Student Affairs Staff
John Robinson, Jr., JD, MBA
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
E-mail: jrobi150@utk.edu
Assistant Dean John A. Robinson, Jr. brings more than twenty years of executive leadership experience in higher education administration, specializing in student affairs, student success, organizational leadership, and institutional transformation. His work has focused on designing and implementing integrated student support systems that strengthen academic achievement, student well-being, leadership development, and post-graduate success. Throughout his career, Robinson has led strategic initiatives that unite academic affairs and student affairs to improve the student experience while advancing institutional priorities.
Before joining the Winston College of Law, Robinson served as Executive Director of Student Affairs and Academic Services at The Citadel, where he led the creation and implementation of the institution’s first Division of Student Affairs and Academic Services. He provided executive leadership for advising, academic support, disability services, orientation, career services, student engagement, recreation, wellness, and behavioral intervention while serving on the Provost’s senior leadership team. He also chaired the institution’s Student Behavior Assessment Team, co-led the institution’s Advising and Student Success SACSCOC-approved Quality Enhancement Plan, helped establish Student Success Facilitator positions with academic schools, and led student success initiatives that contributed to a 25 percent increase in retention among academically underserved students. Prior to The Citadel, Robinson held executive leadership positions at Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, and Villanova University, where he supervised large multidisciplinary organizations, managed complex operations and budgets, and led numerous student success, strategic planning, and organizational change initiatives.
Robinson has served as an adjunct faculty member teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Sport Law, and Leadership in Organizations. His private legal practice included roles as arbitrator and mediator in both public and private commerce law. His legal practice also provided advocacy for students and families, in collaboration with primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, to design and implement appropriate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and academic accommodations. He is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), NASPA—Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education, and the International Ombuds Association.
Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia University, a Master of Business Administration in Organization Development from Villanova University, and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and licensed to practice in both State and Federal courts. He has dedicated his career to creating student-centered environments that promote academic excellence, professional development, and institutional success.
Stacy Lane
Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Records
E-mail: Stacy.Lane@utk.edu
Phone: 865-974-6790
Stacy Lane has worked at three different universities as a staff member including Kansas State University, University of Wyoming and now at the University of Tennessee.
She began undertaking her college career as a non-traditional student in education at Hutchinson Community College where she attended with the help of a track and field scholarship. She later transferred to Manhattan Christian College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management and ethics.
While working full-time, she attended Fort Hays State University and completed a Master of Liberal Sciences degree with an emphasis in organizational leadership.
Lane is active with P.E.O. a philanthropic organization that financially helps women continue their education. She also enjoys travel with her husband and being a mom to her three dogs.
Evan Richardson
PhD Student in Counselor Education
Law students seeking confidential mental health counseling may make an appointment with Evan Richardson, PhD Student in Counselor Education.
Evan Richardson was born and raised in Nashvillle, TN. Evan is pursuing his License in Professional Counseling with a Mental Health Specialization Provider designation. Evan is currently a graduate student in the Counselor Education Ph.D. Program at the University of Tennessee. Prior to attending UT, Evan worked as an Associate Counselor for a group practice for 1.5 years. Additionally, he has worked in higher education through various roles for the past 4 years. Evan is experienced in addressing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, and life transitions. He has seen clients ranging from 12-65 years of age. He utilizes various therapeutic interventions such as Mindfulness, Narrative, and CBT from a Person-Centered framework. Additionally, he is passionate about creating a safe space for all to feel heard, seen, and known, especially people from minoritized and underserved populations.
Beyond client work, I am passionate about spending time with my family, monthly supper club and game nights with friends, traveling, watching “Survivor,” reading, exercising, and advocating for folks whose voices are frequently silenced.
Amy Phillips
Student Services Assistant II
Email: law_records@utk.edu
Phone: 865-974-6790
Amy Phillips serves as the primary coordinator for the Records Office at the Winston College of Law. Ms. Phillips assists students in many areas throughout the college and is a promary contact for students, should they have questions about college resources. She plays an important role in supporting students that have accommodations from the Office of Student Disability Services.