University of Memphis News Releases

| Most Recent |

- Tuesday, Jan. 18 -

Scheidt Family Commits $500,000 to Establish Strike a Chord: Scheidt School of Music Drive for Excellence Fund at the University of Memphis

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music recently launched Strike a Chord: Scheidt School of Music Drive for Excellence Fund at the University of Memphis. Together, Susan Arney, Rudi Scheidt Jr., Elkan Scheidt and Helen Gronauer, all children of the late Honey and Rudi E. Scheidt, committed, $500,000 to create a matching fund to secure donations to support students who will be learning and performing in the new Scheidt Family Music Center.

Read about the commitment >

- Friday, Jan. 14 -

University of Memphis Receives 10 Patents in 2021

All The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) within the Division of Research & Innovation at the University of Memphis experienced another great year with several notifications of issued or allowed patents centered on various technologies.

More on the patents >

- Thursday, Dec. 16 -

University of Memphis receives prestigious Carnegie R1 designation as a top tier research university

The University of Memphis has been named an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, putting the UofM in the top tier of research universities nationally. 

About Carnegie R1 >

- Wednesday, Dec. 15 -

UofM chosen as finalist in EDA’s $1 Billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge

The University of Memphis was named by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) as a finalist in the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge for its Digital Delta proposal. The UofM was the only finalist in the State of Tennessee.

Read about the UofM's proposal >

- Wednesday, Dec. 8 -

Billy and Robin Orgel commit $1M to University Schools at the University of Memphis

Longtime UofM donors Billy and Robin Orgel have committed $1 million to the middle and high school programs at the University of Memphis. In recognition of this most recent gift and their years of support, the renovated complex that is the current home of University Middle and the future home of the proposed University High School will be named the Orgel Educational Center.

Learn about the donation >

- Tuesday, Nov. 9 -

Dr. Bill Hardgrave named 13th President of the University of Memphis

Dr. Bill Hardgrave has been named the 13th President of the University of Memphis, the UofM’s Board of Trustees announced Tuesday. Hardgrave served as Auburn University’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs since January 2018. He served as dean of Auburn’s Harbert College of Business from August 2010 through December 2017.

Read about President Hardgrave >

| Top Stories |

U.S. News & World Report national ranking for University of Memphis improves for fourth straight year 
September 13 | U.S. News & World Report’s national ranking for the University of Memphis has improved for the fourth straight year for Top Public Schools and third consecutive year for Best National Universities. The No. 2-ranked public university in the State of Tennessee, UofM’s Top Public School ranking has increased to No. 123 in 2022 from No. 126 in 2021, No. 135 in 2020 and not ranked in 2019.

University of Memphis achieves record $50.2M in research awards in fiscal year 2021
August 26 | The University of Memphis reached $50.23 million in research awards in the 2021 fiscal year, a new institution record and a 23.2% increase from the previous year.  This continues a year-over-year upward climb in research awards as the UofM reached $40.76 million in FY 20, $32.59 million in FY19 and $31.86 million in FY18.

UofM Lambuth expanding nursing program
August 23 | The University of Memphis Lambuth is expanding its Loewenberg College of Nursing program after remodeling a portion of the library to increase the program’s growth by 50 percent. It will address workforce needs for West Tennessee Healthcare.

UofM President M. David Rudd leaving position in May 2022 >
March 10 | Dr. M. David Rudd, the 12th president of the University of Memphis, will be leaving his position in May 2022. He will transition to faculty in 2023 to continue his research, after a year sabbatical abroad.