University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Memphis
A dynamic R1 research university driving innovation and opportunity in the heart of Memphis.
The University of Memphis (UofM), a prominent public research institution in Memphis, Tennessee, stands as a cornerstone of education and discovery in the region. With an enrollment exceeding 20,000 students, UofM is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High research activity," signifying its commitment to groundbreaking research and academic excellence across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Its enduring motto, Latin for "To imagine, to think, to do," encapsulates the university's vibrant spirit of inquiry and action.
Established on September 10, 1912, as the West Tennessee State Normal School, the university has undergone several transformations, reflecting its growth and evolving mission, including stints as Memphis State College and Memphis State University. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1959 with the admission of the "Memphis State Eight," the first Black students to attend, marking a significant step toward integration and social change in the South. This courageous act underscores UofM's historical role in shaping a more inclusive educational landscape.
Today, the University of Memphis boasts a diverse array of academic strengths, housing esteemed entities such as the Herff College of Engineering, the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), and the FedEx Institute of Technology, among others. Its Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, renowned for its state-of-the-art downtown campus, offers a competitive legal education within proximity to the city's judicial and financial hubs. UofM continually strives to provide a comprehensive and impactful education, preparing students for successful futures.
Prospective students will find a vibrant campus spanning 1,160 acres, deeply integrated into the cultural and economic life of Memphis. With an endowment of over $400 million, the university provides substantial resources for its academic programs, research initiatives, and student support. Whether engaging in cutting-edge research or participating in the spirited "Tigers" athletics, students at UofM are part of a dynamic community dedicated to learning, discovery, and making a tangible difference.
Key Highlights
- ✦Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High research activity" institution.
- ✦Enrollment of over 20,000 students, fostering a diverse academic community.
- ✦Endowment of $413 million (2025), supporting extensive academic and research initiatives.
- ✦Home to the renowned Herff College of Engineering and the FedEx Institute of Technology.
- ✦Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law features a state-of-the-art campus in downtown Memphis.
- ✦Historic role in civil rights, admitting the "Memphis State Eight" in 1959 as its first Black students.
- ✦Motto: "To imagine, to think, to do" (Latin: Imaginari cogitare facere).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
10 notable schools within University of Memphis
Herff College of Engineering
A key college within the university offering engineering programs.
Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI)
A specialized research center focusing on earthquake studies.
Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
The university's law school, relocated to a renovated downtown campus in 2010, consistently ranked among top facilities.
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
A school focusing on communication sciences and disorders.
Loewenberg College of Nursing
The college of nursing, providing comprehensive nursing education.
School of Public Health
A school dedicated to public health education and research.
College of Communication and Fine Arts
A college offering programs in communication and fine arts.
FedEx Institute of Technology
An institute focused on technological research and innovation.
Advanced Distributed Learning Workforce Co-Lab
A co-lab focusing on advanced distributed learning for workforce development.
Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology
An institute dedicated to the study of Egyptian art and archaeology.
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