To: The University of Memphis Board of Trustees

From: The Shelby County Board of Commissioners Black Caucus and the Memphis Branch of the NAACP

November 9, 2021

Dear Trustees:

We write this note upon notice of the selection of Dr. Bill Hardgrave as the next president of the University of
Memphis. We, like many, are excited for the opportunities this selection can hold, including the university
achieving the R1 research tier. While we are glad that the research status of the university has been prioritized, as
it will have significant benefits for the broader community if achieved, we are woefully disappointed in the lack of
racial diversity represented among the finalists. It has been stated in the press that Dr. Hardgrave committed to
working with the community and to prioritizing diversity initiatives. To ensure those commitments are met, we ask
for more details be provided to the University of Memphis community as well as the public. Questions that we
would like to see answered include 1) What does this commitment look like for Dr. Hardgrave? 2) How will the
success of these commitments be measured in terms of impact? 3) What initiatives will Dr. Hardgrave undertake as
now president of a University that is over 40% Black? 4) What training or experiences will Dr. Hardgrave commit to
to broaden his awareness considering he is leaving an institution that is 3% Black? We wish there had been more
time for these questions to be answered prior to today’s vote. Nevertheless, we ask that the Board of Trustees and
Dr. Hardgrave commit to releasing answers to these questions within ten business days. We look forward to
continued partnership with the University of Memphis as an anchor of the broader Memphis community and hope
to see clearer examples of racial equity in the future.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Tami Sawyer, Chair, Shelby County Black Caucus, Shelby County Board of Commissioners
Commissioner Mickell Lowery, Vice Chair, Shelby County Black Caucus, Shelby County Board of Commissioners
Commissioner Van Turner, Chair Emeritus, Shelby County Board of Commissioners, President, Memphis Branch of
the NAACP
The Memphis Branch of the NAACP Executive Board and Membership