Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

Memphis’ colleges and universities are essential civic anchors shaping the region’s talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. All of these factors play a critical role in employee readiness, attraction, and retention for local employers. Hear how university leaders are navigating challenges and creating a thriving Memphis for generations to come in this conversation moderated by Dr. Joann Massey (EDGE) featuring Dr. Bill Hardgrave (University of Memphis), Jennifer Collins (Rhodes College), and Dr. Tracy D. Hall (Southwest Tennessee Community College).

This is a recording of a live Celebrate What's Right: Educating Memphis' Future that happened on February 24 at The National Civil Rights Museum for a conversation with presidents from Memphis-area institutions.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Rhodes College

University of Memphis

Southwest Tennessee Community College

Tennessee Promise

Previous M eanwhile in Memphis conversations with these organizations can be found here , here , and here .

Memphis is teaming with talent, both on and off the field, thanks in part to the ways The University of Memphis is developing future professionals with transferable skills through sport. By equipping student athletes with professional development resources, mentors, and connections to career opportunities in Memphis, the 901Women program is creating success stories and future Memphians.

Guests:

Ed Scott, PhD, The University of Memphis

Beth Wilson , Wilson PR; 901Women Initiative

Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations connect changemakers and community leaders who make Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Created and produced by New Memphis.

Resources and references mentioned in the episode include:

The University of Memphis Athletics Department

901Women

901Women Power Summit

Meanwhile in Memphis is powered by Independent Bank.

Memphis is a city known for its creative output. With new strategic priorities in place, both public and private investments are shaping the trajectory of the city’s cultural impact and the community’s civic pride.

Guests:

Elizabeth Rouse, ARTSmemphis

Rachel Knox, Hyde Family Foundation

__Resources mentioned in this episode include:

ARTSMemphis

Hyde Family Foundation

ARTSMemphis event calendar

Young Actors Guild Memphis

Artists Emergency Fund

Art By Design

Previous Meanwhile in Memphis episodes related to this topic can be found here , here , here , here , and here

Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations connect changemakers and community leaders who make Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Created and produced by New Memphis. Powered by Independent Bank.

Learn how Memphis is building and expanding economic opportunities with the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County — better known as EDGE — and the City of Memphis.

Guests:

Mayor Paul Young , City of Memphis

Dr. Joann Massey , EDGE

Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations connect changemakers and community leaders who make Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Created and produced by New Memphis.

Resources and references mentioned in the episode include:

Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE)

EDGE programs

City of Memphis, EDGE Launch Entrepreneurship City Initiative

AAON

Epicenter

Greater Memphis Chamber

Small Business Administration

TN Economic and Community Development

Powered by Independent Bank.

From economic lifts to culture and connection, Downtown is a vital piece of the Memphis ecosystem. Chandell Ryan, President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, discusses what it means to shape and share a vibrant vision for Downtown. This episode first aired on September 23, 2025 (S5E38).

References mentioned in this episode include:

Downtown Memphis Commission

State of Downtown (2025)

Previous episodes featuring Downtown Memphis commission can be found here , here , here , and here

Downtown Retail Tenant Improvement (TI) Grant

Central Business Improvement District

Downtown Connect

BuildDowntown is a master plan to help determine how Downtown Memphis will grow, evolve, and improve over the next 10 years

Beale Street

Daily Memphian

WKNO

Behind the Headlines with Chandell Ryan

Block By Block Downtown Memphis Commission

Downtown Memphis Commission announces new partnership to improve service efficiency

Hyde Family Foundation

All aboard!—Trolley buses will be returning to Downtown Memphis

Open on Main program

River City Records

Sterick Building

100 North Main

The Sheraton

Downtown Memphis Instagram

Downtown Memphis Commission newsletter

Alley Dayz

National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis Art Museum

DMC's Parking Map

Hotel Pontotoc

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.