One of the driving factors for choosing the University of Memphis for graduate study is our distinguished, award-winning faculty. When graduate students are asked about their favorite class or most impactful professor, time and time again, their answers point to the same truth: behind every successful graduate student is a faculty member who challenged, inspired, and invested in them.

Across disciplines, UofM graduate students describe professors who ignite passions, open doors to research, provide meaningful feedback, and model what leadership in their fields looks like. Their experiences reflect the strength of UofM’s curriculum and the dedication of its faculty.

Igniting Passion Through Teaching

For Aniya Gold, UofM PhD Candidate in History, her passion for history, particularly the narratives of Black women was sparked in the classroom of Dr. Beverly Bond (UofM History professor).

Dr. Bond’s powerful and engaging approach to history reshaped Aniya's understanding of the field. Through her teaching, stories that were often overlooked became central, meaningful, and urgent. What began as coursework became a calling: a commitment to uncovering and preserving the lives of African American women whose contributions deserve recognition.

This is what graduate education at UofM does at its best it transforms interest into purpose.

Excellence Even Online

Quality teaching at UofM extends beyond physical classrooms.

Andrew Patrick, a UofM Global online student, recalls Dr. Abu Mohammed Titu’s (UofM Professor in the School of Public Health) Environmental Health course as a defining academic experience. Despite learning virtually, Andrew describes the course as rigorous, engaging and impactful — proof that UofM’s commitment to excellence reaches students wherever they are.

For Andrew, pursuing graduate education was about challenging himself and refusing complacency in his field. The depth and quality of instruction he experienced reaffirmed that he made the right choice in choosing UofM.

Research That Builds Confidence and Careers

In the sciences, mentorship often takes the form of hands-on research, and that guidance can shape an entire career trajectory.

Rebecca Crenshaw, a former UofM PhD student in Environmental Psychology, credits Dr. Deranda Lester (UofM Research Associate Professor in the Psychology Department) for significantly influencing her academic journey by inviting her to join the Neurochemistry Lab. Through research projects and close mentorship, along with support from Dr. Sable, she developed critical technical skills, gained confidence, and learned how to navigate the challenges of advanced research.

What began as an opportunity became clarity. The experience solidified her passion for neuroscience and research, demonstrating how UofM faculty don’t just teach content, they cultivate scholars.

Mentorship Beyond the Classroom

For Babasoji Oyemakinde, a UofM PhD student in Economics, mentorship extended into professional development opportunities.

He expressed deep gratitude to Professor Albert Okunade for his unwavering support and guidance throughout his academic journey. Professor Okunade’s assistance in securing conference funding exemplifies how UofM faculty actively invests in students’ professional growth.

Presenting at conferences, building networks, and gaining visibility in one’s field are transformative milestones — and faculty mentorship makes those opportunities possible.

A Curriculum Designed to Empower

These stories span history, public health, neuroscience, business, and beyond, yet they share a common thread.

UofM’s graduate programs are built on:

• Rigorous, relevant coursework
• Faculty who are active scholars and mentors
• Research opportunities that develop real-world skills
• Personalized feedback that strengthens confidence
• Professional development support beyond graduation

Graduate students at UofM do not walk their academic paths alone. They are challenged, supported, and mentored by faculty who are deeply invested in their success.

The Difference Faculty Make

For current students, these stories are a reminder to lean into relationships with faculty, seek mentorship, and take advantage of research and professional opportunities.

For prospective students, they offer a glimpse into what graduate education at UofM truly looks like: not just classes, but connection. Not just curriculum, but community. Not just degrees, but direction.

At the University of Memphis, faculty don’t simply teach they inspire, mentor, and transform.

And for graduate students, that makes all the difference.