Community engagement occurs in a multitude of ways throughout the university and is assisted by various formal and informal groups. Therefore, there are several program, department, and group offices at the University which address community engagement. 

Please note that this is a working list. If you would like to suggest a University group, program, department or office that addresses community engagement in the region, please complete the form for adding partnerships and programs on the right.

Key Offices and Groups

Advancement Division
The Division fosters mutually beneficial relationships with alumni, friends, donors, and civic and corporate partners. 

Colleges, Divisions, Departments and Program Listing
A listing of links to the community engagement web pages for the University's departments, programs, divisions and colleges. 

Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
Communications Services within the division disseminates U of M news, generates news releases, responds to inquiries from the media and the general public, oversees the Experts List and Speakers Bureau and takes other actions to maintain a continual flow of news about and from the University to its audiences. 

Engaged Scholarship Committee
The committee is comprised of faculty and staff who are committed to and experienced with community partnerships, programs, service learning, and engagement. 

Office of Government Relations 
Locally, the Office serves as the liaison between county and city elected officials, agencies and the University.  They coordinate infrastructure improvements in the campus vicinity, as well as work with the surrounding neighborhood associations on problems like blight and crime. The Office also coordinates the Papasan Institute which fosters information flow on key issues facing the Tennessee State Legislature.

School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy (SUAPP)
Part of the CAS, SUAPP focuses on the local community by combining the following targeted degree programs most focused on urban and policy issues: City and Regional Planning, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Public and Nonprofit Administration, and Social Work. The School is an active partner in community collaborations and manages the Strengthening Communities Initiative and the Housing and Community Development Fellowship.  

Student Leadership and Involvement Community Service Office

President's Office Liaisons and Suggestion Box


Key Staff

David Cox Executive Assistant to the President for Partnerships and Administration David assists in developing University-wide partnerships and represents the University in local and national collaboratives. He serves as the liaison with area neighborhoods and the University Neighborhood Development Corporation. David chairs the Strategic Planning Taskforce and works with the President and university leadership on policy and program issues. Phone: 901/678-5344 Fax: 901/678-5065 E-mail: davidcox@memphis.edu Office: 341 Administration Building

Kevin Roper Executive Assistant to the President for Government Relations Kevin is responsible for government relations which works with elected officials on legislative and funding issues for the University. He works with local governments and school boards. His office hosts elected officials when attending events on campus. Phone: 901/678-5561 E-mail: kfroper@memphis.edu Office: 322 Administration Bldg Office of Government Relations and Public Policy

Stephanie Beasley Assistant to the President for Community Relations Stephanie coordinates external relations and University activities within the community for the benefit of the University including community groups and organizations, businesses, senior corporate officers, and educational leaders. In addition, she serves as a liaison with the University of Memphis Board of Visitors and Foundation Board of Trustees. Phone: 901/678-5021 Fax: 901/678-5065 E-mail: sbeasly1@memphis.edu Office: 341 Administration Building