U N I V E R S ITY O F MEMPH I S on track to achieving highest research classification By Christin Yates
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graduation rate of 53 percent. Twelfth in the nation for the most diversified enrollment population. Record graduation rates over the past two years. The University of Memphis knows its strengths and is working toward achieving greater success as a research institution. Inextricably connected to the Bluff City, leaders at the University of Memphis feel they have a responsibility to continue to be innovative and test the limits in some areas to be at the pace of business and to meet its students “where they are,” in terms of educational and research needs. With a mentality of “workforce now, workforce next,” the University of Memphis is currently one year into a five-
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year process of achieving the highest level of distinction as a research facility. “Everything we do at the university is oriented to achieving that goal,” Ted Townsend, chief economic development and government relations officer for the University of Memphis, said. Currently, the University of Memphis is classified as Doctoral: Higher Research (R2) and Community Engaged, according to the Carnegie Classification for Institutions of Higher Learning. Achieving Carnegie 1 status is an arduous process. In order to achieve Carnegie 1 status, the University of Memphis wants to expand its researching funding from $36 million to $55 million and its annual
