June 30, 2025 – Pulaski, Tenn. – Dr. Daniel McMasters, Chair of the School of Education at the University of Tennessee Southern, has been selected as a 2025 Impact Academy fellow through the national non-profit organization Deans for Impact (DFI). Dr. McMasters joins a prestigious cohort of education leaders from across the country recognized for their commitment to transforming teacher preparation and improving outcomes for all students.
With a deep belief in the life-changing power of education, Dr. McMasters has helped lead UT Southern’s efforts to prepare skilled, compassionate, and practice-ready educators who serve communities throughout southern Middle Tennessee and beyond. As Chair, he has championed innovations that support future teachers through mentorship, data-informed practice, and meaningful partnerships with local school districts.
“Being selected for the Impact Academy is both a personal honor and a reflection of the collective work we are doing at UT Southern to strengthen educator preparation,” said Dr. McMasters. “We know that great teaching can change lives, and I’m excited to join national peers in advancing strategies that will help ensure every student has access to a high-quality teacher.”
The Impact Academy fellowship empowers educator-preparation leaders with the tools, support, and vision to elevate instructional quality and advocate for sustainable, equity-centered change. Fellows participate in monthly learning sessions, receive individualized coaching, and engage in peer consulting to address real-time challenges in the educator-preparation field.
Dr. McMasters is one of just 18 leaders selected for the 10th cohort of this national program. This year’s fellows represent a diverse mix of public and private universities, community colleges, residencies, and teaching fellowships across 11 states—each united in the goal of strengthening the teacher pipeline and fostering excellence in PK-12 learning environments.
“Educator-preparation leaders play a critical role in shaping how new teachers are set up for long-term success,” said Valerie Sakimura, Executive Director of Deans for Impact. “From prioritizing instructional improvement in their programs, to supporting their teams to meet the evolving needs of schools and communities, to advocating for innovative and sustainable practices, they carry an immense responsibility in shaping the future of teaching and learning. With this milestone cohort, we look forward to helping them grow as change agents while staying grounded in instructional quality and student impact.”
To learn more about the 2025 Impact Academy cohort, visit: https://www.deansforimpact.org/impact-academy-cohort10.
About the University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern is the newest campus in the University of Tennessee System, proudly located in Pulaski and serving as the only public four-year institution between Chattanooga and Memphis. With a personalized student experience and deep community roots, UT Southern is committed to preparing graduates who are ready to make a difference in the region and the world.
About Deans for Impact (DFI)
Deans for Impact is a national non-profit organization committed to ensuring every child is taught by a well-prepared teacher. DFI supports educator-preparation programs to integrate the science of learning into teaching practice, partners with policymakers to advance equity-focused teacher preparation, and equips education leaders with the tools to solve the field’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at deansforimpact.org.