University of Memphis

What is the history of University of Memphis?

The University of Memphis is a public research university founded in 1912 as the West Tennessee State Normal School. Its original purpose was to prepare teachers; its subsequent name changes reflect its expansion into a broader university.

It became West Tennessee State Teachers College in 1925, Memphis State College in 1941 and Memphis State University in 1957. The institution adopted its current name in 1994. Today, its academic offerings extend well beyond teacher education to include engineering, business, nursing, law, the arts and other fields. The university also operates the Lambuth campus in Jackson, Tennessee, so applicants should confirm the location of any program they are considering.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Memphis?

The University of Memphis organizes its degree programs across colleges and schools rather than a single general faculty. Its academic units include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Communication and Fine Arts, College of Education, Herff College of Engineering, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, College of Health Sciences, Loewenberg College of Nursing, School of Public Health, University College and graduate and professional schools.

Students can pursue undergraduate majors such as psychology, computer science, accounting, journalism, mechanical engineering and nursing. Graduate and professional study includes programs in fields such as education, business, public health and law. University College provides interdisciplinary and flexible pathways that may be particularly relevant to adults returning to school. Program location, delivery format, admission standards and any licensure requirements should be checked separately: acceptance to the university does not necessarily grant entry to a selective major.

What is the location of University of Memphis?

The University of Memphis's main campus is in Memphis, Tennessee, in an urban area east of downtown. The university also has a Lambuth campus in Jackson, making campus location an important detail when comparing programs and housing options.

The main campus sits near established Memphis neighborhoods and is connected to a wider metropolitan area with employers in health care, logistics, education and other sectors. Memphis International Airport is the nearest major airport. A car may be useful for some commutes and off-campus placements, although students should assess their own routes and transportation options rather than assume every destination is easy to reach without one. First-year students are permitted to register a car for campus parking, subject to the university's parking rules and charges.

What is the mission and vision of University of Memphis?

The University of Memphis describes its mission in terms of education, research and service to its community. As a public university, it emphasizes access to learning and the application of knowledge to needs in Memphis, Tennessee and beyond.

Its stated priorities include student learning, scholarly work, community engagement and preparing graduates for professional and civic life. These are institutional aims, not measures of every student's experience. Prospective students can evaluate how they translate into practice by looking at the curriculum, opportunities for undergraduate research or community-based work, and support available in their intended program.