March 20, 2025 ̶ ̶ ̶ University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave and Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Tracy D. Hall will sign a memorandum of understanding on Monday to extend the One Step Closer initiative between the two institutions. The initiative creates direct pathways to enrollment at the UofM for STCC students enrolled in a university transfer associate degree program.
The signing will be held at 3 p.m. on March 24 in the Bert Bornblum Library on STCC’s Macon Cove Campus, 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, Tenn.
“We look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with STCC through the One Step Closer program,” said Hardgrave. “This program helps provide opportunities in higher education to all students, and it aligns with our university-wide commitment to creating a successful outcome for every student.”
Among the benefits of enrolling in the One Step Closer program are priority scholarship consideration, pre-enrollment counseling and waived application fees. The signing reaffirms the strong relationship between UofM and STCC.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Hardgrave and the University of Memphis for this invaluable opportunity to support our students’ future,” Hall said. “One Step Closer removes the barriers and clears the path for our students to seamlessly continue their education and at a nationally recognized, top-tier Carnegie R1 research institution.”
The continued partnership between the two schools allows students like Kylee Marie Champeau – who has aspirations of receiving a degree in international relations – to pursue their dreams of a four-year degree.
“I’ve always dreamed of attending the University of Memphis,” the second-year STCC student said. “I’ve taken dual enrollment classes, but One Step Closer changes everything. Knowing that I’ll have access to scholarships and UofM resources gives me the confidence to complete my associate’s degree.”
The UofM also partners with Dyersburg State Community College, Jackson State Community College and Northwest Mississippi Community College as part of the One Step Closer program.
