University of Memphis College of Education

Great news for TigerLIFE 🐅

The University of Memphis Institute on Disability has received a $124,394 Tennessee Believes grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to support TigerLIFE and expand opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The continued funding will support workforce readiness, independent living, student engagement and the development of additional workforce credentials for TigerLIFE students.

Through TigerLIFE, students build confidence, career readiness, community connections and the skills needed to pursue greater independence and meaningful employment.

We’re proud to see this continued investment in TigerLIFE and the students it serves.

Read more: https://www.memphis.edu/education/news/2026/umid.tnbelievesgrant.26.php

From Miss America titleholders to Dancing with the Stars winners (well, local Dancing with the Stars winners), College of Education alumni know how to shine on stage and serve their communities.

Congratulations to COE alumnus Dr. Eric Bailey, who recently won the 2026 YMCA of Memphis & the Mid South Dancing with the Stars competition alongside Courtney Carter.

The annual event supports the YMCA's work with children and families across the Mid South, helping provide safe spaces, swim safety programs and opportunities for youth to learn, grow and thrive.

This also continues a fun COE connection. Fellow College of Education alumnus Dr. Mario Brown was among last year's winners, making it back to back victories for COE alumni.

We're proud to celebrate our alumni making an impact in the Memphis community, on and off the dance floor.

Congratulations to Dr. Amanda Rockinson on the release of Navigating the Doctoral Journey: A Handbook of Strategies for Success, Second Edition.

Co-edited by Rockinson, Jill Alexa Perry and Lucinda Spaulding, the book brings together the expertise of scholars from across the field to support doctoral students as they navigate their academic journeys.

The publication reflects Dr. Rockinson’s continued contributions to doctoral education and student success.

Hear Dr. Rockinson discuss the book: https://youtu.be/U4uvRMwsot0?is=BdC3AdOyxh9Hcnz-

Learn more about the book:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/navigating-the-doctoral-journey-9781538197523/

Please join us in welcoming Maurice Gray to the University of Memphis College of Education as our new Coordinator of Student Recruitment.

In this role, Maurice will help connect prospective students with opportunities across the College of Education and support recruitment efforts throughout Memphis, the Mid-South and beyond.

We're excited to have Maurice on our team and look forward to the impact he will make as we continue preparing the next generation of educators, counselors, researchers and leaders.

Welcome to the College of Education, Maurice!

Instructional Design and Technology is helping shape the future of artificial intelligence at the University of Memphis.

The University's newly approved Applied Artificial Intelligence concentration includes an Instructional Design and Technology pathway, allowing students to combine AI skills with learning design, training and workforce development.

Learn more about the new concentration: https://www.memphis.edu/polytechnic/news/uofm_approved_for_ai_concentration.php

The University of Memphis College of Education congratulates Alia Dalton as she begins doctoral studies in Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Memphis and a graduate assistantship with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

This summer, Alia will join the St. Jude STEMM Education and Outreach team, where she will help design and develop engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences for K-16 learners.

"Instructional design and learning are like a domino effect," Dalton said. "How content is created, developed and delivered impacts learners, and learners take that knowledge with them, and the domino effect continues."

Dalton said she was drawn to the University of Memphis IDT doctoral program because of its supportive faculty, alignment with her research interests, emphasis on emerging technologies and the University's strengths as an R1 research institution.

Her journey highlights the growing impact of instructional design professionals in healthcare, research and educational innovation.

Learn more about the University of Memphis Instructional Design and Technology program: https://www.memphis.edu/icl/idt/

We are proud to see University of Memphis College of Education alumni making a difference in schools and communities across Tennessee.
Educational leaders like Ted Horrell demonstrate the impact that dedicated educators can have on students, families and entire communities. Their success reflects the mission of the College of Education to prepare leaders who serve, inspire and create meaningful change.

Read more about Ted's work and leadership:
https://dailymemphian.com/subscriber/section/suburbslakeland/article/63637/ted-horrell-lakeland-superintendent-evaluation

‘I think he does a wonderful job’: Lakeland superintendent earns top marks in evaluation On Monday, the head of Lakeland School System was praised by board members for leading the push to grow the district into a complete K-12 system.

IDT Career Spotlight: Dana Marie Blakey

The University of Memphis College of Education is proud to recognize Dana Marie Blakey, a student in the Instructional Design and Technology program and Project Manager for the Digital Learning Team at the Tennessee Department of Education.

In her role, Dana designs and manages digital learning experiences that support educators and staff across Tennessee while helping improve how people interact with systems, content and technology.

Expected to graduate in December 2026, Dana's success demonstrates the diverse opportunities available in the field of instructional design and technology.

Learn more about the Instructional Design and Technology program: https://www.memphis.edu/icl/idt/

The University of Memphis College of Education recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jiangsu Normal University in China, creating new opportunities for collaborative research and academic exchange.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing education through research, faculty collaboration and global engagement.

Learn more about the partnership and what it means for the future of both institutions:
https://www.memphis.edu/education/news/2026/jiangsu.normal.university.php

The University of Memphis Institute on Disability and TigerLIFE were honored today during a Carnival Memphis celebration recognizing the 2026 Children’s Charity Initiative beneficiary organizations.

This year, Carnival Memphis raised $700,000 in support of participating charities across the Mid-South, including TigerLIFE.

We are thankful for the continued partnership and support that help provide opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across our community.

Read more about the partnership: https://www.memphis.edu/education/news/2025/umid.carnivalmemphis.php