We're incredibly excited to welcome Dr. M. David Rudd, the transformative 12th President of the University of Memphis (serving from May 2014 to May 2022), to the podcast!During his impactful seven-year tenure, Dr. Rudd led the UofM through a period of unprecedented growth and innovation, truly shaping the future of the institution. He championed record-breaking improvements in student retention and graduation rates, a testament to his dedication to student success. Under his leadership, the University launched a new Division of Student Success and implemented an integrated enrollment, retention, and graduation plan. He also initiated UofM Global, significantly expanding access to education, and for the first time, offered vital need-based funding, directly impacting countless student lives.Dr. Rudd's vision extended far beyond the classroom. He dramatically grew research expenditures, leading to the successful launch of the UMRF Research Park and UMRF Ventures, which fostered new partnerships and created employment opportunities for over 450 students. He forged powerful community collaborations with giants like FedEx, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and the City of Memphis, solidifying the University's role as an economic engine. These strategic partnerships, combined with his fundraising efforts, generated an astounding over $660 million in new University resources, including $260 million in fundraising. Annually, the University's economic activity now contributes nearly $1.1 billion to the local economy!Furthermore, campus enhancements under his watch were truly remarkable, fundamentally transforming the physical landscape of the University. Key projects included the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center, the Indoor Football Practice Facility, and the iconic Hunter Harrison Memorial Pedestrian Cable Bridge. He also laid the groundwork for future state-of-the-art facilities like the forthcoming Scheidt Family Music Center and the R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center. He also earned an appointment to the NCAA Division I Board of Directors in 2021, representing both the AAC and the nation in guiding college athletics policyJoin us for a fascinating and in-depth conversation as Dr. Rudd reflects on his presidency, the challenges overcome, the triumphs celebrated, and his enduring vision for the future of higher education and the Memphis community. You won't want to miss hearing from a leader who profoundly shaped the University of Memphis into the thriving institution it is today!Listen now:  https://apple.co/3XPWAnF#DrDavidRudd #UniversityofMemphis

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