MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tuesday afternoon, the University of Memphis Board of Trustees voted to name Dr. Bill Hardgrave the next President.
Dr. Hardgrave is coming from Auburn University where he is currently the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. He will be joining UofM at a crucial time for the school's athletic program to seek growth through conference realignment and to increase their Carnegie Research ranking to the highest--R1.
In response to the selection, some community leaders expressed their concern that the candidate choices did not represent the community around the university. The Shelby County Black Caucus and the Memphis Branch of the NAACP has sent a letter to the board hoping to get answers regarding Dr. Hardgrave's commitment pursuing diversity and inclusion in the community.