DEI Panel

Jeff Tippett
Director of Communications
Division of Diversity and Engagement

Jeff Tippet leads communications for the Division of Diversity and Engagement. Before to coming to UT, he led communications at the oldest HBCU in the south, Shaw University. Prior to Shaw, Jeff founded a public affairs and communications firm signing signature clients like Airbnb, the National Restaurant Association, the League of Women Voters, the League of Conservation Voters, and others. He has led communications on political campaigns ranging from municipal to presidential, and has designed and implemented public affairs campaigns that helped change laws. Jeff did graduate and undergraduate studies at East Carolina University and is currently completing his doctorate.

Janelle Coleman
Executive Director for Diversity and Engagement
Division of Diversity and Engagement

As executive director for diversity and engagement at UTK, Dr. Janelle Coleman acts as a consultant to senior administrators and department leaders to support diversity, inclusion and engagement efforts in their areas. She also assists in the development and implementation of goals and objectives for the Division of Diversity and Engagement in alignment with institutional goals, and partners with the Office of Institutional Research to prepare analysis of data and other evidence related to the progress of the institution in diversity, engagement and inclusion. Janelle has her PhD in Hispanic studies and a master’s degree in teacher education, and has facilitated a number of presentations and workshops on topics such as data analysis and reporting for positive institutional change, programmatic assessment, inclusive leadership, and strategic planning for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Meghan Jagnow
Director of Student Life Communications
Office of Communications and Marketing

Meghan Jagnow serves as the director of Student Life Communications. In this role, she provides strategic direction and support for division communications. She has served in various communications and marketing roles within student life at UT for nine years.

Thura Mack
Coordinator Community Learning Services and Diversity Programs
University Libraries

Thura Mack coordinates outreach to schools in Knoxville and the surrounding community, and she chairs the Universities Libraries’ diversity committee. As a first-generation graduate, Mack holds a bachelor’s degree from Knoxville College and a master’s degree in library science from UT. She UT’s was 2021–22 Macebearer.

Ferlin McGaskey
Director of Professional Development
Teaching and Learning Innovation

Shayla Nunnally
Professor and Head
Department of Africana Studies

Shayla Nunnally is a professor and head of the new Department of Africana Studies, and also is affiliated with the Department of Political Science. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in political science from North Carolina Central University, and has a master’s degree and a PhD in political science from Duke University. Shayla specialize in American politics, public opinion and political behavior, race and politics, and Black American politics, with additional research interests in trust, social capital, and Black political development.

Clarence Vaughn
Director
Office of Diversity and Community Relations, Haslam College of Business

As director of the Office of Diversity and Community Relations at the Haslam College of Business, Clarence L. Vaughn III provides strategic leadership in creating an integrated vision and shared responsibility for facilitating the college’s diversity goals and for fostering and supporting a campus culture that respects and appreciates individual differences. Through collaboration with offices across the college and university, he advances diversity and inclusion in the university’s research and educational missions, creating a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. His previous professional roles include serving as executive director of the Police Advisory and Review Committee for the City of Knoxville Mayor’s Administration, director of diversity and inclusion for US Bank Corporation, and several other management positions in the banking and credit industry. He holds a Master of Business Administration in organizational management from Syracuse University, a bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida A&M, and an associate’s degree in business management from Tallahassee Community College.