Associate Director

Leisha Estep holds a Master of Arts in History from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, along with an Interdisciplinary Certificate in University Teaching from the same institution. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in History at The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, and participated in the British Studies Program at St. John’s College, Oxford University, Oxford, England.

With a strong academic background, Leisha has delved into extensive research, focusing particularly on urban renewal, adult businesses, and public health in Nashville for her master’s thesis project. Her research explores the intersection of capitalism, tourism, public health, urban evolution, sexuality, and government regulation, shedding light on the dynamic transformations of urban landscapes.

Leisha has diverse experience in higher education student success and is passionate about working with students to achieve their goals while supporting them as individuals. She started her career at Cameron University in academic advising before having leadership roles in tutoring labs and eventually leading the development of a new University unit focused on retention. She also has taught student success and US History courses as faculty. Leisha comes to the University of Tennessee after working for Iowa State University Honors Program as the Upper-Division Coordinator.

Leisha calls Tennessee home and is excited to be back closer to friends and family. Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her husband and dogs (Bentley and JoJo), play board games, try new foods, and read cozy mysteries to recharge.

Leisha is the honors coach for all Haslam Leadership Scholars.

Clifton Strengths: Woo, Arranger, Communication, Strategic, and Developer