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2011 Memphis Fall Spor ts University For almost a century the University of Memphis has been a catalyst for progress in the city of Memphis, the state of Tennessee and the surrounding Mid-South region. From its inception as a normal school dedicated to the education of public school teachers, to its role today as an educator of technologically-savvy graduates who face a complex world, the University of Memphis has always fulfilled its current mission while looking forward to and planning for its future. Exceptional students from Tennessee, from every other state in the nation and from almost 100 countries around the world choose to attend the University of Memphis. They come here on the recommendation of their major professors at European universities; they come here to study subjects that are offered nowhere else; they come to study alongside men and women who are recognized and respected throughout the academic and scientific communities as foremost in their fields. Ever forward-looking, the University of Memphis is poised to enter one of its most historic and productive periods. From the faculty and staff we have in place to our alumni and benefactors, our “people assets” have never been more willing, able and generous in their efforts to build an academic environment that makes a life-long impact on the young minds at the U of M. The University of Memphis was founded under the auspices of the General Education Bill, enacted by the Tennessee Legislature in 1909. Known originally as West Tennessee State Normal School, the institution opened its doors Sept. 10, 1912, with Dr. Seymour A. Mynders as president. Students in the first classes selected blue and gray as the school colors and the tiger as the mascot. Tradition holds that the colors, those of the opposing armies during the Civil War, were chosen in commemoration of the reuniting of the country after that divisive conflict. Over the next decade, The Desoto yearbook was created, the first library was opened in the Administration Building, the first dining hall was built and the first men’s dorm was built; today that dorm, Scates Hall, houses the College of Arts and Sciences’ Dean’s offices. In 1925, the name of the college changed to West Tennessee State Teachers College. Three years later, the Brister Library was built, named after two-term president John W. Brister. In 1931, the students created a campus newspaper, The Tiger Rag, and in 1935, the school’s agriculture department was discontinued. The college changed names again in 1941, becoming Memphis State College, and in 1946, J. Millard “Jack” Smith became president — the first alumnus to hold the position. In 1950, grad-
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Memphis
uate studies were initiated, and in 1954, the school switched from a quarter to a semester system. In 1957, the state legislature designated Memphis State full university status. In 1959, the university admitted its first African American students, and the first doctoral programs began in 1966. The 1970s, under President Cecil C. Humphreys, saw new buildings constructed across the campus, including a University Center and a 12-story library. In 1983, MSU became the first public university in Tennessee to gain accreditation of its entire curriculum. The 1990s were characterized by another name change and another building boom. In 1994, MSU became the University of Memphis, and the Ned R. McWherter Library was completed. Moving into the 21st century, the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management and the FedEx Institute of Technology have made their mark on the University landscape. Today, the University of Memphis is one of Tennessee’s three comprehensive doctoral-extensive institutions of higher learning. Situated in a beautiful park-like setting in the state’s largest city, it is the flagship of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. It awards more than 3,000 degrees annually. With an enrollment of almost 23,000 students, The University of Memphis has 26 Chairs of Excellence, more than any other Tennessee university, and five state-approved Centers of Excellence.
Name Changes 1994 1957 1941 1925 1912
University of Memphis
University of Memphis Memphis State University Memphis State College West Tennessee State Teachers College West Tennessee State Normal School
2011
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President Dr. Shirley C. Raines Founded 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School Campus Size 1,160 acres and 202 buildings at eight sites Operating Budget $439 million Local Economic Impact $1.5 billion Enrollment (for Fall 2010) Total......................................................... 22,421 Undergraduate........................................ 17,510 Graduate.................................................... 4,478 Law School.................................................... 433 Full-time....................................................... 68% Part-time...................................................... 32% Workforce Approximately 2,500 employees including 870 full-time faculty Colleges & Schools • Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Communication and Fine Arts • College of Education • Fogelman College of Business and Economics • Graduate School • Herff College of Engineering • Loewenberg School of Nursing • School of Communuication Sciences and Disorders • School of Public Health • University College Degrees • 17 bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 majors and 70 concentrations • Master’s degrees in over 55 subjects • Doctoral degrees in 23 disciplines • Specialist degree in education • Juris Doctor (law degree) • Online degree program
Tigers Fall Sports Fact Book