Staff

Ron Loewen is originally from Oklahoma but has lived in Knoxville for more than 30 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in German and political science from Phillips University, a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Loewen came to the University of Tennessee 34 years ago and has worked in multiple positions across the UT System. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking and traveling.

Jennifer Easley lived in multiple places before settling in Knoxville. She has four degrees from Mississippi State University—a bachelor and master’s degree in professional accountancy, a master’s degree in information systems and a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering. Prior to joining the UT System Administration, she worked at Mississippi State University for 19 years. She served as a business manager, director of sponsored projects and director of business operations. Easley also served as a staff accountant at Caterpillar for three years. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

John Bodin-Henderson is from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin, a teaching certification program from the University of Western Washington, nine credits of graduate level classes related to higher education and 15 credits while enrolled as a part-time percussion student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Bodin-Henderson worked for 15 years in finance in the private sector before beginning his career in higher education in 1999. After three years as a financial analyst at the University of New Hampshire, Bodin-Henderson came to the University of Tennessee in 2002 and joined UT System Administration in 2010. Outside of work, he plays tennis, classical guitar, reads, kayaks, volunteers and spends time with his family.

Ruth Dray joined the UT System in July 2023. Ruth is from Jakarta, Indonesia and has an MBA of Finance from Lincoln memorial University. She is an honored member of Alpha Chi Academic Honor Society and Delta Mu Delta School of Business. She also has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Padjadjaran in Indonesia. Ruth has served as a Loan Administration Assistant/ Loan Officer Assistant at a Knoxville bank for the past five years. Ruth is actively engaged with the Knox Asian Festival as Assistant Executive Director/Director of Volunteer/Indonesia Leader. When not working she enjoys traveling and playing golf.

Originally from Ruston, Louisiana, Barker settled in Knoxville after spending time in Fort Worth, Texas, and Clemson, South Carolina. She has a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University. Prior to joining the UT System Administration, she held accounting positions with different banks and the Louisiana Tech Foundation. Barker has been with the UT System Administration for 10 years. When she is not at work, she enjoys visiting her granddaughter, spending time with her dog, making wreaths and playing piano.

Stephanie Jinkins is from Knoxville. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and master’s in education from Tusculum University. Jinkins is also certified through the Society for Human Resource Management. Her professional background includes 22 years of non-profit experience before joining the UT System Administration in 2022. Outside of work, Jinkins can be found spending time with her family.

Janelle Alexander is from Berrien Springs, Michigan. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and accounting. She is currently working on a Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Alexander spent over three years at UTIA before joining the UT System Administration. Outside of work, she enjoys studying, reading, traveling, playing tennis and spending time with family.

Sherry McBee is from Strawberry Plains. Her educational background includes two years of higher education. At the start of her career, she worked in television advertising before joining University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she worked in parking and transit for 13 years. She joined the UT System Administration in 2022. When McBee has free time, she reads, spends time with family and plays piano, clarinet and flute.