March 5, 2025 — The University of Memphis presented the launch of the new workforce-focused Polytechnic initiative at the UofM during its first quarterly Board of Trustees meeting of 2025.
Pending approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), The Polytechnic @ UofM initiative will be a subunit within the Herff College of Engineering slated to launch July 1.
The Polytechnic @ UofM will expand the University’s applied technology degree portfolio and will be housed within the Herff College of Engineering in collaboration with the College of Professional and Liberal Studies (CPLS) to provide enhanced pathways to enter UofM applied technology programs including students attending Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), community colleges as well as returning learners.
Under the new organizational structure, a new Department of Applied Technology will emerge as part of The Polytechnic @ UofM. A new Bachelor of Applied Science will be presented to the UofM Board of Trustees for approval in June and will usher in the first new academic program for the initiative with a fall 2026 implementation and will complement existing applied technology program offerings.
“As we’re considering alignment of our academic programs with the Ascend strategic plan, we see a real opportunity in our region, in particular West Tennessee, as well as across our state and throughout our region, to have a subunit within our University that brings together those applied technology programs that are in a position to rapidly respond to workforce needs,” University of Memphis Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. David Russomanno said.
“As we’re considering alignment of our academic programs with the Ascend strategic plan, we see a real opportunity in our region, in particular West Tennessee, as well as across our state and throughout our region, to have a subunit within our University that brings together those applied technology programs that are in a position to rapidly respond to workforce needs.”
-UofM Provost Dr. David Russomanno
An emphasis toward a condensed curriculum reducing barriers to entry — as well as a focus on more hands-on learning through electives that can be used toward transfer credit or credit for experiences outside the classroom — The Polytechnic @ UofM Initiative will enhance pathways for attaining a bachelor’s degree for students with real-world experience and practice.
“That’s a barrier we hope to address. Taking an innovative approach in terms of a condensed curricula with low barriers, hopefully no barriers to entry, such as programs with increased flexibility to take into account other forms of knowledge acquisition including industry certifications,” Russomanno said.
The goal is to better prepare students for workforce needs via degree and micro-credentialing programs in close collaboration with industry employers and field partnerships with an emphasis on successful outcomes for every student.
“We’re bringing together into a subunit a focus on real-world experiences and industry partnerships, emphasizing practice and applying the state-of-the-art,” Russomanno said.
First-principle-based programs such as computer science and engineering programs are traditionally those which require fundamental concepts and a foundational mastery in mathematics, physics, basic sciences and are required for progression in the curriculum, which at times, may present barriers to entry. Applied technology programs will complement first-principle-based programs to provide a comprehensive array of programs offered at the UofM to meet workforce needs in high-demand fields.
Through discussions with corporations, employers and businesses like Ford BlueOval, the University was able to shape, form and accelerate the Polytechnic initiative to align with the growing needs of employers.
Current programs in the initiative include Herff’s Engineering Technology programs, and CPLS’ Manufacturing Supervision, Information Technology, Construction Management, Organizational Leadership, and Aviation programs. Future programs in the initiative include Applied Cybersecurity, Applied AI, Biomedical Technology and Industrial Informatics.
In addition, the launch of The Polytechnic @ UofM will allow the University to explore new opportunities for dual enrollment programs and expand pathways for students to enroll in UofM’s engineering and computer science programs or applied technology programs.
“We believe The Polytechnic @ UofM will allow us to quickly pivot to meet workforce needs not only in our state, but throughout the nation,” Russomanno said.
Other agenda items highlighted during the meeting included:
- UofM’s Advancement has raised 79% of their $45M goal for FY25 and a record of over $30K was raised on Giving Tuesday — nearly doubled both donor and gift counts
- Athletics recorded the highest departmental GPA of 3.4 in its history
- Pursuant to the Education Freedom Act of 2025, the Board approved a one-time bonus of $2,000 for K-12 teachers in the Innovative School District
MEDIA CONTACT:
Trent Shadid
tshadid@memphis.edu
901.678.3811
