Four faculty members at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been selected to serve as 2025-26 Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program Fellows. The program seeks to identify, prepare and advance academic leaders for roles within SEC institutions and beyond.
Representing a range of leadership roles and academic disciplines, fellows gain valuable insights into the landscape of higher education administration while building a strong network of peers. Since its inception in 2008, more than 700 faculty members have participated in the program, and many have advanced into senior leadership positions.
“These faculty members represent the scholarly excellence and leadership potential that define our institution,” said Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Veerle Keppens. “Their selection for this program reflects their commitment to advancing higher education, and we’re excited to see how they’ll apply these experiences to benefit our campus community and the broader SEC network.”
Meet UT’s 2025-26 SEC Academic Leadership Development Fellows:
Michael Danquah, Tickle College of Engineering
Michael Danquah is associate dean for academic and student affairs in the Tickle College of Engineering and a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. His widely published and cited research focuses on the application of biomolecular principles and nanoscience to develop novel biopharmaceuticals, biosensing and targeted delivery systems, and environmental bioremediation systems and bioproducts. It has attracted funding from competitive federal grants, industry and institutional support. He has consulted for biotech and biomedical companies in the U.S. and overseas and mentored more than 100 researchers. Passionate about innovative teaching, he connects theory to application and develops programs tailored to emerging chemical engineering industries.
Judson Laughter, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Judson Laughter is the director of faculty affairs in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and a professor of English education in the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education. His research focuses on culturally relevant teacher education and the preparation of teachers for classrooms with varied student backgrounds.
Laughter has established himself as a nationally recognized scholar and outstanding teacher. Since joining UT in 2009, he has been actively involved in service and community engagement, taking on leadership roles within both his department and the broader community. His service to the university includes leading the Faculty Senate’s faculty affairs committee.
Brendan McConville, Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
Brendan McConville is the associate dean of academic and faculty affairs and a professor of music theory and composition in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. He has worked closely with colleagues across the university to assist in building creative interdisciplinary programs, and he co-directs UT’s study abroad program in Bologna, Italy.
McConville’s research areas include 20th-century music analysis and the use of emerging technologies in the teaching of music theory. His writings appear in a variety of scholarly journals, and he co-authored an interactive ebook on music theory as well as co-developing mobile music theory applications for iOS and Android devices. He has received numerous awards for his music composition, and his works have been commissioned, performed, televised and recorded in the United States and Europe.
Christopher McNulty, College of Arts and Sciences
Christopher McNulty is director of the School of Art and a professor of art. His work has explored the limitations of human thought and performance, and the tensions that exist between ideals and everyday lives. His current work examines how environmental space penetrates the body, creating relationships among individuals, species and objects. He has exhibited work in galleries and museums throughout the U.S., and his art practice has been featured in numerous publications.
The recipient of numerous grants and awards, McNulty has completed artist residencies at the MacDowell Colony, Marble House Project, the Hambidge Center and the Vermont Studio Center.
“The SEC is dedicated to equipping faculty and administrators across our universities with the tools and experiences they need to continue to advance in their careers,” said LeNá P. McDonald, associate commissioner of academic relations at the SEC. “This program develops leaders whose influence will strengthen both higher education and the communities they serve well into the future. We are proud to partner with our member universities to continue this impact initiative.”
The complete list of 2025-26 SEC Academic Leadership Development Fellows is available on the SEC website.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)