Herff College of Engineering Leaders Honored with Leadership Tennessee NEXT Selection
(From left: Kirbi Robinson and David Oppong)
July 8, 2026
At the Herff College of Engineering, leadership is not confined to titles—it is cultivated through experience, connection, and a shared commitment to community impact. That spirit is reflected in the recent selection of Kirbi Robinson, Assistant Dean of Graduate Engineering Studies, and alumnus David Oppong (’18, ’20) to the prestigious Leadership Tennessee NEXT program, a recognition that highlights both individual achievement and the enduring strength of the Herff network.
A Story of Connection, Growth, and Purpose
David Oppong’s journey began as a student drawn not only to engineering but to the opportunity to make a difference. Reflecting on his decision to attend the University of Memphis, Oppong shared, “I felt a draw to the University of Memphis when I was applying to school and I had a desire to work in the community when I finished school.” [classic.memphis.edu]
That early sense of purpose became a defining thread throughout his experience at Herff. As a student leader, intern, and researcher, Oppong immersed himself in opportunities that connected classroom learning to real-world challenges. Today, as Transportation Planning Program Manager for the City of Memphis, he continues that same mission—using engineering to improve infrastructure, access, and quality of life across the region.
Leadership that Bridges Campus and Community
While Oppong’s path reflects the transformative power of a Herff education, Kirbi Robinson’s work demonstrates the impact of leadership behind the scenes. As assistant dean, Robinson has reimagined the graduate recruitment and admissions processes, strengthening access and responsiveness while elevating the college's connections with prospective students.
Her leadership extends beyond operations. Through strategic storytelling initiatives like the 60 for 60 alumni campaign and the launch of the Herff Hall of Fame, Robinson has helped bring alumni voices—like Oppong’s—back into the institutional narrative, reinforcing a culture of pride, engagement, and lifelong connection.
Where Alumni and Leadership Meet
Their stories intersect in meaningful ways. Recognizing Oppong’s influence as an alumnus and professional leader, Robinson invited him to return to campus as a panelist for Graduate Preview Day—where his journey inspired the next generation of engineers. In that moment, Herff’s mission came full circle: a student shaped by the college returned to shape future students, guided by leadership committed to connection and growth.
Their joint selection into Leadership Tennessee NEXT underscores this shared trajectory. It is not simply an individual honor, but a reflection of a broader ecosystem—one where students, alumni, and leadership collaborate to create lasting impact.
Looking Ahead: Shaping Tennessee’s Future
As Robinson and Oppong join a cohort of leaders representing communities across the state, they carry with them the values that define the Herff College of Engineering: innovation, service, and a commitment to progress.
Together, their journeys tell a larger story—one of a college that does more than educate. It cultivates leaders who remain connected, engaged, and ready to shape the future of Tennessee and beyond.