Residence Life Staff 2009-10
Melvin Buchanan
Mr. Buchanan has a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing with a collateral in International Business from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He has worked in residential life since 2004 and is entering his second year as a house manager. His interests include music, dance, educational dialogue, community service, and enjoying life.
Janet Johnson
Mrs. Johnson is a first year house manager at TGA, but is not new to student living. She comes to us from King College in Bristol, Tennessee where she served as Director of Residence Life and as a Resident Director. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Matthew Johnson
Mr. Johnson has been at TGA for 1.5 years, serving as house manager. He will be continuing his tenure at Cottage 310. He is a grad student at UT, studying music theory and composition.
Syconda Joiner
Ms. Joiner is a new house manager for TGA. Originally from Georgia, she remained in Knoxville after attending the University of Tennessee to open her own business and become a contractor for The Knox County School System.
Rebecca Deen
Ms. Deen, originally from Nashville, is a second year house manager at TGA. She is a graduate of Midway College with BA in Equine Management. When not tending to our flock, she tends to her horses at Deevine Training and Management.
Christine Thorson
Ms. Thorson is a house manager in her second year with TGA. She holds a master's degree in music from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is also a private voice instructor, singer, and performer. She has previously worked as a special education paraprofessional, an Elementary and Middle School Music instructor, a High School Choir Director, and Worship Music Leader. She enjoys music, theater, scrapbooking, gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
Kip Thorson
Mr. Thorson is in his second year as a house manager at TGA. He earned a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has previously taught high school social studies in Minnesota, in addition to working at a university in the areas of career development and college preparation. He is currently pursuing his Master's Degree at UT in Information Science.
Ning Yu
Ms. Yu is in her third year working at TGA, but is excited to be entering a new role as house manager. A native of China and formerly our Mandarin teacher, Ms. Yu is working on a PhD in Hotel Restaurant Management at UT.
Executive Director
Dr. Vena Long
The University of Tennessee
College of Education, Health & Human Science
Claxton Education Building
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37996
Email: vlong@utk.edu
Fax: (865) 974-8718