A Letter from the Dean of the UofM Graduate School: I See Me in Memphis. 

Dear Graduate Students, Alumni, and Friends of the Graduate School,

In the winter of 2002, almost twenty-three years ago, I visited the University of Memphis for the first time as a finalist for an assistant professor position in the Department of Philosophy. While I was excited about the opportunity, I wasn’t sure if it was the right place for me. It was far from family and friends, and having grown up in a small town, I wasn’t sure if a big city like Memphis was where I belonged. I couldn’t quite see myself in Memphis.

But what I found when I arrived changed everything. From the moment I set foot on campus, I was struck by how genuinely welcoming everyone was. The University of Memphis felt like a community where people truly cared about each other’s success. Faculty, staff, and students alike fostered an atmosphere where collaboration and support were valued. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the size of the city or the university, I discovered a place where relationships were meaningful, and people invested in one another. The city of Memphis also surprised me. While it has the opportunities and vibrancy of a major city, it has the heart of a small town. The neighborhoods are full of friendly faces, and there is a deep sense of pride in the culture, history, and shared identity of the community. As I explored Memphis, I realized it wasn’t just a city—it was a place where I could see myself making a difference, building connections, and feeling at home. I saw me in Memphis. 

To our prospective students, I encourage you to see yourself in Memphis too. At the University of Memphis, you will find an academic environment that is not only rigorous but also deeply supportive. Our faculty are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential, whether you’re pursuing groundbreaking research or refining your creative talents. With a diverse range of graduate programs that span everything from business to the sciences to the arts, we offer opportunities that can prepare you for the future you envision.
Our resources are unparalleled—cutting-edge labs, professional development initiatives, mentorship programs, and a thriving network of alumni who are eager to support the next generation. When you choose the UofM, you become part of a community that is committed to pushing boundaries, making discoveries, and transforming lives. And beyond our campus, you’ll find Memphis itself offers an experience unlike any other. It’s a city where you can immerse yourself in culture, innovation, and opportunity—whether in the classroom or through partnerships with world-renowned institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and FedEx.

To our current graduate students, you are already experiencing what makes Memphis special. You are a part of a vibrant community where creativity and collaboration thrive. You’re making connections that will propel you forward in your career and forging relationships that will last a lifetime. Whether through academic pursuits, research collaborations, or community engagement, you are contributing to a city and university that is continuously evolving. As you continue your journey, remember that the resources, people, and opportunities around you are here to support your growth as a scholar and as a leader.

To our alumni, you know firsthand how transformative an experience at the University of Memphis can be. Your time here helped shape your career, your perspectives, and your connections to the world around you. Your support is what ensures that future generations will continue to have access to this exceptional environment. Your generosity allows us to maintain state-of-the-art resources, support groundbreaking research, and offer financial assistance that opens the door to countless possibilities. Through your continued investment, you help ensure that students today and tomorrow will also see themselves in Memphis.

What makes Memphis truly special isn’t just the academics, the culture, or the opportunities—it’s the people. The warmth, resilience, and commitment of the people here make this a place where anyone can thrive, regardless of background. You can see yourself as part of a diverse and welcoming community where every voice matters, where your potential is recognized, and where you can leave a lasting impact. Memphis is a place where you will find your path, your purpose, and your people. As you continue or begin your journey with the University of Memphis, I hope you see what I see: a community that is deeply committed to your success and well-being. Whether you are a potential student, a current member of our graduate programs, or an alumnus staying connected to your alma mater, know that the University of Memphis will always be a place where you belong.

Warm regards,

Deb Tollefsen
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School