Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has recognized six outstanding graduates from the Carter & Moyers School of Education as part of its 40 Under Forty program, which celebrates young alumni who demonstrate strong leadership, career success and meaningful contributions to their communities.
The LMU 40 Under Forty program recognizes alumni under the age of 40 who are making an impact in their professions and communities. Honorees are selected based on professional achievement, leadership ability, service and the positive influence they bring to their organizations and industries. The recognition also reflects each recipient’s continued connection to LMU and their reputation as leaders in their field.
The program highlights the real-world impact of an LMU education while strengthening alumni engagement and connection across the university community. By sharing their success, LMU aims to inspire current students and encourage young alumni to stay involved and invested in the University’s future.
“LMU’s 40 Under Forty program is a powerful reminder of what our alumni go on to do after they leave our campus,” said Dr. Frank Woodward, Vice President for University Advancement. “These individuals are building meaningful careers, leading with integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the connection they continue to have with LMU and the role they play in inspiring the next generation of students.”
Honorees from the Carter & Moyers School of Education represent a range of industries and leadership roles, demonstrating the breadth and strength of LMU’s academic programs. Their work reflects a commitment to excellence, service and continued growth after graduation.
The following Carter & Moyers School of Education alumni have been named to LMU’s 40 Under Forty class of 2026. Their accomplishments highlight the lasting impact of an LMU education, as each continues to lead, innovate and give back in ways that strengthen their professions, communities and the university they call home. Their continued success and connection to LMU reflect a strong and engaged alumni community that supports future generations of students.
Dr. Katherine Bisceglia-Stotts, B.S. '09, M.Ed. '13, Ed.S. '15, Ed.D. '25
Dr. Katherine Bisceglia-Stotts, a four-time graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, serves as an instructor at J. Frank White Academy, where she teaches kindergarten and fourth- through sixth-grade students. She previously served as assistant principal from 2021 to 2025 and holds a Professional Teacher License in Elementary Education (K–6). A dedicated educator committed to student success, Bisceglia-Stotts earned a Doctor of Education, with research focused on the influence of screen time on the social competencies of early elementary students. She was recognized as the Wilderness Road Kiwanis Teacher of the Year in 2023 and remains actively engaged in professional development through ongoing conferences and training across multiple subject areas. Beyond the classroom, she serves her community through the Middlesboro Community Vocal Ensemble, partnerships with the Wilderness Road Kiwanis, and leadership roles as a small group and worship leader at Shiloh Church.
Dr. Whitney Butler, B.S. '13, Ed.S. '19, Ed.D '24
Dr. Whitney Butler, a three-time graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, serves as K-2 assistant principal and district supervisor for the Newport City School System, where she continues a career in public education spanning more than a decade. She has spent the majority of her career with Newport City Schools, teaching grades K–6 and earning recognition as a Level 5 teacher. Butler has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement and instructional excellence, helping lead efforts that resulted in the highest TVAAS growth ranking in Tennessee for sixth-grade social studies on TNReady during the 2020-21 school year. In 2022, she received the East Tennessee Historical Society Teaching Excellence and Award of Distinction. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Butler remains actively engaged in her community as treasurer of the William Cocke Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, co-ambassador for Leadership East Tennessee in Cocke County, and a member of the Leadership Cocke County Board of Directors. She is also a graduate of Leadership Cocke County and Leadership East Tennessee.
Joshua Burns, B.S. '09, M.Ed. '14
Joshua Burns, a graduate of the LMU-Carter & Moyers School of Education and the LMU-Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and School of Education, serves as vice president and financial consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he brings more than 12 years of experience helping clients navigate investment strategies, build long-term financial plans, and achieve their financial goals. Known for his strengths in relationship management, client engagement, and leadership, Burns has built a successful career focused on delivering value and personalized service. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he remains actively connected to his alma mater as a donor and regular attendee of LMU events, including Homecoming, and is a strong supporter of the Dan Burns Golf Tournament. He is also committed to giving back to his community through support of organizations such as the Barbara Stone Foundation, Meyer Center, Junior Achievement of the Upstate, and the YMCA of Greenville.
Dr. Logan Elliott, Ed.D. '13
Dr. Logan Elliott serves as assistant principal and 504 coordinator at Loudon Elementary School within Loudon County Schools. An accomplished educator and instructional leader, he previously earned a master’s degree in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University and has built a career focused on student achievement and educational excellence. Elliott has earned numerous professional certifications, including CPI Certified Educator, Nearpod Certified Educator, Apple Certified Educator, Microsoft Certified Educator, and Level 3 Google Certified Educator, among others. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, ISTE, ASCD, and Alpha Chi National Honor Society. His dedication to education has earned him recognition as a WBIR Teacher of the Year and a 2025 Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator. In addition to serving as a United Way coordinator, Elliott is committed to building strong community partnerships that support students and families and remains actively involved in outreach and service initiatives through his local church.
Dr. Rachelle Kuhn, Ed.D. '20
Dr. Rachelle Kuhn serves as chair of the Exercise Science Department and Applied Health Science Department and as an associate professor at Trine University, where she brings 13 years of higher education teaching experience across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. A respected leader in Northwest Ohio, Kuhn is also co-owner of LVL Up Sports Academy, where she supports youth athlete development and community engagement through sports. A standout collegiate volleyball player at the Division I level, she was recently named the No. 3 Female Athlete of the Century by The Crescent News. In addition to her leadership in athletics and education, Kuhn has contributed to academic research through published work in the Journal of New Studies in Sport Management. Her commitment to community wellness was recognized in 2021 when she received the United Way of Defiance County's One Step at a Time Grant for her role in developing the Defiance County East Mental Health Walking Trail. She remains actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations, reflecting her dedication to education, health, and service.
Dr. Christian Lockhart, M.Ed. '13
Dr. Christian Lockhart is a dedicated higher education and mental health professional who serves as director of student care and advocacy at Pellissippi State Community College and as a licensed counselor with Knoxville Counseling Service. With more than 10 years of progressive experience in higher education, he leads initiatives that support student success by improving access to essential resources such as food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation, Lockhart provides therapy to adults and specializes in career counseling, adjustment concerns, and anxiety. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where his doctoral research focused on student success and person-environment fit in higher education. Through his work in both higher education and mental health, Lockhart remains committed to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
LMU is proud to recognize these alumni whose achievements continue to strengthen their communities and elevate the University’s legacy. Their ongoing connection to LMU reflects a shared commitment to opportunity, service and student success. The University looks forward to celebrating their continued impact and engaging them in shaping the future of LMU.
To learn more about the LMU 40 Under Forty program and view the full list of honorees, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/giving/40-under-forty-honorees
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
