Leaders Learn Here: Paul Young, City of Memphis Mayor

When current City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young came back to town after finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee, he wasn't sure what to do next. Then one day he listened to his mother, Pastor Dianne Young, preach a sermon about a purpose-driven life and had a spiritual reckoning.

"I knew I wanted to rebuild neighborhoods in Memphis." he said. "The University of Memphis was the logical place to learn how to do that."

His graduate program in urban planning was immersed in the community, with different partners and nonprofits who were part of the program.

"For the first time. I was doing something that felt like a calling," Young said. "The way the program was structured, the engagement of the faculty and staff and the clear commitment to the purpose of helping to build great cities Inspired me."

He earned his planning degree in 2005 and an MBA In 2010 (also from the UofM) and went on to planning and leadership positions in Memphis and Shelby County, serving as Director of the City's Housing and Community Development office before becoming CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. Young was elected Mayor in 2023 and officially took office Jan. 1, 2024.

"Everything I'm doing now is the result of the experience I had at the University of Memphis." he said. "The Mayor's role Is the epitome of community development, and I have a significant opportunity to help rebuild this community. The University ignited my mind around all the possibilities.

He stresses the UofM should be viewed as a widely appreciated asset In Memphis.

"l think we don't realize how important it is to have a university that uses the city for a lab," he said. "The University provides so much intellectual backbone to all kinds of initiatives and programs. It's our talent pipeline and will play a significant part in ensuring the future of our city."