But looking toward the physical space is getting ahead of ourselves. The programs and materials beneath the umbrella of the Memphis Center exist now and, with pinpoint dedication, have been reaching out into the community for years with relatively little fanfare. The Memphis Center aims to pull these programs from the shadows and throw a spotlight on them, fanfare and all. It is clear that these “foundation programs,” as Wigginton refers to them, have common themes, and it has become apparent and necessary that Rhodes view Memphis and its communities through an academic and intellectual lens. Rhodes has had phenomenal success over the years with growing programs like these. Through the process of theorizing and then implementing what works best, the
college has won favor with partnering organizations. The umbrella concept brings Rhodes and the Memphis Center team to a higher level, “a more comfortable level because everything we’re talking about here has a foundation and has merit and success,” says Wigginton. While the overarching plan appears grand as it swirls about overheard, the fundamentals of the smaller entities will not be altered in any way; their foundations are solid. The Memphis Center will simply be there to bolster those programs and help bring them to the attention of students, faculty and the community at large. “This is not an administrative restructuring as much as it is an ability to grow from our success and provide more access for relevant research in and on our region,” Moreland says. “The directors of the existing programs will continue to have autonomy, but the COREY NOLEN
Summer 2011—Institute for Regional Studies fellow Danielle Jones ’14 leads rehearsal for “Hollywood Dreams,” a combination of theater, dance and music telling the story of overcoming challenges to reach dreams. The content of the play came directly from the cast from the Midtown North community whose ages range from 6 to 18. Emerging artists, left to right: Gloria McCoy, Stephanie Ingram, Brianna Cansler, Marquavius Reed, Jalen Royal, Octayvia Kimbrough and Jervon Caery.
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