The L&OD group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a full schedule of professional development workshops and learning opportunities throughout the year. With specific emphasis on Leadership Development, learning topics include Career Building, Communication and Interpersonal skills, Diversity and Inclusion, and more.
Mission
L&OD is dedicated to the growth, development, and success of others. Through our commitment to building and sustaining relationships and providing innovative and inclusive leadership development opportunities, we support the UTK campus and community.
Vision
L&OD ignites life-long growth, leadership development and success.
Values
Learning and Organizational Development values…
- Collaborative relationships with campus departments.
- Innovative ways of developing and coaching the UTK campus and community.
- Responding to campus partners in a caring and constructive manner.
Our Staff
Will Ploskonka
Manager
865-974-2889
Will Ploskonka is the Learning and Organizational Development Manager for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Will joined the Big Orange family in February 2019. Will has over 30 years of experience in strategically hiring, developing and retaining leaders and staff. The focus of Will’s time in Organizational Development has been on leadership development, employee engagement, and content presentation / facilitation. Will is a Certified Organization Development Professional (Institute for Organization Development) and an awarded facilitator. Will holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree from UT. Will is highly motivated and driven to impact formal and informal leaders at all levels within organizational structures.
Kerrie Johnson
Senior Consultant
865-974-9652
Kerrie Johnson serves as the Learning and Organizational Development Consultant for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining UT in 2021, Kerrie served as the Training Manager for a facilities management company where she focused on developing and retaining staff. Prior to that role, Kerrie spent her time in higher education. Her roles included Associate Dean of Students, Director of Student Life, and Assistant Director of Student Life, where she focused on developing student leaders. Kerrie holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications from North Central College.
Alexis Bishop
Consultant
865-974-9644
Alexis Bishop is the Learning and Organizational Development Specialist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining the LOD team in February 2022, she worked as a Science Teacher here in East Tennessee for three years. As an educator, she gained experience in content development, virtual teaching, LMS administration, and learning facilitation. Outside of teaching, she has also held positions as a tutor, editor, and freelance writer. A Volunteer through and through, Alexis earned both her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Master of Science in Teacher Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Brian Watkins
Leadership Development Consultant
865-974-0204
Brian Watkins serves as the Leadership Development Consultant for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to joining the UTK HR team in May 2022, Brian served as the Human Resources and Human Capital Director at Tennessee Schools for the Deaf. Brian earned his Professional Training Facilitator for Advance Management Practices from the Tennessee Department of Human Resources in 2015 and has facilitated leadership workshops for multiple state agencies in East Tennessee. Brian holds a Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tusculum University.
Lea McMahan
Coordinator
865-974-9644
Lea McMahan serves as the Learning and Organizational Development Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to joining the LOD team, Lea taught theatre and film classes with Knox County Schools for 20+ years. Lea is a life-long Vol fan and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, her Bachelor of Science in English and her Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction all at the University of Tennessee.
Email L&OD at lod@utk.edu.