Dear Colleagues:

As we explore ways to more effectively and efficiently move students toward their goals of a degree, employment and a commitment to lifelong learning, I want to make sure we don’t lose focus on the essential research mission of our University.  Our commitment to research excellence is unwavering, as is our commitment to creating and disseminating new knowledge through research, artistic expression, and interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship. 

I want to assure you I have no doubt we can and will do many things exceptionally well, as is reflected in both our vision and mission statements: http://www.memphis.edu/stratplan/.  The University has made remarkable strides over the last decade and is increasingly being recognized as one of America’s great metropolitan research universities. Our faculty members are engaged in cutting edge and exciting research; research that has profound impact on the lives of those in Memphis, the state of Tennessee and across the globe. 

At a time when we’re actively engaged in a conversation about innovation in the classroom, it’s important that message be coupled with our unwavering commitment to research excellence.  It’s our vision, our mission and, let me assure you, our future.  Go Tigers.

Sincerely,

David