Contact the Dean of Students

Dean of Students

Dr. Justin Lawhead
Dean of Students/Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
jtlawhed@memphis.edu

As the Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at The University of Memphis, Dr. Lawhead oversees and coordinates various departments and programs that support the academic and personal success, engagement, and well-being of over 22,000 students. Dr. Lawhead has an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and more than 30 years of experience in the field, working in diverse and dynamic settings across counseling, advising, leadership training, behavioral intervention, program redesign, and career readiness.

Team Members

Melissa A Morgan
Dean of Students Program and Services Coordinator
mamorgn3@memphis.edu

Melissa Morgan is the Dean of Students Programs & Services Coordinator. She earned her B.P.S. in Organizational Leadership and M.P.S. in Strategic Leadership from the University of Memphis and is preparing to begin working on her Ed.D. in Adult and Higher education at UofM. Melissa provides support to the Dean as well as to the many areas he works with. She also oversees the Tiger Pantry’s daily operations. Working to eradicate food insecurities is one of her many passions. Melissa has almost 20 years of higher education experience, all with the University of Memphis. 

Anquella "Ann" Buchanan 
Student Basic Needs Coordinator
bchanan6@memphis.edu

Anquella Buchanan is the Coordinator, Students Basic Needs, in the Office of the Dean of Students. She has more than 20 years of experience providing support, counseling, treatment, advocacy, referrals, service coordination, and crisis interventions to both children and adults. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Wayne State University and a M.A. in Community Counseling from Siena Heights University, both in Michigan.  Anquella was selected to be part of a Research Project, a joint effort between the Department of Defense, and the Veteran’s Administration, to facilitate and encourage Veterans to address PTSD, as a result of post-deployment. She’s passionate about seeing others helped. Her legacy is to make a positive impact, everywhere she goes!  

Elbone` Malone
Behavioral Intervention Team Coordinator
ejewell@memphis.edu

Elbone` Malone is the Dean of Students Behavior Intervention Team Coordinator.  She earned her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Memphis and her Master of Social Work Degree (M.S.W.) from Union University.  During her undergraduate studies, she received an award for Student Intern of the Year and completed her internship at the Mayor’s Office of Shelby County.  She is also a member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW).   Elbone` has experience in working with various at-risk populations--providing resources, counseling, case management, advocacy, behavioral healthcare services, mental health, social policy, community organizing and engagement, and program management.  Previously, Elbone` has received accolades at the State Level for growing, coordinating, and leading the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program for Shelby County. She has the proven ability to manage programs by developing, completing, and executing needs, while building lasting relationships personally and professionally. Elbone` is extremely passionate about her profession and dedicated to helping others in every way that she can.  Elbone` is often described as that “cohesiveness” which brings people together and enjoys collaborating, being innovative, and learning new things.

Amber Bush
Associate Dean of Students, Student Accountability
Amber.Bush@memphis.edu

Amber is a graduate of the University of Memphis but a native of Knoxville, TN. She previously served as the Assistant Director for Student Accountability from October 2107 until May 2022. Her previous experience includes Residence Life & Student Conduct, which contributed to her knowledge of multiple aspects of student services. She completed her Master's in Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in Student Personnel at the University of Memphis. She is also a recipient of the Bettie Bell Distinguished Service Award at the University of Memphis. Amber is a previous Women's History Month Honoree and University Excellence Awards nominee. Amber has served in numerous leadership roles both on and off campus that reinforce her desire to be a valuable resource to students. She has a genuine love for the city of Memphis and wishes for the University of Memphis to be a constant source of upward mobility for the Memphis Metro Area.

Dr. Linh Luu
Executive Director, Student Health and Counseling Services
lluu1@memphis.edu

Dr. Linh Luu is a licensed psychologist – Health Service Provider and serves as the Executive Director of Student Health and Counseling Services. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lehigh University APA-Accredited program. Her scholarly interests include advocacy, issues of equity and health disparities, and multicultural competency in clinical supervision. Clinically, she has special interests in working with clients with trauma and grief, multicultural issues, identity development issues, and LGBTQ+ clients. With a strong background and a great passion for community and college mental health, Dr. Luu leads Student Health and Counseling Services from a place of compassion, with a culturally responsive and data-driven approach. Currently serving on editorial boards of the Journal of College Counseling, the Asian American Journal of Psychology, and The Counseling Psychologist, Dr. Luu has been recognized by the American Psychological Association - Society of Counseling Psychology and Society for the Psychology of Women for her scholarship, leadership, and service.