Advisory Council for Access and Culture

Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP - Chair
Title IX Coordinator
Associate Vice Chancellor for Access and Compliance
Office of Access and Compliance

Dr. Alston’s employment within The University of Tennessee System spans 30+ years with stints at UT- Martin, UT-Knoxville, and UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. Michael's work experience in higher education encompasses residence life administration, student recruitment and admissions, undergraduate instruction, employee relations, student conduct administration and equity and diversity.

He is an alumnus of The University of Tennessee at Martin earning a BS in Psychology and MS in Educational Psychology and Guidance. Michael also has an earned doctorate in higher education administration from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in addition to a professional certificate/certification in Diversity Management from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.

Michael is a native of Brighton, Tennessee in Tipton County and graduate of Munford High School.

Chandra Alston, EdD, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - Advisory Member
Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
Human Resources

Dr. Chandra Alston is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at UT Health Science Center with twenty (20) years of service. She earned her Bachelors of Business Administration from UT Martin, and MBA from Union University, and an EdD in Leadership from the University of Memphis. Dr. Alston has worked in several departments on campus interacting with faculty, staff and students. Developing, training, and encouraging employees are passions that she has cultivated throughout her career.

Cynthia K. Russell, PhD, RN
Professor, Vice Chancellor of Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs
College of Nursing

Dr. Russell holds a PhD in clinical nursing research from the University of Arizona in Tucson. She received a MSN in adult health nursing from West Virginia University in Morgantown and a BSN from Ohio University in Athens. The UT Health Science Center Faculty Senate has honored Russell with three Presidential Citations, an Exceptional Meritorious Achievement Award, and the 2001 Faculty Senator of the Year designation. She has received Student Government Association Teaching Awards and nominations and was a member of the UT Health Science Center Academy of Distinguished Teaching Professors.

Connie Childs, MA
International Affairs Consultant
International Affairs

Connie Childs is the Director of International Affairs at The UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. She first came to Memphis as an F-1 student from Denmark and obtained a BA in English as a Second Language and an MA in English Linguistics from The University of Memphis. She has worked with international students since 1993 at The University of Memphis and with international scholars and staff since 1997 at UT Health Science Center. She has been involved with workshop curriculum development for NAFSA: Association of International Educators, where she has also served on the Policy and Practice Committee, as well as presented workshops and sessions at NAFSA conferences.

Cassandra Christiansen, RDH, MPA, EdD
Director of Dentistry
Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene
College of Dentistry

Cassandra Holder Christiansen graduated with Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene from Tennessee State University/ Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN; She earned both a Masters of Public Administration degree and Doctorate of Education from the University of Memphis. Cassandra has over twenty-five years experience in dentistry, which began as a high-school part-time job and has evolved into a lifetime vocation. She is dedicated to the prevention of oral diseases focusing in underserved populations.   

Currently, Cassandra is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN where she is serving as the Director of School Based Programs and Community Outreach

Her teaching responsibilities include Aseptic practices and Infection Control, Prevention and Patient Education, and Oral Radiology. Cassandra is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the National Dental Hygienists’ Association, Sigma Phi Alpha, and Delta Sigma Theta. She has published various abstracts, articles, and a series of dental health manuals for West Virginia school teachers.  Cassandra has spoke and presented numerous scientific posters at local and national meetings. She serves as a dental consultant and provides continuing education in the area of Infection Control, Diversity in the Workplace and Dental Hygiene Practice Management.

Andrea Franks, PharmD, BCPS, FNAP
Assistant Dean for Curricular Affairs
Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science Department
College of Pharmacy

Dr. Franks is a UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy graduate who completed residency training at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Memphis. She started her faculty career on the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy Memphis campus, then joined the founding team of faculty for the Knoxville campus in 2007. Her background in clinical practice is inpatient and outpatient family medicine. Dr. Franks has received numerous teaching awards including the UT Alumni Association’s Outstanding Teacher Award and Distinguished Service Professorship. She has served in educational leadership roles including Residency Program Director, Director of Education for the Knoxville campus, and Vice Chair for Education for the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science. Currently, her primary role is as Assistant Dean for Curricular Affairs for the College of Pharmacy in the Office of Academic Affairs 

Mark A. Miller, PhD
Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry & Medical Education
Assistant Dean for Preclinical/Basic Science Curriculum
Office of Medical Education

Dr. Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (MIB) and the Department of Medical Education (MedEd). As a member of MIB, he is a basic science researcher with a focus on bacterial pathogenesis/vaccine development and serves as the interim Director of the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory and as the Chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Dr. Miller teaches foundational immunology and serves as the Course Director for the 1st year medical school course known as Common Mechanisms of Disease, and he serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee for Evaluation and Assessment (SEA). Dr. Miller serves on a number of additional committees involving both the research and education missions at UT Health Science Center.

Eliane Pater, MS
Director of Student Success Operations and Finance
Office of Student Success

Eliane Pater was born in raised in Brazil. She comes from a very humble background and was first in her family to earn a college education. Through her college internship in Brazil, Eliane was granted the opportunity to come to the United States as an international student in 2002. Eliane is a fierce advocate for first-gen college students, as well as minority and international students. Throughout her immigrant journey in this country, Eliane has worked in many different areas, as a nanny, in hospitality, banking, and higher education. Eliane has a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality, and is earning a Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership; she loves culture and languages and speaks three languages fluently. 

Trenton Pitts, JD
Director
Office of Business Contracts

Trenton Pitts has worked at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for more than 6 years. He worked in grants and research contracts for both St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® and UT Health Science Center, and currently serves as the Director of Business Contracts. Trent earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Oklahoma and both a masters of arts in teaching and a Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis.

Brad Terhune
IT Team Leader
Information Technology Services

Brad Terhune has worked for the UT Health Science Center since 1998.  He obtained a BA in English Literature from Rhodes College in 1991, and earned his Master’s degree from the University of Memphis in 1998.  During his time working at the UT Health Science Center, Brad has been a Help Desk technician, an onsite computer repair tech, and now directs the UT Health Science Center Customer Technology Support department.

Brad enjoys learning about new technologies, and often helps friends and family with computer issues when he’s not in the office.  He’s always ready to play a game of racquetball.

Orpheus L. Triplett, DDS, BS
Associate Dean of Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service                     
College of Dentistry

Dr. Triplett is an alumnus of Alcorn State University, graduating cum laude. He earned his DDS degree from Howard University College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency with the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. He is the recipient of many honors and awards including the College of Dentistry Dean’s Appreciation Award in 2017, a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Steve Cohen in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community in 2018, a City of Memphis Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding and Meritorious Contribution to Our Community in 2018, and a UT President’s Award Citation of Merit in 2019.

Dr. Triplett oversees, encourages, and supports community engagement activities in the College of Dentistry. He is involved in the development and implementation of new programs, and the establishment of new relationships as it relates to the college’s public service mission.

Mona Newsome Wicks, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor and Chair, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Department
College of Nursing

Mona Newsome Wicks, PhD, RN, FAAN, a university educator for over 30 years, has participated in diversity, inclusion, health disparities, and cultural competence work for more than 20 years. Her research and scholarship in these areas include extramurally-funded research and invited presentations and peer-reviewed publications. In addition, she reviewed grant applications for the National Institutes of Health, Center for Scientific Review for two terms as a member of the Health Disparities and Equity Promotion Scientific Review Group. Dr. Wicks developed and taught a doctoral course and participated in webinar development focused on diversity and inclusion, and previously served as Lead Co-chair for the American Academy of Nursing Expert Panel on Cultural Competence and Health Equity. She remains an active member of this group.

Tracy D. McClinton, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Associate Professor
College of Nursing

Dr. McClinton is an associate professor and alumna of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She has served with the Faculty Senate since 2017 as a senator, executive member, and as the 2024-2025 Faculty Senate President. She is an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) and has served at the Health Science Center for nearly a decade, and as a healthcare professional for nearly three decades. She serves in the CON as a member of the Access and Belonging Committee; and holds a certificate in evidence-based practice (EBP). Dr. McClinton teaches EBP competencies, and AGACNP skills and didactic courses in the DNP program. She has presented her scholarly work nationally and internationally and serves in local and international missions.

Vikki Massey
Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology & ITS Chief of Staff
Information Technology Services

As the IT Chief of Staff for UT Health Science Center, Vikki Massey co-leads Information Technology Services (ITS), overseeing IT planning, major strategic initiatives, and four user-facing teams that provide support and professional services. Vikki's goals are to align the work of ITS with the university's strategic plan and to meet users where they are and help them select and employ the best technologies to drive the university forward.

Ashley Thomas, MEd
Compliance Specialist
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards

Ashley Thomas is the Compliance Specialist in the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards at UT Health Science Center. Ashley graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Middle Tennessee State University with Masters of Education in Higher Education. Ashley is currently working on a Doctor of Education at Middle Tennessee State University.

Outside of work Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading books, and baking.

Felisa Jackson, RDH, BSDH, MSAH
Assistant Professor
College of Dentistry

Felisa Jackson is the Director of Access and Engagement at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for the College of Dentistry. She graduated from UTHSC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 1999 before beginning her career in private practice. She earned her Masters of Allied Health from East Tennessee State University. She was the recipient of the 2024 Faculty Enrichment Award for her outstanding commitment to mentoring her students. Felisa also serves as the chair of the Moving Forward Committee, which focuses on preparing, recruiting, and retaining underrepresented students, staff, and faculty in the field of dentistry.

Piper Olivet
Student
College of Pharmacy

Piper Olivet is a student in the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy on the Knoxville campus, and is scheduled to graduate with her PharmD in May 2026. She is currently serving on the UT Health Science Center Student Government Association Executive Council. Within the College of Pharmacy, she is the 2024-2025 president of the Pharmacy Student Government Association and is a member of the college’s Admissions Committee. She was inducted into Rho Chi, the pharmacy honor society, and Phi Lambda Sigma, the pharmacy leadership society.  Prior to this, she served in several positions including class vice president, Member-at-Large for the college’s APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter, and pledge class president for Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Piper is originally from Birmingham, AL, and attended The University of Alabama for her undergraduate studies.

Chermale Casem, MBA, PHR, CDE
Executive Assistant Dean for Finance, Operations, and Strategic Initiatives
College of Health Professions

Chermale Casem, MBA, PHR, CDE® is the Executive Assistant Dean of Finance, Operations and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Health Professions. With 3+ years of service at UTHSC, she works directly with the Dean to provide financial and administrative expertise supporting achievement of the College’s strategic goals for high-quality academic programs and student success grounded in inclusion and allyship. Since 2023, she has served as Principal Investigator/Project Director for the Reimagining Education for Advanced Careers in Healthcare (REACH) Project funded by a $3.249MM HRSA Health Careers Opportunity Program: The National HCOP Academies grant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a master’s in business administration from the University of Memphis. Chermale is a proud graduate of Leadership Memphis' 2014 Executive Class, further highlighting her commitment to leadership and excellence.