Gary Petree (Ph.D., University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK)) is Assistant Professor of Practice for the undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor at UTK. He currently teaches Foundations and Theories of Leadership (Honors), Ethics in Leadership (Honors), and the Coached Leadership Practicum at UTK. In addition to his passion for growth and development of next generation leaders, his interests include promoting civic engagement in democracy through the practice of deliberative dialogue. To that end, he coaches students in a co-curricular practicum to facilitate and moderate deliberative dialogue forum experiences within the campus community. His research interests are generally focused on human ecology theory with a specific focus on how policies, programs, and practices affect the experiences of veterans in higher education and other institutions.

Gary’s career in higher education began with his assignment as Assistant Professor of Military Science in Army R.O.T.C. at The University of South Carolina (USC) Columbia. His work there also included teaching, coaching, and mentoring cross-enrolled students at two HBCU campuses, Morris College and Benedict College. Since returning to life as a civilian (Lieutenant Colonel, USA, Ret) Gary has taught courses related to leadership and management at Central Carolina Technical College, USC Sumter, and South College: Principles of Management, Human Resources Management, Organizational Behavior, Planning and Staffing, Labor Relations, and The Student in the University. Gary also served as an external consultant for the Institute for Public Service at The University of Tennessee where he developed, facilitated, and evaluated professional development opportunities for leaders and managers in public service organizations across the state.