The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

08/10/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/10/2026 14:01

UT Health Sciences News: UT Foundation and UT Health Sciences Name Melissa Robinson Vice Chancellor for Advancement

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. and UT Health Sciences have named Melissa Robinson, DHA, MBA, 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, MD, 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.

Read more on the UT Health Sciences News website.

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The University of Tennessee Health Science Center published this content on August 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 10, 2026 at 20:01 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]