Meet Dr. Hardgrave

Dr. Bill Hardgrave is the 13th President of the University of Memphis, assuming office on April 1, 2022. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, Hardgrave has an accomplished background as a scholar, administrator and nationally recognized leader in information systems and radio-frequency identification (RFID) research.

Led by Hardgrave, the University unveiled its Ascend Strategic Plan in 2023 to guide the institution for a five-year period. With a mission to produce well-rounded, successful graduates and cutting-edge research, and a vision to become a nationally recognized public research institution, Ascend has cultivated a University-wide effort to create a successful outcome for every student.

In addition to focusing on creating successful outcomes under Hardgrave’s leadership, the University has implemented initiatives and strategies to strengthen its position as a Carnegie R1 research institution, expand student access and support, and establish a commitment to meeting current and future workforce needs. Released in 2025, the latest economic impact report for the University of Memphis shows the institution is a billion-dollar economic engine for its city, region and state.

Throughout his career, Hardgrave’s pioneering work in RFID technology made him a sought‑after expert, leading to collaborations with major corporations such as Walmart, Amazon, Macy’s, Nike, Intel and Microsoft. He has published several books and more than 100 academic articles, delivered more than 200 invited talks worldwide and has been awarded two patents.

In recognition of his contributions to RFID, Hardgrave received the Ted Williams Award from AIM Global in 2009 as the most influential researcher in the field of RFID and the Special Achievement award from the RFID Journal in 2012 for his overall impact on the field.

A first‑generation college graduate, Hardgrave earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Arkansas Tech University in 1987, followed by an MBA with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems from Missouri State University in 1990. He later completed his PhD in Management Information Systems at Oklahoma State University, before beginning a career in academia marked by innovation and leadership.

Hardgrave spent 17 years at the University of Arkansas in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, where he ultimately held the Edwin & Karlee Bradberry Chair in Information Systems and founded both the Information Technology Research Institute and the RFID Research Center.

In 2010, Hardgrave joined Auburn University as Dean of the Harbert College of Business, where he oversaw significant growth in enrollment, fundraising and national reputation. The college received external validation of its academic programs, including top 10 national rankings for undergraduate Supply Chain Management, online MBA, online Master of Accountancy and online MS in both Finance and Information Systems. Hardgrave launched the Auburn University RFID lab, Geospatial Research and Applications Center and the Center for Supply Chain Innovation. He also oversaw the creation of a Business Analytics undergraduate major, a PhD program in Finance and an online MS in Finance.

Hardgrave’s success in that role led to his appointment in 2018 as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Auburn’s chief academic officer. In this capacity, he led Auburn’s 12 colleges and schools — including the College of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Pharmacy — while overseeing academic resources, research programs and instructional initiatives.

On November 9, 2021, the University of Memphis Board of Trustees selected Hardgrave as the institution’s next president, citing his record of strategic leadership and academic innovation.

Hardgrave and his wife, Ronda, have two children, Rachel and Gavin.