“One who carries a torch stands in shadow to give light to others.”
It’s more than a line; it's the Volunteer Creed, and a powerful reminder that true leadership is rooted in selfless service. To lead is to put others first, sacrificing recognition or comfort to uplift, guide, and illuminate the path forward.
That spirit is at the heart of the Torchbearer Award — the highest honor an undergraduate can receive at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville — recognizing those who embody the Volunteer Spirit through exceptional achievement and an unwavering commitment to others.
This spring, Justin Henley (Tennessee, Knoxville, ‘26) was named one of just nine recipients of this prestigious award, an honor that reflects his dedication to leading with purpose and serving beyond himself.
“I was completely shocked by the whole thing,” Henley said about receiving the award.
But for those who have worked alongside him, the recognition comes as no surprise. Behind the honor is a story of quiet leadership, relentless work ethic, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others, often without seeking recognition for himself. 
Henley, originally from Brentwood, Tenn., has always been motivated to make a difference. Whether it’s something small, like brightening a friend’s day, or something larger, like improving systems that impact thousands of students, his approach to leadership has remained consistent: lead with purpose and act with intention.
“I’ve always been motivated to try and seek a difference,” he said.
That mindset followed him to Tennessee, where he quickly found himself drawn to opportunities that extended beyond the classroom. But his path wasn’t always clear from the start.
Pursuing a dual degree in computer science and neuroscience, Henley initially hesitated to add anything else to his plate. His philosophy had always been simple: school comes first.
Still, after his first semester, something shifted. As he began to understand how to manage his time and prioritize effectively, he realized he could do more than just succeed academically, he could get involved.
That decision led him to join Lambda Chi Alpha during his second semester, a choice he now describes as transformative.
“I would pick joining the Fraternity as the most significant launch point that I had to elevate me to those next positions,” Henley said.
Within the Chapter, he found not only a Brotherhood, but an environment that reinforced his academic priorities. Study hours, shared accountability, and a culture centered on achievement allowed him to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
That balance—academics, leadership, and service—became the foundation for everything that followed.
One of the most pivotal influences in Henley’s journey was Keith Stubblebine (Tennessee, Knoxville, ‘23), who recognized his potential early on. At the time, Henley was still finding his footing on campus, unsure if he was qualified for larger leadership roles.
“I didn’t know if I was qualified... I was just a sophomore,” Henley said.
But Stubblebine saw something more. He introduced Henley to opportunities within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and helped connect him with advisors in the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, giving him the confidence to take that first step.
That step turned into something much larger.
In 2023, Henley was elected Vice President of Access & Engagement for IFC, a role that allowed him to turn his ideas into action. Driven by a desire to make fraternity life more inclusive and connected, he focused on reducing barriers to entry and strengthening community engagement.
“It was really important to me to inspire unity within our general community,” he said. “I really believe in the value of perspective, bringing together different lived experiences creates a more complete picture.”
One of Henley’s most impactful initiatives began with a simple but powerful question: How can fraternity recruitment become more accessible?
For many potential new members, the recruitment process can feel intimidating—not just socially, but financially. Expectations around clothing can create unnecessary barriers.
“People are making judgements based on what you’re wearing,” Henley said. “There’s not a lot of time, so they fill in the gaps.”
To address this, Henley partnered with Smokey’s Closet, a campus resource that provides free clothing to students in need. Over the summer of 2023, he worked to integrate Basic Needs resources directly into the recruitment process.
The result was the IFC Polo Drive.
Henley organized a chapter-wide initiative encouraging fraternity members to donate high-quality polos, which were then distributed, completely free, to potential new members during recruitment orientation.
“I wanted to make it more about the individual and the values they bring to the table,” he said.
What began as a simple idea quickly became something more meaningful: a tangible way to level the playing field and ensure that every student had the opportunity to participate fully.
“It turned out to be IFC giving back to the future of IFC,” he added.
But Henley didn’t stop there.
Recognizing that long-term change required more than just access, it required education. He sent out to create a new initiative focused on engagement and awareness. In collaboration with university staff, Henley developed and launched the first-ever IFC Access & Engagement module, an educational program designed to help fraternity members better understand issues related to inclusion, accessibility, and community impact.
Together, these initiatives didn’t just improve recruitment—they helped shift the culture of the IFC, reinforcing the idea that fraternity life should be both welcoming and purposeful.
What set Henley apart, however, isn’t just what he accomplished; it’s how he did it.
According to Hailey Flavin, former Assistant Director of Harm & Risk Reduction for the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Henley’s nominator, his impact goes far beyond programs and initiatives.
“Justin has truly led the way, being a role model to other chapters,” she said. “He stands up for what is right, not what is easy.”
She describes him as someone who leads with empathy, consistently showing up for others with a positive attitude, regardless of the challenges he may be facing himself.
“There is not a single person in the Greek community who has something bad to say about him,” she added.
Even while balancing demanding coursework, leadership roles, and involvement in the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, Henley remained deeply committed to his academic pursuits.
“It was frequent that if I came into the office on a Saturday or Sunday, Justin was there studying,” Flavin noted. “He exemplifies nonstop dedication.”
Despite his accomplishments, Henley doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a leader—and that’s exactly what makes his story so powerful.
“I’m generally a quiet person, not the loudest voice in the room,” he said.
For a long time, he viewed that as a limitation.
“I thought there was no way I could be an effective leader being like that.”
But with the guidance from Flavin, he began to see things differently.
“Being quiet is not worse, it's just different,” he said. “You don’t have to be the loudest one to make an impact.”
That realization not only shaped his leadership style but also became a message he now shares with others, especially younger Members looking to get involved.
“My motto had always been ‘dare to dream’,” Henley said. “Do the biggest, best thing you think you can do. Even if you fail, what matters is that you tried.”
In many ways, that philosophy defines what it means to be a Torchbearer.
To carry the torch is not to stand in the spotlight, but to create opportunities for others to shine. It’s about building systems that outlast your time, empowering people you may never meet, and leaving a community stronger than you found it.
Henley has done exactly that.
Through his work, he has helped open doors for future students, increased involvement within the IFC, and inspired others to pursue leadership roles of their own. In fact, following his tenure, Lambda Chi Alpha has maintained a consistent presence on the IFC Executive Board, an enduring reflection of his influence.
"Hopefully, I inspired one of those new members to seek those opportunities,” he said.
As graduation approaches, Henley’s time at Tennessee is ending, but his impact is far from over.
This fall, he will begin a master’s program at Vanderbilt University, studying engineering in surgery and intervention. His work will focus on designing surgical robotics, with a particular interest in neurosurgical applications and advanced brain imaging technologies.
His long-term goal is to work in biotechnology, develop innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes, and push the boundaries of modern medicine.
But no matter where the path leads, Henley remains grounded in the values that shaped his journey.
“I want to take what I’ve learned from all these amazing people and bring it forward for the next generation,” he said.
"One who carries a torch stands in shadow to give light to others.”
For Justin Henley, those words are more than a creed, they are a way of life.
