Biography

Dr. M. David Rudd, Provost
The University of Memphis

Dr. M. David Rudd has been named provost of the University of Memphis, effective March 18, 2013.

In announcing Rudd’s selection, President Shirley Raines thanked the search committee chaired by Dr. Richard Ranta, dean of the U of M’s College of Communication and Fine Arts.

“The University of Memphis is extremely fortunate to have attracted Dr. Rudd to our University to assume the Provost position and serve as the leader of our Academic Affairs division,” Raines said. “Dr. Rudd brings an outstanding record of successfully leading a large college at the University of Utah, while effectively expanding funding for research, scholarships and capital projects."

As dean at the University of Utah, Rudd oversaw a college with a student enrollment of approximately 6,000, as well as 130 full-time faculty and 100 adjunct professors, in addition to gross revenue of more than $50 million from tuition and fees.

“I'm thrilled about the opportunity to join the exceptional leadership team, faculty, staff, students and alumni at the University of Memphis,” Rudd said. “President Raines' vision is a compelling one.  As an urban research university, the U of M is critical to the local and state economies, with unique and varied partnership opportunities."

Rudd received his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in cognitive therapy at the Beck Institute.  His research focuses on clinical suicidology and cognitive therapy, as well as ethics and regulatory issues in psychology. Since 2009 Rudd has served on the board of directors of Division 12 of the American Psychological Association.