Meharry Medical College Expands to Memphis with Historic Partnership

A new chapter in Memphis’ healthcare and education landscape is here—one rooted in legacy, access, and deep community impact.

Tennessee’s only historically Black medical school, Meharry Medical College, has officially planted roots in Memphis. At a June 9 announcement hosted at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, Meharry leaders and community partners shared plans for the institution’s first ongoing presence in the Bluff City.

“Meharry is now officially a Memphis institution, and we are here to stay,” said Meharry President and CEO Dr. James E.K. Hildreth Sr., speaking to a crowd of nearly 200.

This exciting move comes through a partnership with Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church—also known as The Blvd—as part of the church’s ambitious $310 million redevelopment project. The plan includes transforming 23 acres in Midtown and the Memphis Medical District into a mixed-use hub for education, health, housing, and community spaces.

“With Meharry coming not just to Memphis but to this campus, it allows us to have a premier HBCU in the heart of the Medical District,” said Pastor J. Lawrence Turner. “We would love to have Meharry right in the heart of where healthcare takes place in Memphis.”

The new Memphis campus will be led by Dr. Stephanie Sweet, Meharry’s Assistant Vice President and a native Memphian, who has already been working behind the scenes to make this historic expansion a reality.

Building a Pipeline for the Next Generation

Meharry is already making moves. Earlier this year, the college acquired three Sanitas clinics in Memphis, part of a larger purchase of eight clinics across Memphis and Nashville. And they’re not stopping there.

As part of the newly launched Office of Memphis Programs, Meharry welcomed its first cohort of Memphis-area students—a group of nine high schoolers from Shelby County—into a summer internship program in collaboration with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. The program includes experiences on both the Memphis and Nashville campuses, planting seeds for future Black and Brown healthcare leaders.

“One of our really important goals is to get as many young Memphians as possible interested in health care, setting them on a path to become healthcare providers,” said Dr. Hildreth.

This expansion also aligns with Meharry’s ongoing capital campaign as the institution approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026.

Equity in Action

The significance of this expansion goes beyond buildings—it’s about access. It’s about equity. It’s about representation.

Dr. Scott Morris, founder of Church Health, emphasized that diversity in medicine isn’t just a nice idea—it’s life-changing. “Patients respond better when their doctor looks like them, speaks their language or shares a piece of their story,” he wrote in an upcoming op-ed. “That’s not a theory; it’s a fact.”

Memphis Mayor Paul Young applauded Meharry’s intention to serve Memphis, the largest majority-Black city in the country. “Things like this don’t just happen by chance,” he said. “It’s very intentional.”

U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen also called this partnership one of the most significant healthcare developments he’s seen in his decades of public service, calling it a game-changing moment for Memphis’ Medical District.

Why This Matters for Memphis

The expansion of Meharry Medical College into Memphis isn’t just a win for healthcare. It’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible when institutions invest in our city and its people. With a focus on education, access, and community partnerships, this move represents a bold step toward a healthier, more equitable future for generations of Memphians to come.

Welcome to Memphis, Meharry—we’re glad you’re here.