Doug Edwards to serve as UofM Board of Trustees Chairman; Carol Roberts and Cato Johnson to serve as Co-Vice Chairs 

March 11, 2021 — Doug Edwards has been named Chairman of the University of Memphis Board of Trustees. Edwards succeeds David North, who has completed a two-year term. 

Edwards is a UofM graduate and a previous member of the University’s Board of Visitors. In 2018, he was awarded the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He is currently president of the Edwin M. Jones Oil Company and was previously CEO of Morgan Keegan and Company, a division of Regions Financial Corporation. He is the past Chairman of the Teach for America Regional Board.  

“It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted with fulfilling the role of Chairman,” Edwards said. “I am excited to continue doing my part to move this remarkable institution forward.” 

Carol Roberts and Cato Johnson will serve as Co-Vice Chairs on the Board. Roberts, who is a retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for International Paper, also served as Vice Chair during North’s term as Chairman. 

"I very much look forward to continuing my role as a Vice Chair," Roberts said. "I strongly believe the Board is in great position to continue helping the University grow and make a positive impact on our community."

Johnson has served as Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare since 1985. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the UofM. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Board, and I am excited to be stepping into a leadership role going forward,” said Johnson, who has been on the Board since its inception in 2016.