Gov. Bill Haslam giving the 100th Commencement Address

 At the State level, the Office of Government Relations works with all elected officials and General Assembly staff to fund major projects for the University.  We assist the Tennessee Board of Regents on legislative projects including changes to higher education tuition, the Hope Scholarship Program, and the Chairs of Excellence Program.  The office also pursues state contracts for government consulting projects for University faculty.  The Office hosts several luncheons for the Shelby County Delegation in Nashville during legislative session.  Each luncheon features faculty and their research as it pertains to State policy.

Project Highlights

Biochemistry & Biology Building

The 65,000 square foot research building received $1.2 million in planning funds for the building in anticipation of bond funding for FY12.

University of Memphis Lambuth

 The University of Memphis received $4 million in operating funds for the Lambuth Campus in Jackson. This is part of a four-year agreement to fund operating expenses for this campus.

 STEM Hub

The University of Memphis, in collaboration with Memphis and Shelby County Schools, secured $1.850 million for two years from the Tennessee Department of Education for a state-funded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Hub. This grant will provide technical assistance and resources to help public school districts throughout West Tennessee.

 Financial Literacy

The University of Memphis worked with the Tennessee Department of the Treasury in the development of the SmartTennessee program. Through the leadership of Treasurer David Lillard, the University secured an additional $150,000 to be matched by $100,000 by First Tennessee. The program, which is in its 6th year, has already trained teachers in over 150 schools across Tennessee.  

West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission

In its seventh year, the West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission, administered from the Office of Government Relations, received $65,000 to continue to administer the program for the State of Tennessee.