U of Memphis wins national award for its DRIVE program
The institution won the 2025 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Engaged University Award.
The University of Memphis has received the 2025 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Engaged University Award for its Delta Revitalization through Innovation, Vision, and Empowerment (DRIVE) program — a regional initiative empowering rural communities through collaborative, place-based growth strategies.
“The University of Memphis, as a Carnegie R1 institution, recognizes that regional success depends on a decentralized ecosystem of partners who thrive together,” said Dr. Cody Behles, Executive Director of Research Development and Innovation. “Programs like DRIVE reflect the work of many of our faculty who are deeply committed to advancing regional growth through collaboration and innovation.”
The Engaged University Award honors higher education institutions that act as dynamic catalysts for regional prosperity by integrating UEDA’s three foundational pillars: Talent, Innovation, and Place. Award recipients are recognized for their ability to extend impact beyond campus boundaries, forge partnerships that strengthen local economies, foster resilience, and co-create solutions to community challenges.
DRIVE leverages the University’s Carnegie R1 research capacity to assist rural communities in identifying and pursuing transformational funding opportunities through grants and other mechanisms. By combining applied research, technical expertise and local engagement, DRIVE exemplifies the University’s commitment to place-based, enduring development across the Mid-South and beyond.
DRIVE is currently involved in 12 towns in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, each ranging from 500 to 10,000 residents. The Tennessee communities include Brownsville, Stanton, and Whiteville.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!