The University of Memphis received a donation from the William B. “Billy” Dunavant, Jr. Foundation that has made the internship possible for students from all majors.

The newly endowed scholarship fund will provide financial assistance to military-connected students or those whose parents do not have bachelor degrees, providing increased accessibility to a university education.

Beginning on January 1, 2026, the university officially launched its new College of Nursing, elevating its longstanding and successful nursing program to its own College of Nursing.

The college’s Fast Track healthcare programs are designed to get individuals into healthcare positions amid the region’s critical shortages. Thanks to donor support, the college is offering more than $60,000 in scholarships for students to participate in Fast Track healthcare programs.

The Career Pathways program is an initiative of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority and Grand Rapids Chamber and will provide engagement opportunities for students and give them opportunities to interact and experience in-demand careers.

The scholarship will support students pursuing education and is funded by an initially anonymous $1 million gift from the Simpsons, whose identities were revealed posthumously.

The gift comes from the Bowen family and will rename the Polytechnic Institute’s School of Construction Management Technology to the Bowen School of Construction.

The endowed scholarship will support undergraduate students studying in the university’s College of Education and Health Sciences.

The partnership will strengthen career and education pathways for nursing students through a new Practical Nursing program.

The new student support fund will help students who are experiencing unexpected setbacks that may interrupt their education plans.