FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025
PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Foundation has named Kyle Hensley as the next vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern). Hensley will begin his new role on December 1, 2025, leading the university’s fundraising, alumni engagement and donor stewardship efforts at a pivotal moment of growth and momentum for the university.
As vice chancellor, Hensley will serve as UT Southern’s chief advancement officer, reporting jointly to UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold and UT Foundation President and CEO Kerry Witcher. In this role, he will provide strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of advancement, including philanthropy, alumni relation, and donor engagement, while strengthening collaboration between UT Southern and the UT Foundation.
As vice chancellor, Hensley will serve as UT Southern’s chief advancement officer, reporting jointly to UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold and UT Foundation President and CEO Kerry Witcher. In this role, he will provide strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of advancement, including philanthropy, alumni relations and donor engagement, while strengthening collaboration between UT Southern and the UT Foundation to support the campus’s mission, vision and regional impact.
“We’re excited to welcome Kyle to Pulaski,” said UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold, PhD. “His fundraising expertise, strong relationship-building skills and deep commitment to the University of Tennessee will be instrumental as we continue strengthening the culture of philanthropy that supports our students, faculty and the communities we serve. This is an important moment for the UT Southern’s future, and I look forward to the leadership and energy Kyle will bring to our campus.”
Hensley joined the UT Foundation in 2023, serving in corporate and foundation relations at the UT Institute of Agriculture, bringing a lifetime of experience in the Tennessee agriculture industry and a deep connection to the University of Tennessee. A native of East Tennessee, he holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from UT Knoxville’s Herbert College of Agriculture and a Master of Business Administration from the UT Knoxville Haslam College of Business.
His professional background includes leadership roles in higher education and state government, with a focus on building partnerships that support rural economic development. Prior to joining the UT Foundation, Hensley worked with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Business Development Division, where he supported value-chain growth for producers and small businesses across the state. His experience supporting rural communities and economic development aligns closely with UT Southern’s role as an educational and workforce engine for southern Middle Tennessee.
“Kyle’s ability to build authentic relationships and his dedication to the mission of the University of Tennessee make him the right leader for this role,” said UT Foundation President and CEO Kerry Witcher. “He’s already demonstrated his strengths as a collaborator and fundraiser, and I’m confident he will help elevate UT Southern’s advancement efforts to new heights.”
Hensley said he is eager to join the UT Southern community and lead the next chapter of its advancement efforts.
“I’m incredibly excited to work with the team at UT Southern and for the opportunity to serve this growing campus,” Hensley said. “I want to thank Evan Beech for his leadership and the team for their dedication during this transition. I’m also deeply grateful to Kerry and Dr. Arnold for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to continue serving the University of Tennessee in this capacity.”
About the University of Tennessee Foundation
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.
About the University of Tennessee Southern
Founded in 1870 and joining the UT System in 2021, UT Southern is the state’s newest public four-year university and the only public higher education institution between Chattanooga and Memphis. Located in Pulaski, the campus serves as a vital educational and economic hub for the southern Middle Tennessee and northern Alabama corridor. As a student-centered institution, UT Southern offers a personalized educational experience focused on preparing graduates for meaningful careers and meeting the workforce needs of the region and state.