Sara Leach began her role as an Accessibility and Accommodations Education Specialist in the Teaching and Learning Center's Department of Accessibility and Accommodations on October 14. As an Accommodations Education Specialist she will assist the Associate Director with operations and coordination of the testing lab. Originally from Memphis, Sara pursued her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, with a focus on Empowered Bystander Intervention. In her post-graduate studies, she attended the University of Memphis and received her master’s in leadership and policy studies with a concentration in student personnel.
She later held a position in the disability resource office as a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis.
"I spent 3 years at the University of Memphis, and I missed the connection I had working with students. I had a graduate assistantship in the disability resources for students office, and I truly appreciated seeing what adult accommodations and accessibility meant, and how it plays a role in life inside and outside of education."
Sara admires and appreciate being a part of a network that is designed to help individuals grow and know their resources not only at their college/university, but also in their community. She is a proponent of Diversity/Inclusion and believes in creating an equitable environment for everyone.
"Each member of higher education brings networks and skills, and it's interesting to see those blend and create an impact on the student journey."
In her personal life Sara enjoys anything relating to sharks. She considers Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" her personal national holiday.
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Rickeya Burts is the new Fitness Coordinator in Campus Recreation at UT Health Science Center. She began on September 30th and so loving every bit of it! Rickeya graduated with her bachelor's degree in health and human performance from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, in 2017. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and now a Certified Pre-Postnatal Coach.
"I cannot wait to continue to grow in this role and make an impact in campus rec, becoming a mom made me want to help other moms take better care of themselves."
Outside of one-on-one training, Rickeya has taught various group fitness classes such as circuits, water aerobics, HIIT, and Kickboxing. One of her favorite sayings is:
"I aspire to inspire before I expire."
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The Office of Institutional Effectiveness was awarded the NAACLS Board of Directors' ten year accreditation award for UT Health Science Center's Masters in Laboratory Science program! The award was given for having successfully been awarded ten consecutive years of continuing accreditation, which is the longest period of time that can be awarded. MLS Faculty, along with AFSA's Senior Leadership applauded their hard work and dedication and thanked them for all that they did during the process.
Please extend a warm welcome to Sara Leach and Rickeya Burts, and send your congratulations to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness!
To submit a Kudos Callout please contact Julian Piwowar.
