David F. Cihak

David F. Cihak serves as Associate Dean of Professional Educator Licensure and Director of the Bailey Graduate School of Education at the University of Tennessee, overseeing 100+ educator licensure programs and 130+ school district partnerships nationwide. As a Professor of Special Education, he pioneers innovative pathways like the 2020 “Grow Your Own” initiative for aspiring Tennessee educators.

• Ph.D. in Exceptional Children, Georgia State University (2005)
• M.S. in Exceptional Children, Georgia State University (2000)
• B.A. in Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (1994)
• Teacher Certification in Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Georgia (1996)

His research centers on evidence-based strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), specializing in video modeling, augmented reality, and mobile technologies to enhance educational, vocational, and social outcomes. He emphasizes positive behavioral supports and transition services for adolescents in both classroom and community settings, with particular focus on independent living skills development.

Analysis of Dr. Cihak’s 2018-2025 publications reveals a dominant trajectory in assistive technology applications for disabilities, featuring smartwatch-based executive function supports, digital literacy tools, and video modeling interventions. His work consistently bridges special education and technology innovation, with accelerating emphasis on postsecondary education frameworks for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Cihak leads the FUTURE program, a groundbreaking post-secondary education initiative at UT for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program exemplifies his commitment to creating inclusive academic pathways through technology-enhanced curricula, peer mentorship systems, and community integration strategies that support academic, vocational, and social success in higher education environments.