Dr. Jo Lynn Cunningham

Professor

My background and interests reflect my systems developmental orientation. Much of my work has been interdisciplinary, and most has had a strong applied focus. The basic paradigm within which I work is that of the connections among individuals, families, and other social systems (e.g., education, health, religion, public policy).

My current research emphasis is developmental assets, which are positiv experiences and personal qualities needed by individuals to facilitate their development as healthy, caring, and responsible persons. The presence of these assets has been shown to be a powerful predictor of positive outcomes in young people (and their absence to be a strong predictor of negative outcomes). The initial framework developed through Search Institute was focused on adolescents and then adapted for younger age groups. I have adapted this framework for adults as well and am looking at implications both for their own development and their facilitation of healthy development of young people with whom they interact. In addition, I have been using the assets framework as the basis for program evaluation, particularly with faith-based programs for children and youth at risk.

Throughout my career I have worked in the area of program evaluation. I have done local, state, and national evaluations for programs for children, youth, and adults (including teen pregnancy prevention, Head Start, nutrition education, Freedom Schools, passenger safety education, early childhood education, family life education, child abuse prevention, and faith-based programs).

I love theory and research methodology as well as policy and advocacy issues. I teach a graduate course on youth development that involves a blend of theory, research, and program and policy applications. In addition, I am heavily involved in student advising, which I enjoy because it gives me a chance to work closely with students, to work across the curriculum, to make connections between what happens within and outside the university, and to engage in creative problem solving.

I am very interested in and involved with advocacy for children, youth, and families. I work on a regular basis with the Children's Defense Fund and Knoxville's Promise (the local affiliate of America's Promise) and am active on several coalitions (e.g., family violence, mental health, access to prenatal care). I also serve on various task forces, boards, and committees. Through this community involvement I try to integrate outreach with my research and teaching (e.g., making connections for students for service learning, field placement, volunteer, and job opportunities).

 

Contact Information

1215 W. Cumberland Ave
5 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1912

Phone: 865-974-2163
Email: jcunning@utk.edu

Contact CEHHS

335 Claxton Complex 1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718