Demesha Mackey began as an Admissions Operations Coordinator in the Office of Enrollment Management on April 21, 2025. Originally from Memphis, she started working for Shelby County Government in 2002, in the TennCare verification department during transition of services to DHS. In her years there she was in several departments throughout Shelby County Government including Vital Records, School-Based Dental Program, Cawthon Dental Clinic, Juvenile Court, and the Count Attorney’s office. Demesha’s UT journey began in October of 2019 as an Administrative Specialist in Physical Therapy, before eventually transferring over to AFSA.
“I enjoy witnessing students' success and fostering meaningful relationships with them and the faculty.”
Demesha is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, going to a game at Heinz Field (Acrisure Stadium) is on her bucket list. In her free time she enjoys traveling, watching documentaries, and spending time with her family.
Michael Khanlarian began his role as a Simulation Technologist in CHIPS on April 28, 2025. Michael moved to Memphis following his high school graduation. After years of freelancing in education and the arts, he began looking for more stability without losing a sense of purpose in his work, and joining CHIPS felt like a natural next step. He first began working at UT Health Science Center in 2011 as a Standardized Patient, then moved away for a while. He returned to Memphis a few years later and rejoined the university in 2019. He officially joined CHIPS full time as a Simulation Technologist at the end of April.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Memphis. Coming from a theatre background, he thinks of his role as similar to that of an Assistant Stage Manager:
“I help set the scene, make sure everything and everyone is in the right place, troubleshoot in real time, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes so that the performance, in this case a simulation, can unfold successfully. I manage equipment setup, manikin programming, and scenario flow, all while supporting faculty and learners so they can focus on doing their best work.”
Michael has worked with students across the age spectrum from young children to graduate-level healthcare learners to older adults and with organizations like Tennessee Shakespeare Company (of which he is a Founding Company Member), Orpheum Theatre, and Playback Memphis. His work has taken him from classroom to theaters, detention centers, and VA hospitals, supporting everyone from incarcerated youth to veterans always with a focus on connection, growth, and shared experience.
“I’m grateful to be part of a team that values precision and people equally, and to be in a role where I still get to learn every day. I’ve worn a lot of hats—actor, teacher, facilitator—but the constant has always been the desire to help, to contribute, and to be part of something larger than myself. And when I believe in the people around me and the purpose behind what we’re doing, I do my best to rise to the occasion. That’s the kind of team I’ve found here—and that’s why I’m proud to be part of it.”
