As promised, here’s a progress update on degree completion efforts at the University of Memphis.  Not only is degree completion central to our obligation to our students, we have now transitioned to an outcomes based formula funding model, with a focus on student progression and graduation.  As mentioned on 2/7/2014 our doctoral degree completion numbers have improved in profound fashion, and we’ll see significant increases this spring. We’re also seeing similar improvement at the undergraduate level.  Growth from the 2012 academic year to the 2013 academic year was 5%, with expected growth for the current 2014 academic year estimated at another 2%.  As the graph below indicates, we’re projecting growth in the 6% range through 2016.  My guess is that we’ll actually outpace those projections given performance over the past two years.

Congratulations on a great effort.  Having talked with quite a few students, I know they are grateful.  The impact of completing a college degree has positive influence across multiple domains, including not just the students, but families and communities as well.

Go Tigers!

M. David Rudd