The Faculty Mentors of The Ned Ray McWherter Institute (NRMI) represent each of the university’s five colleges. Working in partnership with the director, Faculty Mentor's responsibilities include the development, implementation, and delivery of NRMI programs. The Faculty Mentors establish curricular content and lead the Institute’s meeting sessions. They meet regularly with the director to plan and organize the activities of The Institute. In addition, they maintain open lines of communication with students – assisting them with assigned projects, serving as mentors, offering feedback and support, and assessing their progress as McWherter Innovators. Partnering with a wide range of internal and external constituents, the Faculty Mentor Team works with the director to develop and deliver quality and impactful programs. Faculty Mentors provide encouragement and support to NRMI students as they engage in innovative experiential learning opportunities, collaborate with a wide range of individuals and organizations, strive for excellence in their chosen fields, and lead through service and by example.
Dr. Jerald Ogg
Dr. Jerald Ogg, a native Missourian who earned his J.D. (law) from the University of Tennessee and Ph.D. in journalism from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, is a professor of Communications and director of the Tennessee Governor's School for the Humanities. Since joining the UT Martin faculty, he has served as department chair, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost. Dr. Ogg is also a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in the Judge Advocate General's ("JAG") Department, and a licensed attorney in Tennessee and Louisiana. A recipient of the UT Alumni Association Outstanding Teaching Award, he has visited all 50 of the United States as well as 27 other countries.
Dr. Robbie Montgomery
Robbie Montgomery, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Dr. Montgomery received her B.S. in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2002 and her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 2008. While at SIUC, she started a research development company, RM Technology, which was later closed when she accepted the faculty position at UTM. Since coming to UTM Dr. Montgomery has worked along with Criminal Justice Department to develop a Forensic Science program at UTM. She has also served as a research mentor in the area of protein separations for many undergraduate research students who have presented their work at local, regional, and national meetings. Dr. Montgomery is also an advisor for students majoring in chemistry and for those planning to attend pharmacy, dental, or medical school.
Carrie Humphreys
Carrie Humphreys, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and the International Studies Program Advisor in the Department of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Political Science. Dr. Humphreys received her B.A. from Boise State University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Utah. Her area of expertise and research focuses on comparative politics with a regional emphasis on Europe political parties and elections. She lived in France for a year and has traveled throughout Europe. Moreover, Dr. Humphreys is an advocate of experiential learning. She organizes opportunities for students to participate in Southern Regional Model United Nations and travel-study programs.
Joey E. Mehlhorn, Ph.D
Dr. Mehlhorn serves as the Gilbert Parker Chair of Excellence in Agriculture and Natural Resources and the director for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Mehlhorn’s responsibilities include directing the graduate program in agriculture and natural resources and teaching in the area of strategic and risk management. Prior to serving as the Parker Chair of Excellence he served as the chair of the Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources department. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Mississippi State University. Research interests include international agriculture, agriculture policy and entrepreneurship. He is passionate about teaching and mentoring students to become industry ready graduates with a desire to be lifelong learners.
Gina McClure
Gina is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student and Residential Life at UT Martin. Gina earned her two degrees from UT Martin and has been involved with student life on campus since 1998. She was Director of Campus Recreation for eighteen years and instrumental in the promotion and eventual building of the new Recreation Center at UTM in 2010. She strives to develop characteristics in a student, with various experiences outside the classroom, that will have a positive effect throughout life. She has been in her present position since October 2016 which involves many aspects of student life including Housing, Campus Recreation, University Center, Multicultural Affairs, Greek Life and Student Organizations. She has assisted with numerous leadership workshops for the various adult and youth leadership programs throughout northwest Tennessee.