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. 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