One hundred years ago, on September 24, 1925, a new chapter began for both a college and a city. That was the day Southwestern, The College of the Mississippi Valley, welcomed 406 students to its brand-new campus in Memphis. Today, we know it as Rhodes College, and we’re celebrating a century of shared history, growth, and incredible partnership with the city we proudly call home! This momentous anniversary marks 100 years of a relationship that has shaped Memphis in countless ways and defined the very spirit of Rhodes.
A Visionary Move for a Brighter Future
The story of Rhodes in Memphis is one of bold vision and survival. Back in the early 20th century, the college, then located in Clarksville, Tennessee, was struggling. In 1917, its new president, Charles E. Diehl, was given a clear mission: the college had to move to secure its future. With degrees from Johns Hopkins and Princeton, Diehl was a forward-thinker who had already made the institution co-educational. He knew a larger, more central city was the key to unlocking the college’s potential.
Memphis was the perfect choice. It was a thriving hub that lacked a dedicated liberal arts college. Recognizing the immense value the institution would bring, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce contributed a significant $500,000 to help make the move a reality. After overcoming a lawsuit from Clarksville, the college officially relocated in 1925, and a powerful civic partnership was born. From day one, the city’s leaders, including names like Boyle, Snowden, and Orgill, were deeply involved, weaving the college into the very fabric of Memphis.
Shaping a City, One Graduate at a Time
What does the impact of a liberal arts college on a major city look like? Look around Memphis, and you’ll see it everywhere. Rhodes graduates are leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are steering some of our most vital institutions. Their contributions are a testament to the power of a Rhodes education combined with the opportunities found only in Memphis.
Just think of this incredible list of alumni making a difference:
- Russ Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Jen Andrews, CEO of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.
- Sally Jones Heinz, President of MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association).
- Rush Waller, Chief Medical Officer of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
- Steven Threlkeld, a key leader in the city’s COVID-19 response.
- David Lusk, owner of the renowned David Lusk Gallery.
And that’s just the beginning! Rhodes alumni are at the helm of nonprofits like Thistle & Bee and the Samaritan Counseling Centers, leading commercial real estate firms, and holding top positions in major financial corporations like Truist. The college has even produced two U.S. Supreme Court Justices, Abe Fortas and Amy Coney Barrett. This impressive legacy proves that a liberal arts education fosters the critical thinking and passion needed to build a better community.
More Than a Campus: A Partnership with Memphis
What makes Rhodes College truly distinctive is its location. President Jennifer Collins notes that while many liberal arts colleges offer a beautiful, secluded campus, Rhodes provides that and the dynamic energy of a major city. This connection isn’t just a perk; it’s a core part of the educational experience.
The college is committed to being an active partner with Memphis. This dedication is seen through initiatives like The Lynne and Henry Turley Memphis Center for Community Engagement, which connects students with over 260 local organizations. Students don’t just learn in the classroom; they engage directly with the community.
This unique setting provides unparalleled opportunities that simply aren’t available elsewhere:
- Unmatched Medical Research: Students gain hands-on experience at world-class facilities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
- Exceptional Pre-Vet Track: The Memphis Zoo, located right across the street, gives students direct access to animal behavior research. As President Collins points out, this contributes to Rhodes’ 80% admission rate to veterinary schools, far above the national average of 10-15%.
- Vibrant Internships: From Fortune 500 companies like FedEx to thriving nonprofits, students get a head start on their careers right here in the city.
This synergy flows both ways. As students contribute their talents and energy to Memphis, the city, in turn, offers them a rich, diverse, and inspiring place to learn and grow.
Looking Forward to the Next 100 Years
A century ago, Charles Diehl envisioned a world-class college deeply intertwined with its city. Today, that vision is more alive than ever. The relationship between Rhodes and Memphis has evolved from its initial foundation with the city’s power structure to a much broader and more inclusive partnership that invites all of Memphis onto its campus and sends its students out into every corner of the community.
As Rhodes College embarks on its next 100 years in Memphis, it doubles down on its commitment to the city. The college continues to attract bright, passionate students from all over the country who fall in love with the beautiful campus and the vibrant soul of Memphis. By providing a top-tier education enriched by real-world experience, Rhodes is not just educating students—it’s cultivating the next generation of leaders who will continue to shape our city for the better.
Here’s to a century of shared success and to the many more to come. Happy 100th anniversary in Memphis, Rhodes College!
