Chancellor Beverly Davenport today announced the appointment of Ryan Robinson as the university’s vice chancellor for communications.
Robinson will assume his duties May 17 as the university’s chief communications and marketing officer. In this role, he will oversee the Office of Communications and Marketing and WUOT-FM 91.9, the university’s public radio station.
He will be a member of the chancellor’s cabinet and report directly to the chancellor.
“I could not be more pleased to add Ryan to my leadership team,” Davenport said. “He has built outstanding relationships with key university stakeholders and is a dynamic communications professional with exceptional PR instincts.”
Robinson has worked in public relations for 20 years and currently serves as the senior associate athletic director for communications at UT. He oversees media relations, internet communications, broadcasting, and creative services, and also serves as the primary communications strategist for football and the athletic department administration.
“Ryan’s leadership in the athletic department has been exemplary,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics John Currie said. “He is a dynamic leader and collaborative team member. I look forward to continuing our relationship as we work together as part of Chancellor Davenport’s leadership team.”
Robinson succeeds Jacob Rudolph, who has served as the interim vice chancellor for communications since July 2016.
“I am thankful to Chancellor Davenport and members of the search committee for believing in me,” Robinson said. “It is an honor to work on behalf of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni as we continue to elevate UT’s academic and institutional profile. I look forward to collaborating with the talented communications staff and can’t wait to get to work.”
Before joining UT, Robinson was director of public relations for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Prior to his 10-year stint with the Jaguars communications team, he served as executive director of Peyton Manning’s PeyBack Foundation and assistant director of public relations for the Indianapolis Colts.
Robinson, who is from Ashland, Kentucky, earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky.