Assistant Dean of Engineering Graduate Studies

Kirbi Robinson is the Assistant Dean of Engineering Graduate Studies at The University of Memphis Herff College of Engineering. She works alongside the new Dean of the college, Dr. Okenwa Okoli, and Dr. Brian Waldron. With more than eight years of progressive experience in higher education recruitment, Kirbi is passionate about connecting students with transformative learning opportunities and empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Kirbi's journey in higher education began when she worked as an admission counselor for The University of Memphis. Through her efforts, she successfully recruited thousands of students to her alma mater. She was then promoted to Coordinator for Graduate Recruitment, where she recruited graduate students interested in becoming teachers, counselors, and principals across the State of Tennessee. Memphis Shelby County Schools then approached her to help those same students obtain employment opportunities with the State of Tennessee's largest school district. However, she missed her work in higher education and returned as Director of Graduate Recruiting for Christian Brothers University, leading and supporting the strategic enrollment efforts for four schools and nine graduate programs. She collaborated with academic deans, program directors, faculty, and staff to implement effective marketing, outreach, and communication strategies that showcase the value and quality of the university's graduate programs. She has developed over five recruitment plans and contributed to the significant growth of graduate student populations.

Kirbi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, a Master of Public Administration, and several graduate certificates from The University of Memphis. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Christian Brothers University. Currently, her focus is on making Herff College of Engineering at The University of Memphis the top choice for prospective and current engineering students in West Tennessee, the State of Tennessee, our region, and nationally, driven by her dedication to students.