National Award Honors UofM for Rural Innovation and Community Revitalization
DRIVE program recognized for advancing economic growth and resilience across the Mid-South
The University of Memphis has earned the 2025 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Engaged University Award for its Delta Revitalization through Innovation, Vision, and Empowerment (DRIVE) program — a regional initiative that helps rural communities turn local challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
The UEDA Engaged University Award recognizes higher education institutions that strengthen regional economies through talent development, innovation, and place-based engagement. UofM’s DRIVE program exemplifies this mission by connecting University expertise with on-the-ground community needs, empowering towns to secure transformational funding and create lasting impact.
Through partnerships spanning Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, DRIVE has supported 12 rural towns, helping 11 already secure funding for projects that promote economic resilience and local empowerment. To date, the program has guided 47 funding applications, resulting in $3.8 million in awards, with more opportunities still under review.
Founded in 1976, UEDA celebrates institutions making measurable, real-world contributions to their regions. The University of Memphis’ recognition underscores its national leadership in innovation and engagement, demonstrating how academic research can directly fuel community and economic transformation across the Mid-South and beyond.