2. Diversity and Inclusiveness at The University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is committed to diversity. Our mission is “to embrace a diverse student population and to celebrate respect for diversity and individual worth.” Most importantly, welcoming and ensuring diversity at all levels is among five goals driving our future success in the University’s strategic plan.

Aligned with this institutional commitment, the Graduate School at The University of Memphis proudly boasts a successful dedication to excellence and diversity. As a result, the number of minorities in general, and African Americans in particular, matriculating and completing master’s and doctoral programs at the University of Memphis is substantial and exceeds the average number of African American graduate enrollment across the country. In fact, the Survey of Graduate Enrollment conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools/Graduate Record Examination (CGS/GRE) showed that the African American graduate enrollment among the total U.S. citizens and permanent residents was 11% in 2002 (or 117,873 of 1,089,671). The Hispanic/Latino graduate enrollment was 7%, the Asian graduate enrollment was 6%, and the American Indian graduate enrollment was 1% of the total graduate enrollment in the U.S. (Council of Graduate Schools Office of Research and Information Services, 2004. Graduate Enrollment and Degrees: 1986 to 2002). The difference between the percentage of African American graduate enrollment in the U.S. (11%) in 2002 and the percentage of African American graduate students enrolled at the University of Memphis in 2002 (22%) illuminates the commitment to and value the University of Memphis places on enhancing diversity at all levels. This pattern of enrolling relatively large numbers of students from underrepresented populations continues.  In Fall of 2009, African-Americans composed 27% of the total graduate student population at the University of Memphis, domestic minorities composed 32% of the total graduate student population, and 42 % of the graduate student population was the combination of international and domestic minority students. This level of growth serves as testament to a successful recruitment model and an ongoing commitment to diversity.

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