melissa McConnell
Senior instructor faculty
Corey McKenna
Clinical assistant professor
Brant G. Miller
Professor
Erin Corwine
Practicum placement coordinator, instructor
Taylor Raney
Associate dean for undergraduate education, director of teacher education, professor
Andrew Scheef
Associate professor of special education
David Smith
Assistant professor
William Tai
Doceo center coordinator
Jue Wang
Assistant professor
Brooke Blevins
Dean and professor of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Melinda Tompkins
Field placement coordinator
Vanessa Anthony-Stevens
Associate professor of social and cultural studies
Angela Crawford
STEM education research assistant professor
Rodney McConnell
Senior instructor
Department of Leadership and Counseling
TJ Bliss
Clinical assistant professor, adult, organizational learning, and leadership
Sydney Freeman, Jr.
Professor
Michael Kroth
Professor
Laura Holyoke
Department chair, associate professor
Juhee Kim
Clinical assistant professor
Brandi Ray
Clinical assistant professor
Krista Soria
Associate professor
Bethani Studebaker
Associate professor, program coordinator; director of assessment and accreditation
Elizabeth Wargo
Associate professor
Kyle Znamenak
Clinical assistant professor
James Olive
Clinical associate professor and Ed.D. program director
Jerry R. McMurtry
Dean of the College of Graduate Studies
Department of Movement Sciences
Imran Ahmed
Assistant professor
Melody Alanis
Assistant professor
Joshua P. Bailey
Associate professor
Ann Frost
Associate dean of graduate studies and associate professor
Brian Fowler
Clinical assistant professor and RSTM program coordinator
Emma Grindley
Instructor; internship coordinator, exercise, sport and health sciences
Erik Luvaas
Clinical assistant professor; program director, CDHD
Melanie Meenan
Clinical associate professor, dance program coordinator
Christopher B. Merica
Assistant professor of physical education, teacher education and health education teacher
David Paul
Professor
Philip W. Scruggs
Department chair and associate professor
Rhea Speights
Clinical assistant professor
Sharon Stoll
Professor; director, center for Ethics
Chantal A. Vella
Professor; director, Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory
Cate A. Egan Loiacono
Associate professor, physical education program coordinator, Safe Routes to School program director