FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. and UT Health Sciences has named Melissa Robinson, DHA, MBA, as the next vice chancellor for advancement. Robinson, who has served as chief development officer since joining UT Health Sciences, steps into the expanded role after helping lead a record-setting fundraising year and at a pivotal moment of growth for the institution. Robinson officially moves into the role on Sept. 1.
As vice chancellor, Robinson will serve as UT Health Sciences’ chief advancement officer, reporting jointly to UT Health Sciences Chancellor Peter Buckley and UT Foundation President and CEO Kerry Witcher. In this role, she will provide strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of advancement, including philanthropy, alumni relations and donor engagement, while strengthening collaboration between UT Health Sciences and the UT Foundation to support the institution’s mission, vision and statewide impact.
The appointment comes on the heels of a landmark fiscal year 2026, during which UT Health Sciences secured $34 million in philanthropic support — a 66% increase over the prior year. More than 4,600 donors contributed to initiatives expanding scholarship opportunities, advancing research and innovation, strengthening clinical care and training and improving health outcomes across Tennessee. The institution also continues to build momentum around transformational projects, including the new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building.
“Melissa has already demonstrated remarkable leadership in advancing the philanthropic mission at UT Health Sciences,” said UT Foundation President and CEO Kerry Witcher. “Her strategic vision, deep commitment to donor engagement and proven ability to build lasting partnerships make her the right leader for the next chapter of growth at the institution.”
Robinson brings a distinguished record of success in health sciences and academic medicine fundraising. Before joining UT Health Sciences, she served as senior director of principal gifts and strategic planning at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where she developed and implemented philanthropic strategies aligned with institutional priorities, including research funding and capital initiatives. Her career spans principal and major gift fundraising, grateful patient programs, annual giving and higher education marketing and communications.
A native of Jackson, Miss., Robinson holds a Doctor of Health Administration from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, an MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi.
“This is an exciting time for UT Health Sciences, and Melissa is the ideal leader to guide our advancement efforts forward,” said UT Health Sciences Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD. “The generosity we saw in fiscal year 2026 reflects the profound confidence our donors have in this institution’s mission. As we prepare to break new ground with the College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building and continue expanding our impact across Tennessee, Melissa’s leadership will be essential to our success.”
Robinson said she is eager to lead the next chapter of advancement at UT Health Sciences.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve UT Health Sciences in this capacity,” Robinson said. “There is so much momentum building at the institution, especially as we look ahead to the College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building and the continued growth of scholarship, research and clinical care. I am excited to work alongside our talented advancement team, whose dedication and expertise have helped position UT Health Sciences for continued success. Together with our donors and partners, we will continue making meaningful connections that change lives and strengthen communities across this state.”
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 Health Sciences
The mission of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences is transforming lives through collaborative and inclusive education, research, scholarship, clinical care and public service. With six colleges — Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy — at its main campus in Memphis, in addition to educational and clinical campuses at major hospitals in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville, and sites across the state, UT Health Sciences strives to fulfill its vision: Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities. For more information, visit www.uthsc.edu. You can find the University of Tennessee Health Sciences on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.