Memphis Forward

Episode Notes Otis Sandord and Dr. Rudd sit down and talk about Moving forward into 2022 for the University of Memphis, the upcoming semester, graduation time, and the many happenings on Campus. They discuss Tiger Sports, with the struggles of the men's basketball team, and the upcoming bowl game in Hawaii for Tiger Football. They also look back to the biggest stories of 2021 as they remember Bob Dole and his accomplishments.

Episode Notes It's the start of Memphis Basketball Season! And Otis Sanford sits down with Dr. David Rudd to pick his thoughts about the Tigers basketball team. Otis Sanford and David Rudd also discuss their thoughts on the naming of a new President of the University of Memphis and what will be in store for the University of Memphis for the future, as well as the response from the state's latest COVID statements and how the university will respond to the Governor and state's COVID stance. They also talk about the latest bill passed by the state to define school board members. All that and more on this episode of Memphis Forward!

Episode Notes Dr. Rudd and Otis Sanford talk about the death of Colin Powell, and how others are using his death to propel their agenda; the National Labor Shortage/Shift, its importance, and how the University is impacted; They also discuss the dedication and renaming of the UC to the "Maxine Smith Center" as well as the unveiling of the Larry Finch statue and plaza. In addition, Dr. Rudd and Otis discuss the University's stance on race and the steps it's taken; and The "Jon Gruden" effect.

Episode Notes Otis Sanford and Dr. Rudd talk about the unfortunate event that took place in Collierville, and how the University of Memphis will prepare for these types of events. They also talk about protocols regarding COVID-19, Gov. Bill Lee's mask mandate, and its effect on not just the university, with how the UofM is responding come December, but the Memphis community as a whole.

Episode Notes Legendary Memphis journalist Otis Sanford and University of Memphis President M. David Rudd are back with another episode of Memphis Forward! Talking about academics, athletics, and discovery—all the things driving Memphis to what’s next.

Episode Notes Otis and Dr. Rudd discuss the many changes happening in Memphis and around the world, including the I-40 Bridge and its infrastructure concerns, politics, the impact, and the UofM expertise connection; Renovations to the Tennis Center and the connection to the city and Tennis Memphis (Leftwich Center); the Larry Finch Plaza, and what it will represent and bring to the university; The Mike Rose Aquatic center; The anniversary of George Floyd's death; the new Controversy surrounding the Law center; Police Reform and how the university is reforming it's officers; Weapons on the campus; the Israel/Palestine conflict; and Incoming Freshman for the Fall Semester.

Episode Notes Otis and Dr. Rudd discuss the U of M graduation ceremony and how things might change moving forward, how the summer and fall semesters will look and vaccinations, reviewing how the university is tackling race and initiatives moving forward, the TN Legislation Education bill, and the restriction of the critical race theory, Legislation on education and expanding broadband and how that affects the student body on and off the campus, Tuition increase in the Fall, how the University benefited from the education budget passed and "Carnegie Research 1" status, Dr. Rudd's most significant contribution... in his words, The University independent board's success, and Dr. Rudd's primary focus this coming summer.

Episode Notes Otis and Dr. Rudd start the show with a retrospective on the Fall and Spring semesters at the UofM. The positives and negatives, the impacts that the university had on the community and what the future of the university looks like. Otis and Dr. Rudd then tackle the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, how the community as a whole felt leading up the final verdict and its effects moving forward, and how this verdict might impact the police and what all police forces need to consider moving forward. And, How can Memphis' new police director, CJ Davis become "a Memphian" and how the UofM can help the MPD.

Episode Notes Tune in as Otis has an interesting conversation with President Rudd about the UofM’s handling of Spring Break, spikes in racial violence, how the pandemic has led to some positive changes on campus, and President Rudd’s decision that the right time to step down has come, but the transition will take a year.

Episode Notes As campus buildings continue to age, how is the UofM balancing new construction and infrastructure renovations? President Rudd talks about current repairs and new facilities projects transforming campus. Otis digs into what went wrong with Shelby County’s vaccine rollout in the early stages. They also discuss the controversary around handguns without permits and creating a culture where we welcome tough talks on race in order to have productive change.

Episode Notes Is it time for schools to think differently about traditional breaks? President Rudd and Otis bounce that idea around and discuss a few other interesting topics, including the impact of the recent winter storm on the UofM, the future of Memphis Tigers Women’s Basketball, accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines for teachers, the possibility of a safe return to in-person learning and more.

Episode Notes Should Shelby County rely on science as our public schools move toward in-person classes? President Rudd gives his take on the situation. Otis asks if student loan forgiveness is realistic, which leads to a discussion about current UofM strategies helping students avoid piles of debt. With the country so divided and inflexible, Otis and President Rudd share the importance of listening to the other side and embracing being wrong.

Episode Notes Should Memphis be an incubator for talking about race? Hear how the UofM fosters open dialogue from both conservative and liberal perspectives. President Rudd updates us on COVID-19’s dramatic effects on students and campus. He also explains how the increase in minimum wage for UofM staff was finally able to happen, even during the pandemic. We wrap up with some thoughts about Coach Hardaway’s strong commitment to UofM’s basketball program and the city.