Robert Kronick, a professor of educational psychology in UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, was honored as a visionary of Knoxville’s community schools at a recent Community Schools Celebration.
Kronick is the founder of University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS).
UACS is a grant-based initiative that serves twelve local schools. The full-service program is an extension of the regular school day for at-risk students. Each day UT students, faculty, and staff provide the children with academic support services and with programs in physical education, music, and art.
For most of the kids the program has enhanced their interpersonal skills, strengthened their critical thinking, and allowed them to succeed academically.
“Our mission is to create challenging learning opportunities for students by providing them a nurturing environment supported by the family, community, staff, and students,” said Kronick. “It’s all about the kids.”
The celebration also honored two others—Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre and Buzz Thomas, president of the Great Schools Partnership.
Kronick was awarded a framed piece of art created by a Pond Gap Elementary student. The event was cohosted by the League of Women Voters and South Knoxville Elementary.
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CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)