The University of Memphis has wrapped up its first two years with the new Board of Trustees. They made that move to have more freedom of choice.
University of Memphis students recently received an email about the Board of Trustees’ first two years in charge.
Two years ago, the UofM created the Board of Trustees to allow greater freedom of choice in the projects the school wanted to pursue.
“The board of Trustees would have significant impact on both the University of Memphis and the broader community,†UofM President M David Rudd said in the message to the campus community. “If anything, the past two years have demonstrated that might be an understatement.â€
The UofM has not increased tuition costs in the past two years and has the lowest average tuition increase in Tennessee. The Board has also approved an act that will tell students why fees and tuition are being increased, giving transparency to some of the UofM’s decisions.
Out-of-state students may be seeing a significant decrease in the cost of tuition as well, particularly those outside of a 250-mile radius. Support has also been funded and approved to help first generation students to further increase retention and graduation.
The UofM has announced a record year for fundraising and is receiving a grant from the National Science Foundation  which could lead to more available resources for STEM students like the Metal Additive Manufacturing Lab. The lab allows students to 3D-print using metals, thus creating an environment for learning and research.
In addition to this lab, the UofM will also increase its research opportunities with an applied research facility on the Park Avenue Campus later this year. This initiative extends to eventual partnerships for research enterprises.
Aside from gains in the STEM fields, the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on Park Avenue provides a good place to exercise and practice sports.Â
Plans are also in the works for an improved pool and wellness center. These will encourage students to stay healthy and will offer community members a chance to learn how to swim or save a person from drowning.
The football team is getting an indoor practice field, and the men’s and women’s soccer teams are getting new lights for their outdoor practice fields.
Not to be left out, the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music has broken ground on an addition that will double the size of the current facility and feature an expansive hall for performances.
The Board of Trustees has approved plans to acquire the Gather on Southern to create a public/private housing inventory.Â
The pedestrian bridge, parking garage and amphitheater are nearing completion and will offer students a path to class when it is otherwise blocked. The construction also serves as a physical reminder of the changes being implemented on campus.
Lastly, the UofM announced the number of nationally ranked courses offered and hopes to increase that number and move up the list.
