Ashley Howdeshell and Caitlin Moore have been selected as the UTCSW’s inaugural Exempt Staff DEI Fellows.

Howdeshell is the Assistant Director of Budget, Finance, and Operations, where she oversees human resources and the daily operations of the college. Howdeshell currently supervises five non-exempt staff, adding an additional three supervisees within the next several months.

Howdeshell’s supervisor, Tiffany Harmon, Director of Budget, Finance, and Operations noted, “I have the pleasure of watching Ashley grow in her role and she had done so with confidence and great leadership. This takes an excellent leader to be able to supervise so many employees, all in different roles within the college. She is a natural leader and problem solver, easily identifying and proposing solutions to any road bumps that her team may encounter. She is a committed and valued member of my leadership team.”

Howdeshell has a desire to lead inclusively, and as the DI fellow she plans to discover opportunities to elevate equity within the staff team while promoting the full participation and sense of belonging with every employee on staff. Howdeshell stated, “I feel that taking this next step with the DI fellowship falls in my personal and professional mission and is something that I am honored to be a part of.”

Moore is the Knoxville recruiter for the college, and she encounters a myriad of students and works hard to ensure they feel included and heard. As a recruiter, Moore actively seeks input and direction from the program directors and various faculty, staff, and administrators to enhance student recruitment.

Moore’s experience as well as her pleasant demeanor are a great fit for this role. She is approachable and encourages people to discuss any concerns or issues they may have. And as a person of color, she has a true understanding of what needs may arise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is not afraid to address issues head on, and will be a great advocate for those who may not feel comfortable advocating for themselves.

As a DEI Fellow, Moore plans to work with student ambassadors to strengthen recruitment of underrepresented minority students. Her goals are aligned with the UTCSW’s diversity action plan.

The college is still accepting applications for the DEI Non-exempt Staff Fellow position. Please contact Dr. Camille Hall at jhall39@utk.edu if interested in applying.