Celebrate with Rhodes as we reflect on the defining moments of our history and embark on a bright future that continues to inspire students, transform lives, graduate trailblazers, and advance our national and international stature.
Ways to Celebrate with Us
Rhodes encourages alumni to share their favorite memories of the college. These stories and photos will be gathered and shared with the greater community on our website. You can also explore a timeline of Rhodes College's history and its transformation since its founding in 1848.
President Jennifer Collins will be inaugurated as the 21st president of Rhodes in a ceremony at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, October 21, in the Bryan Campus Life Center. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed.
During the month of November, we will celebrate the history of Rhodes by inviting you to engage with courses being presented through the Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning. Attendees will be asked to register in advance due to limited space.
As we mark this significant milestone and inaugurate our 21st president, we hope you will mark your calendar to attend as many events as possible. We invite you to check back regularly for updated information.
Visionary Leaders
On the Move
Proud Traditions
Academic Excellence
After Graduation
Memphis is Home
Famous Firsts
Over the course of the semester, we'll be celebrating Rhodes' 175th Anniversary with a series of Famous Firsts recounting important milestones for the college over the years. We invite you to check back each month to learn more about the historic figures, major events, and long-held traditions of the college.


The 175th Anniversary Celebration Committee
Anne Beard – Chief of Staff, Co-Chair
Tim Huebner – Irma O. Sternberg Professor of History, Co-Chair
April Allen – Academic Affairs Coordinator
Carole Blankenship – Professor of Music; Chair, Department of Music
Linda Bonnin – VP for Marketing and Communications
Kerri Campbell – Director of Community Relations
Jim Duncan – Director of Athletics
Steve Haynes – Professor of Religious Studies
Tait Keller – Associate Professor of History and Chair of the Department of History
Claire Kiernan ’24 – President, Rhodes Student Government
Charles McKinney – Neville Frierson Bryan Chair of Africana Studies and Associate Professor of History
Nikki Moore – Senior Director of College Events and Leadership Projects
Tracy Patterson – Senior Director of Alumni Relations
Bill Short – Associate Director of Library Services
Anne Strickland – Director of Student Involvement
Sandi George Tracy – Director of Career Services