Who and what is SUAPP?

The School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy was established in 1999 and is currently comprised of more than 50 dedicated and accomplished faculty and staff.

Find faculty and staff information here.

Read more about our history here. 

Our Goal:

The School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy's goal is to link engaged scholarship, teaching, professional training, and outreach (including technical assistance) that makes a difference in the quality of life in Memphis and the Mid-South.

Interdisciplinary focus is integral to the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy's goals, which are achieved through the following objectives:

• Forging strong linkages with the community

• Encouraging collaboration among the units represented in the school

• Developing alliances with other units within the College of Arts and Sciences

• Pursuing grant opportunities and other funding resources

• Developing new opportunities in faculty, staff, and student scholarship and outreach

Three focus areas:

Community Based Action Research: Active areas with primary leadership include Human services (Division of Social work), Housing and Neighborhoods (CABANA, City and Regional Planning), Public Services (Public and NonProfit Administration), Public Safety (Criminology and Criminal Justice), Community Health (Criminology), Small Business Development (Regional Economic Development Center), Social Problems (Social Work), and Quality of Life (Planning & NonProfit Administration).

Civic Engagement and Leadership: Role and relationships among community institutions (government and non-profit), urban governance and accountability, social entrepreneurship human rights and civil society in city and regional change.  Each of the five units within SUAPP, as well as, CABANA, REDC, and the Policy Academy offers ongoing professional leadership and development programs.

Health: Active areas with primary leadership include  Comprehensive Data on Child Health (Criminology and CABANA) and Community-based health initiatives (CABANA).

Click here to view the SUAPP 2000-2010 Anniversary Report