About our authors
John J. Wheeler, PhD is currently Professor of Special Education at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Wheeler has served in many roles during his 35-year career including service as a special education teacher, professor, researcher, associate dean, and dean. His career has focused on the provision of technical assistance, program development and research in the delivery of positive behavioral interventions and supports to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities in rural and underserved areas.
David Dean Richey, PhD (1943 to 2014) received his PhD in 1974 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and had many professional roles while at Tennessee Tech University, including Professor, Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the College of Education. He worked tirelessly for the care and well-being of young children with special needs and their families, specifically in his pivotal role in the establishment of Tennessee's Early Intervention System in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. Dr. Richey was a devoted husband to his wife Linda; father to Patrick, Amy, Amanda, Hicham, Adam and Gervan; and active grandfather to Noor, Lena and Kaja. He was also a compassionate advocate for families and children, a mentor to countless students, a scholar and a prolific gardener.