For press information, contact Dr. Karen Weddle-West, 901-678-4212

Graduate education attracts more than 37,462 students to Tennessee universities annually from across the nation and the world, and more than 11,080 advanced degrees are awarded each year. Tuition and fees generate more than $250 million for the state. There are benefits to the students as well. According to U.S. Census data, a master’s degree increases lifetime earnings by $400,000 and a doctoral degree by $1.5 million.

In an effort to increase awareness of the value and contributions of graduate students, Gov. Phil Bredesen has proclaimed March 30-April 3 as Graduate Education Week in Tennessee. Events will include research forums, recruitment fairs, conferences and scholarly presentations. Graduate students, graduate faculty and seniors interested in graduate school are invited. Events involving the University of Memphis include:

Monday, March 30 – 21st Annual Student Research Forum

Student research posters were presented by 120 students, from such fields as engineering, physical and applied sciences, life/health sciences, liberal and fine arts, education, business, social and behavioral sciences, and math and computer science. Cash prizes were awarded to students whose research was judged to be exemplary. The Student Research Forum was co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Helen Hardin Honors Program.

Tuesday, March 31, Tennessee Conference of Graduate School Deans’ Meeting, Tennessee Board of Regents in Nashville

The TCGS holds this annual meeting for the purpose of considering matters of common interest related to graduate study and research, articulating the needs of graduate education, and influencing public opinion and legislation for the improvement and advancement of graduate education through appropriate channels. Each institution of higher education in Tennessee that has regional or professional accredited status and offers graduate work is eligible for membership. The TCGS is composed of graduate deans and assistant deans of the graduate schools in Tennessee.

Wednesday, April 1, 8 a.m.-noon – Graduate Education Week at Legislative Plaza, “Celebrating Graduate Student Research in Tennessee,” Legislative Plaza in Nashville

In an effort to increase public awareness of the value and contributions of graduate students, graduate students from institutions of higher learning in the state will present their research posters to legislators. Kelsey Fisher Wellman, a health and sport sciences master’s candidate, was selected by the University Council of Graduate Studies to represent the University of Memphis at the Legislative Plaza. He was chosen for his outstanding research on Type 2 diabetes, a major health problem in the Mid-South.

Friday, April 3 – Graduate students will participate in conferences and seminars across campus.

For more information, call Dr. Karen Weddle-West, vice provost for graduate studies, at 901-678-4212.