UofM Global

Congratulations to Toni Robison, University of Memphis Class of 2026! 🎓💙

After seeing family members and others in her community struggle with mental health, Toni knew she wanted to make a difference.

She saw firsthand how misunderstood mental illness can be, and how many people face those challenges without enough support or advocacy.

That passion led her to study psychology, even when the journey wasn’t easy.

Between working, caregiving, and managing her own health challenges, returning to school seemed out of reach for years.

Everything changed when she found UofM Global.

The flexibility of online learning allowed her to balance school with real-life responsibilities and finally pursue the future she envisioned.

One class that especially impacted her was Abnormal Psychology, which deepened her understanding of mental health and strengthened her passion for advocacy. A research paper on mental health stigma across cultures became a defining moment in shaping her goals.

Throughout her journey to graduation, Philippians 4:13 served as a daily reminder of her strength and faith: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Now, at 50 years old, Toni is graduating and preparing for her next chapter...helping others through a career in the mental health field.

Her advice to others:

“Don’t count yourself out. You’re capable of more than you think.”

Congratulations, Toni!

Your perseverance, compassion, and dedication are truly inspiring.

🎓✨ Congratulations to Teresa Gervis, University of Memphis Class of 2026!

There are moments in life when finishing a degree can feel like something that’s just no longer possible.

Years away from school.
Busy careers.
Health challenges.
Life simply moving forward.

For many adults, going back to college can feel completely out of reach.

That was exactly where Teresa found herself...more than 30 years away from the classroom and unsure if returning was even realistic.

Then a single social media post led her to something unexpected: the University of Memphis Finish Line program.

Still uncertain, she reached out just to learn more.

What happened next changed everything.

After reviewing her transcripts, her advisor discovered something remarkable.

Teresa was much closer to graduation than she ever imagined.

Suddenly, what once felt impossible became achievable. 🎓

With the support of UofM Global,she was able to complete her degree fully online, a must while managing Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Studying from home meant she could keep going without the physical strain of returning to a traditional campus.

💡 What made the difference:
• Fully online classes that fit into real life
• Regular check-ins and encouragement through Microsoft Teams
• Faculty who gave thoughtful feedback and helped rebuild confidence

One of her biggest hurdles? Returning to academic writing after 33 years of mostly corporate emails.

But with steady guidance and encouragement, her confidence grew with every assignment.

💬 Her advice to anyone wondering if it’s “too late”:

“Contact the Finish Line program and let them review your transcript. You may be surprised at how little it takes to finish, and how much easier the process can be than you think.”

Congratulations, Teresa! 🎉

Your story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to finish what you started.

We’re continuing to celebrate our UofM Global graduates in the University of Memphis Class of 2026 all month long! 🎓

Whether you’re celebrating on campus tomorrow, or from home, we’d love to see your graduation moments.

Share a photo with your diploma and tag us so we can recognize your achievement and send you a Global swag pack as a special congratulations! 🎉

Most people think graduation is the finish line.

For some, it’s proof of everything they carried to get there.

Meet Sydney Vandergrift Porter, University of Memphis Class of 2026 🎓

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences while raising a child, managing a household, and pushing through challenges most people never see.

After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Sydney knew she wanted more for herself and her son.

She just needed a way to make it possible.

That’s when she found UofM Global.

🎓 A fully online pathway from a Carnegie R1 research university gave her the flexibility to keep going while staying present at home.

What made the difference:
✔ Flexible online coursework
✔ Supportive faculty who understood real life
✔ A path forward, even through hard seasons

One of those seasons came shortly after childbirth, while taking Exercise Physiology and adjusting to postpartum life.

Her son was diagnosed with ITP.

Hospital nights turned into study nights.

But with support from Niki Bray Ed.D., and the UofM College of Health Sciences, she found the strength to keep going.

Now she’s graduating and already looking ahead.

Sydney plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, building on her health sciences background as she moves into a new field.

💬 Her advice to other parents considering school:

“Don’t forget about yourself. Your dreams still matter.”

Congratulations, Sydney. This is what resilience looks like.

🎓 This May, we’re shining a spotlight on our UofM Global graduates!

If you’re part of the University of Memphis Class of 2026, we’d love to highlight your amazing achievement.

Share a photo of you with your diploma and tag us here on Facebook, so we can recognize your hard work and dedication to learning and growth.

As a thank-you, we’ll also send you a Global swag pack as a small way of saying congratulations 🎉

We can’t wait to see your posts and keep the momentum going!

She first stepped into a college classroom in 1981.

44 years later, Judy Davis ’25 finally crossed the graduation stage.

Between work, family, and caring for her mother, finishing school kept getting pushed aside.

But in 2018, she tried again, this time while working full-time at FedEx and balancing everyday life.

There was no “perfect time.” Just persistence.

She took advantage of FedEx’s LiFE (Learning inspired By FedEx) initiative through UofM Global, designed to help employees earn their degree tuition-free while staying on the job.

Across the University of Memphis, similar programs are building an ecosystem of opportunity for thousands of adults and working students.

Like LiFE, they center on one core goal: helping students who paused their education come back, finish what they started, and open new doors forward.

Judy's story is proof that with the right support and persistence, the path forward is always within reach.

Follow the link below to read more!

https://blogs.memphis.edu/newsroom/2026/04/23/an-ecosystem-of-opportunity/

🚨 Attention UofM Global Undergraduate Students 🚨

Early registration for summer classes opens tomorrow, April 3, for students pursuing their University of Memphis bachelor’s degree online!

Have questions about your next steps or need help choosing courses?

Connect with your academic advisor or Global student advocate today. We’re here to support your success every step of the way!

🌆 Ever wonder how a city really runs?

The Urban Fellows Program with the City of Memphis gives students and recent graduates hands-on experience in local government.

Fellows will intern with the City of Memphis government on projects that match their interests, gaining real-world experience within their community.

💻 Upcoming Info sessions (Microsoft Teams):
• Feb 12, 11:00 a.m.
• Feb 19, 1:00 p.m.

The summer internship begins June 1.

University of Memphis students can learn more and register for an upcoming info session through the link below!

https://memphistn.gov/urban-fellows/