The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have named Melissa Robinson, DHA, MBA, the chief development officer and associate vice chancellor for Advancement. In this role, Dr. Robinson will guide the long-term strategic direction of fundraising across UT Health Science Center’s four statewide campuses, lead major and annual giving, and manage donor relations. She will be based in Memphis.
Dr. Robinson brings a distinguished record of success in health sciences and academic medicine fundraising. Most recently, she served as senior director of Principal Gifts and Strategic Planning at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, where she developed and implemented philanthropic strategies aligned with institutional priorities, including research funding and capital initiatives. Her leadership has encompassed principal and major gift fundraising, grateful patient programs, and annual giving.
“Melissa brings an impressive depth of experience, strategic insight, and enthusiasm to our advancement team,” said Brigitte Grant, vice chancellor for Advancement at UT Health Science Center. “Her proven success in cultivating philanthropic partnerships and her dedication to connecting donors with meaningful opportunities will strengthen UT Health Science Center’s mission to advance education, research, and clinical care across Tennessee, especially as we prepare to build a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building and raise the profile of student scholarships across our entire campus.”
A native of Jackson, Miss., Dr. Robinson holds a Doctor of Health Administration from UMMC, an MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi. Her career began in higher education marketing and communications and includes entrepreneurial experience as co-founder of Bona Dea, a gluten-free baking mix company based in Austin, Texas, which she helped grow and sell in 2015.
“Fundraising, to me, is about making meaningful connections,” Dr. Robinson said. “It’s about finding that direct line between what a donor is passionate about and the impact they can make. Watching that connection unfold is deeply fulfilling.”
She added, “I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to bring my experience from multiple sectors –and my entrepreneurial spirit – to the continued momentum at the UT Health Science Center. The sense of purpose and innovation here is truly inspiring.”
Dr. Robinson is currently working remotely at UT Health Science Center, transitioning to the Memphis campus full time in January.