Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The University of Memphis is confronting significant uncertainty as it approaches the fall semester, with concerns over student enrollment and faculty dissatisfaction rising, even as President Bill Hardgrave receives a substantial performance bonus. The closure of the Office of Multicultural Affairs has led to protests and highlighted issues for international students, particularly from Ghana. Meanwhile, the university’s bid to join the Big 12 Conference has faced repeated rejections, emphasizing additional challenges in its overall governance and support for students.
Memphis
The University of Memphis (U of M) is starting the 2025 fall semester under a cloud of uncertainty regarding student enrollment and faculty concerns, even as President Bill Hardgrave has been awarded a $100,000 performance bonus. The U of M Board of Trustees finalized Hardgrave’s annual performance review on September 3, 2023, approving the bonus as a form of deferred compensation based on a “successful review and evaluation” of his performance over the past year.
Hardgrave, who is in his second year as U of M’s 13th president since his appointment in November 2021, holds an annual salary of $650,000. The $100,000 bonus is set aside in a fund to be granted at the conclusion of his five-year contract. Should Hardgrave fail to complete the tenure, he will forfeit the bonus. This performance-based compensation has been part of Hardgrave’s contract for “a few years now.”
Amid these developments, U of M is grappling with challenges, notably related to enrollment from Ghanaian international students. The closure of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, a decision stemming from changes in state law, has raised alarms about the support available for culturally diverse and international students. This closure caught many by surprise and has led to protests from the student body and faculty.
The United Campus Workers group has criticized Hardgrave’s commitment to student success, particularly following the office’s shuttering. Ghanaian students are facing potential academic dismissals and visa complications stemming from the financial difficulties associated with the Ghana Secretariat Scholarship (GSS). Initially, students with outstanding balances were instructed to vacate campus housing by August 9, but after a $1 million payment from the Republic of Ghana, they were granted permission to remain. However, the enrollment status of these students remains uncertain.
Furthermore, buried beneath these pressing issues, the university’s Board of Trustees decided to award Hardgrave the performance bonus amid dissatisfaction regarding the discontinuation of the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Compounding the situation, Memphis officials confirmed a bid to join the Big 12 Conference, which has been rejected three times in the past decade. This failed bid, amounting to $200 million, was an attempt to transition from the American Conference to a Power 4 conference, ultimately deemed unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, U of M maintains a commitment to enhancing its national standing despite setbacks regarding conference affiliations. Athletic director Ed Scott has voiced intentions to join a major conference, and there is a prospect of a $250,000 bonus if Memphis secures a position in the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, or ACC. Following the rejection from the Big 12, Memphis may consider further opportunities within the ACC.
Conclusion
As the University of Memphis transitions into the 2025 fall semester, the dual challenges of declining enrollment and administrative decisions will continue to shape the university’s environment. While President Hardgrave’s performance bonus highlights some approval of his governance, underlying concerns about student support and institutional focus on DEI initiatives remain critical to the university’s future.
FAQ
What is the total amount of the bonus awarded to President Hardgrave?
The total amount of the bonus awarded to President Hardgrave is $100,000.
What factors led to the concern among students and faculty at U of M?
Concerns arose from enrollment uncertainties for Ghanaian international students, the closure of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the discontinuation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.
What are the financial circumstances facing Ghanaian students?
Ghanaian students faced potential academic dismissal and visa issues due to financial struggles, though a $1 million payment from the Republic of Ghana allowed some to remain on campus.
How does Hardgrave’s salary and bonus compare to other educational leaders?
Hardgrave’s annual salary is $650,000, while Jennifer Collins of Rhodes College earned approximately $570,000, and Peter Buckley, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Health Science, earns over $1 million.
What is the current status of Memphis’ bid to join major conferences?
Memphis has faced rejections from the Big 12 Conference but may explore opportunities to join the ACC following a rejected bid valued at $200 million.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| President Bill Hardgrave’s Bonus | $100,000 based on annual review |
| Annual Salary | $650,000 |
| Key Issues | Enrollment concerns, office closures, DEI discontinuation |
| Ghanaian Student Challenges | Potential academic dismissal, visa issues |
| Comparison with Other Presidents | Collins – $570,000, Buckley – $1,048,169 |
| Bid to Join Big 12 | Rejected three times, valued at $200 million |
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis President Hardgrave Bonus
- Local Memphis: U of M President Hardgrave Bonus
- Daily Memphian: U of M Board Approves Bonus
- Wikipedia: University of Memphis
- Google Search: University of Memphis News
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