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Cover of the University of Memphis College of Education 2025–26 Annual Report.

Explore Our 2025–26 Annual Report

Discover the people, programs and partnerships that shaped another year of excellence at the University of Memphis College of Education. Explore highlights from across the College, including student success, faculty achievements, research and community impact.

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University of Memphis Institute on Disability Director Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist speaks with a student during a campus event.

University of Memphis Institute on Disability Receives $124,394 Tennessee Believes Grant

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) has received a $124,394 Tennessee Believes grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to support TigerLIFE and expand opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

University of Memphis College of Education signs international partnership agreement with Jiangsu Normal University

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis College of Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Jiangsu Normal University in China, establishing a partnership that will support collaborative research and academic exchange between the two institutions.

University of Memphis College of Education alumni award recipients, representatives and College leaders gather during the 2026 Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame luncheon celebration.

2026 COE Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Honorees Announced

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis College of Education (COE) proudly announced the 2026 recipients of its Alumni Awards and the newest inductees into the College’s Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing graduates and partners whose leadership, service and impact reflect the mission of the College. 

Spring 2026 Commencement Spotlight
Alisha Coleman-Kiner, College of Education

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– Keeping a promise. Maintaining relationships. Leading by example.

For 30 years, Alisha Coleman-Kiner has done all three — as a teacher, principal, district leader and, on May 9, as Dr. Alisha Coleman-Kiner.

A student signs a Signing Day commitment document during a River City Partnership recognition event hosted by the University of Memphis College of Education.

River City Partnership senior scholars celebrate Signing Day commitments

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–University of Memphis College of Education River City Partnership senior scholars celebrated Signing Day commitments with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Gestalt Community Schools as they prepare for future careers in education.

COE Executive in Residence and NPHS Hall of Fame inductee Germany Kent to serve as keynote speaker for four North Panola School District end-of-year events celebrating student achievement and academic excellence.

COE Executive-in-Residence Germany Kent to Address Students Across Four North Panola School District Events

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–The University of Memphis College of Education’s Executive-in-Residence, Germany Kent, will speak at four student-centered events across the North Panola School District in Panola County, Mississippi.

The events will engage students across elementary, middle, and high school levels and reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to academic achievement, leadership development, and student success.

TigerLIFE: Fostering Education and Employment

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–It is approaching 10:30 a.m. on a bright and sunny April Wednesday and The Roar studio in the Meeman Journalism Building is starting to see signs of activity. With a pre-recorded...

Demetra Dowdy, April Mentor Teacher of the Month, with Madison Milius, April Student Teacher of the Month.

OTECP Announces April 2026 Student Teacher, Mentor Teacher and Supervisor of the Month

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice (OTECP) is proud to announce the recipients of Student Teacher, Mentor Teacher and Supervisor of the Month for April 2026: Madison Milius, Demetra Dowdy and Dr. Crystal White.

Students in the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program participate in a classroom learning activity at the University of Memphis.

UMID Strengthens Pathway from High School to Workforce Through Pre-ETS Partnership

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) continues to strengthen pathways for high school students through its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, helping students with disabilities prepare for life after graduation through early career exploration and real-world experiences.

Germany Kent, Executive-in-Residence for the University of Memphis College of Education.

University of Memphis College of Education Names Germany Kent Executive-in-Residence

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The University of Memphis College of Education has named Germany Kent as Executive-in-Residence, where she will support strategic communications, storytelling, alumni engagement, and innovation across the College.

Headshots of JaBria McCraney, Jennifer Maley and Dr. Valerie Loggins, recipients of the March 2026 residency awards from the University of Memphis College of Education.

OTECP Announces March 2026 Residency Winners

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice (OTECP) is proud to announce the recipients of Student Teacher, Mentor Teacher and Supervisor of the Month for March 2026: JaBria McCraney, Jennifer Maley and Dr. Valerie Loggins.

Headshots of 2026 H.E. Rumble Outstanding Student Teacher Award winners Katie DeLynn Ávila Bettencourt and Aairreona Bailey

College of Education Announces 2026 Rumble Award Winners

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis College of Education (COE) has announced this year’s recipients of the H.E. Rumble Outstanding Student Teacher Award, the college’s highest honor for student teachers. The 2026 winners are Katie DeLynn Ávila Bettencourt and Aairreona Bailey, both currently completing their residency placements at Campus School.

Journal of Research on the College President Moves to UofM College of Education

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Journal of Research on the College President has moved from the University of Arkansas to the University of Memphis College of Education (COE), effective January 2026. The journal was founded by former Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart to explore the issues, challenges and opportunities facing today’s college presidents.

Michael T. Miller, dean of the University of Memphis College of Education (COE), will serve as editor of the journal.

COE’s Lara Condon Awarded Second EdLight Research Contract

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dr. Lara Condon, assistant professor in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership (ICL) in the University of Memphis College of Education (COE), has been awarded a $60,000 research contract with EdLight to continue her work exploring how artificial intelligence can support teaching and learning in mathematics classrooms. The project runs from January 2026 through April 2028.

February 2026 OTECP residency award winners.

OTECP Announces February 2026 Residency Winners

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice (OTECP) is proud to announce the recipients of Student Teacher, Mentor Teacher and Supervisor of the Month for February 2026: Hannah Ringold, Savannah Heck-Howard and Marcia White.

Educators and school leaders listen and engage during a session at the ASCEND Conference.

College of Education Hosts ASCEND Conference Focused on Character and Leadership

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis College of Education (COE) hosted its ASCEND conference on Feb. 17, bringing together faculty, researchers and education leaders to explore how character, intellectual development and leadership can strengthen student learning and responsible citizenship.

College of Education Faculty Awarded Grant Through AI for Tennessee Initiative

MEMPHIS, Tenn – The University of Memphis College of Education (COE) has received an $18,000 grant through the AI for Tennessee initiative to explore how artificial intelligence can support teaching and learning in K–12 classrooms.

University of Memphis College of Education Faculty Awarded Prestigious Spencer Foundation Research Grant

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Dr. Nikki Wright, assistant professor of Leadership and Policy Studies, and Dr. Matthew Panozzo, assistant professor of Literacy in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, at the University of Memphis College of Education have been awarded a highly competitive research grant from the Spencer Foundation.

UMID Transition Resource Fair Hosts Hundreds of Students with Disabilities

niversity of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) hosted its Fall 2025 Transition Resource Fair Thursday, Nov. 20, welcoming nearly 300 high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the region. The event continues a long tradition of connecting students and families to the services, programs and community resources that help young adults prepare for successful and inclusive futures.

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