Research
The College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) is a dynamic hub of research and community engagement, where faculty and students explore new ideas, challenge perspectives, and contribute to cultural and societal change. Located in Memphis, a city shaped by creativity, history, and activism, our work is deeply connected to the people and stories around us. Through innovative scholarship and artistic inquiry, CCFA advances knowledge and creative expression. We collaborate with local arts organizations, cultural institutions, and civic initiatives to expand learning beyond the classroom and make a lasting impact. These partnerships foster meaningful connections and help bring bold ideas to life. Whether contributing to Memphis’s creative landscape or inspiring change on a broader scale, CCFA is a driving force for new ways of thinking, creating, and engaging.
Celebrate Success
We love celebrating the incredible achievements of our CCFA community. From alumni making an impact in their industries to students pushing creative boundaries and faculty and staff shaping new possibilities, your success reflects the energy and spirit of Memphis. Share your awards, research, performances, exhibitions, and milestones with us. Your story is part of what makes CCFA, and the city we proudly call home, truly exceptional.
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Institutes
CCFA is home to two interdisciplinary research institutes that reflect the spirit of exploration and innovation found throughout Memphis. The Institute for Arts and Health examines how the arts support healing and wellness across communities, connecting creative practice to human well-being. The Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology, a nationally recognized center, brings global history to life through research, education, and public engagement. Both institutes contribute to a vibrant culture of inquiry that mirrors the city's deep appreciation for art, history, and impact.
Explore CCFA Institutes
The Institute for Arts and Health (IAH) is a leading center for research and community engagement at the intersection of the arts and health sciences. It brings together artists, scientists, and community stakeholders to conduct transdisciplinary research and develop innovative interventions that improve individual, family, and community well-being. The Institute takes a broad approach to health, considering physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. It explores the transformative role of the arts in prevention, healing, and public health. Through pioneering work in complementary and integrative health, neuroarts, creative and expressive arts therapies, arts in community health, and medical humanities, the IAH advances knowledge and practice to enhance quality of life, particularly for underserved populations facing disproportionate health challenges. Learn More >
The Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology (IEAA) at the University of Memphis is a leading center for research, preservation, and community engagement in Egyptology. As a Tennessee Center of Excellence, the IEAA advances scholarship through interdisciplinary research, academic instruction, and fieldwork, supporting faculty and student excavations in Egypt. It stewards an extensive Egyptology library and a collection of over 1,400 Egyptian antiquities, which is the only such collection in the Mid-South, housed in the Art Museum of the University of Memphis. Through exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, and outreach programs, the IEAA makes Egyptian art and archaeology accessible to scholars, students, and the public. Committed to education and cultural preservation, the Institute bridges academic research with community engagement and fosters a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization. Learn More >