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School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling

Welcome!


Welcome to the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling! We are located in Summerour Hall, on the scenic campus of Southern Adventist University. Nestled on top of the hill, our picturesque building provides one of the best views of campus! Join us in a virtual tour, or even better, come see us in person!

We invite you to explore the vibrant programs housed here. You’ll find undergraduate programs in both education and psychology and graduate programs in counseling and education. In each program, our faculty and staff endeavor to help our students embrace the idea that we are “Called to Serve.”           

Thanks for spending some time on our website, and let us know if we can help you in any way. I look forward to meeting you!

Dr. Tammy Overstreet's Signature
Our Mission
The mission of the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling at Southern Adventist University is to prepare effective Christian professionals who demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of truth, wholeness, and a life of service in a diverse society.
Our Philosophy
The School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling subscribes to the philosophy that human beings were created in the image of God and received unlimited potential for multifaceted development. It is the purpose of Christian education to bring individuals back to the wholeness in which they were created, through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Consequently, the work of education is also the work of redemption and involves the development of the whole person—spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and physical aspects.
Our Approval
Through the performance of its graduates, the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling has established a reputation for excellence. The Teacher Education Program is approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education for the preparation of elementary, middle, and secondary teachers and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities, Inc. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Master of Science in School Counseling is also approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education. The School of Education and Psychology is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, and other professional organizations.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8, NIV

Faculty/Staff Contact Info

Dean

Tammy Overstreet, PhD: 423.236.2444

Office Manager

Suzanne Brown, BA: 423.236.2415

Graduate Programs Manager

Mikhaile Spence, MS: 423.236.2496

Assessment & Accreditation Manager

Elaine Hayden, MA: 423.236.2846

Counseling

Director: Ileanna Freeman, PhD

Southern Center for Counseling and Emotional Wellness: 423.236.2492

Field Experience Coordinator: Nancy Zima-Gentry, MEd, MSEd, 423.236.2024

Education

Director of Teacher Education Program: Chanda Daggs, PhD, 423.236.2520

Director of Outdoor Education and MSEd Programs: Monty Murdoch, PhD, 423.236.2984

Director, Master of Arts in Teaching: Jasmine Johnson, Ed.D, 423.236.2509

Certification Officer: Kathryn McGrath, MEd, 423.236.2631

Field Experience Coordinator: Melanie DiBiase, PhD, 423.236.2759

Psychology

Director: Tron Wilder, PhD, 423.236.2937

Contact

School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling Southern Adventist University
P.O. Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315

Teaching Materials Center

The TMC provides students, faculty, and community members with one of the most comprehensive collections of teaching resources in Southeast Tennessee.