Meet the Faculty

Faculty Bios

• Dr. Audrey Besch

  Dr. Audrey Besch (she/they) is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), a member of the ETSU Strong BRAIN Institute, and the academic advisor for the Trauma and Resilience Minor. Dr. Besch earned her Doctor of Education in 2024, where her research focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and factors that influence first-year college student adjustment. She is a certified trauma professional and teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in the Human Services Program as well as the Trauma and Resilience Minor. Dr. Besch’s scholarship centers on trauma and resilience-informed practices, neurodiversity, and creating student-centered learning environments. Her work is inspired by lived experience and a belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported.  
• Dr. Bill Garris

  Dr. Bill Garris, Associate Professor, earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2002. He often teaches courses in Counseling Theory and Practice, Research Methods, and Child Psychology. His research interests focus on technology - such as smartphones - and their effect on our emotional well-being and relationships. When he is not in the office, he often enjoys time in nature, especially near water. He also likes to hang out at dog parks. He doesn't have a dog, presently. He just enjoys petting other people's dogs. 
• Dr. Michelle Hurley

  Dr. Michelle L. Hurley is an Assistant Professor, Director of the Undergraduate Human Services Program and the Coordinator of the Child Life Specialist concentration. Dr. Hurley began her career at ETSU in 2002 with TRIO programs where she worked with students from historically marginalized backgrounds who wanted to pursue their PhD. She spent 18 years as an adjunct professor. In 2023, Dr. Hurley joined the Department of Counseling & Human Services full-time. Prior to her tenure at ETSU, Dr. Hurley worked as a therapist for sexually abused children and youth and provided community advocacy for victims of sexual assault. Dr. Hurley typically teaches the Introduction to Human Services and Child, Family & Community courses. Her research focus is campus sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking. She is the author of Project Self-Discovery  and Theory to Application: Crisis Case Files for Human Services. Dr. Hurley enjoys European history, interior design, and architecture. If she weren't a professor, she would have been a civil engineer specializing in hydraulic engineering, an urban planner, or a librarian. She is completely obsessed with kitty cats and is the mother of two fur babies, Everley and Virginia. 
• Dr. Kwangman Ko

  Dr. Kwangman Ko, Associate Professor, received a Ph.D. in Family Studies from the University of Missouri in 2018. His research has explored family relationships and dynamics across diverse familial and cultural contexts, with a main focus on fathering and fatherhood. He often teaches Research Methods and Grant Writing, Lifespan Development, Cultural Influences in Development, and Family Theories/Development. He also earned his M.S. in Information Systems from ETSU in 2025 and is bridging the gap between social science and data science to advance our understanding of family well-being. He likes reading and swimming in his free time. He is also interested in mindfulness and related areas of personal growth and reflection.
• Deidra Rogers

  Ms. Deidra A. Rogers, Senior Lecturer, earned her Ed. S degree from East Tennessee State University in 2022 and is currently completing her PhD in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (expected completion year: 2027). She teaches Intro to Service-Learning, Intimate Relationships, and Cultural Influences on Development in the HS Department. Her research interests center around millennial adult learners (MALs) and spirituality in community-engaged learning environments. She has a passion for study abroad and study away experiential learning endeavors and has served as a two-year TBR HIPs (High-Impact Practice) Ambassador.  When she is not teaching, she enjoys volunteering in her local community, spending time with her family and close friends, traveling to the beach, walking, and reflective meditation. 
• Teresa Brooks Taylor

  Teresa Brooks Taylor is an Assistant Professor. Teresa is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with degrees in Sociology. She formerly directed the Service-Learning and America Reads programs at ETSU. She has taught in various disciplines, including Human Services, Sociology, Women’s Studies, Cross Disciplinary, and Service-Learning. Her primary courses are Family Development, Family Theories, Lifespan, and Human Services Administration. For many years, her teaching and work have focused on community-engaged learning. Other interest include career readiness and skill preparation for the workforce. She has also worked in various capacities in Student Life and the nonprofit sector and is also an avid volunteer.