Tag: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

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Magic Mushrooms Move (Closer) to the Mainstream

Photo by Adrian Infernus on Unsplash

Attitudes are changing on psychedelics. 

For proof, consider Tuesday’s meeting of the Memphis Rotary Club. Dozens of coat-and-tie Rotarians lunched at The Bluff on Highland Row to hear about how magic mushrooms and MDMA {“molly”) might shape mental health therapies in the future. 

There was no bait-and-switch, either. The presentation was plainly titled “Psychedelics: Focus on Psilocybin and MDMA.” But the speaker wasn’t some dreamy hacky-sacker. It was Dr. Ronald L. Cowan, Harrison Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). 

Cowan’s approach to the material was certainly clinical. He didn’t open his presentation with a trippy joke. Instead, he explained differences in psychedelics — such as LSD and peyote — by their chemical compositions, where they are found, and how they work in the brain. 

“Psychedelics have been used by humans for thousands of years,” Cowan told the group. “So, there’s nothing new here, for sure, except that we’re now directly targeting them in our treatment.”  

Cowan said there was good news. Mushrooms, for example, work “pretty well” in the treatment of depression. Anti-depressives can take six to eight weeks to become effective, he said. Even then, they work for about half of the patients who get them. 

Studies of mushrooms in treatment found they showed an effect in a few days, or up to a week or two. The treatment uses one or two doses of psilocybin with psychological support therapy. Also, ”the depression resolves in about two-thirds of patients after treatment,” Cowan said. “It seems like [psilocybin treatment is] much more effective overall.” 

But Cowan couched his response by noting that long-term data is only now coming out. Also, depression and other mental health issues “are extremely complicated,” and that every patient (and person) is different and may respond to treatments differently.    

Should psilocybin and other psychedelics like MDMA become more commonplace in medicine, Cowan does not expect patients to be able to pick them up at the drug store and take them home. He expects the drugs will be administered in a clinical setting, where patients will be guided and monitored for several hours.

The Rotary Club members asked Cowan for details on how the psilocybin therapy worked, and if any data existed on its use in treating Alzheimers, Parkinsons, autism, and more. It is likely these attitudes of acceptance of such treatments — not just in Memphis — would have been much different a decade ago. 

In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave psilocybin a rare “breakthrough” distinction so its effects could be accurately studied. The agency gave another “breakthrough” distinction to another magic mushroom trial the following year. 

This summer, the FDA issued its first set of formal guidelines for psilocybin treatment trials. The drug, it seems, has broken from the counterculture underground to mainstream science and, maybe one day, to your doctor’s office. 

Some cities have begun unlocking mushrooms from the underground. In 2019, Denver became the first U.S. city to decriminalize mushrooms for recreational use. The California cities of Oakland and Santa Cruz quickly followed, as did several other cities. So far, Oregon and Colorado are the only two states that have legalized recreational mushrooms.     

Can you legally trip on mushrooms in Memphis? No. Lawmakers in Nashville won’t even budge on cannabis. But can you kind of legally trip on mushrooms in Memphis? Kind of, yes. 

Google around for “mushroom gummies” and you’ll find a host of legal products that can ship to your door. It’s likely that these have hit your local head shop or vape shop, too. Mad Hatter’s Tea & Gifts in Bartlett advertised some on Instagram back in March with 500 mg per gummy. 

Credit: Mad Hatter’s Tea & Gifts

None of these, however, contain psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms. But there are psychedelics in those legal products, just from a different, legal mushroom — Amanita muscaria.

These look like the stereotypical magic mushroom with a thin stem, and a bright red cap with little white dots. And they’re only illegal in Louisiana. According to that Instagram post from Mad Hatter’s, these mushrooms can be potent. 

”The story behind Santa Claus and flying reindeers come from a small village that would use Amanita mushrooms for the New Year,” the post reads. “They would see Santa Claus flying across the sky on reindeer.”

But do the legal mushrooms gummies work? Well, they probably won’t produce the same effects as psilocybin, nor should anyone expect them to cure depression. (Cowan said no one should buy and take psilocybin on their own for treatment, either. Instead, they should talk with their doctor.) 

But will those legal gummies get you high? We turned to the internet, where we found what we think is an honest review from VapingwithTwisted420. 

The YouTuber took five(!) gummies (about 3,000 milligrams) and chilled at home, playing video games. Head to the 7-minute mark of this video for his honest (and hilarious) review.

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CannaBeat: UTHSC Researchers Study Link Between Genetics and THC Effects

Principal investigators Dr. Bob Moore (left) and Dr. Megan Mulligan (right) have been awarded a $3.69 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for their study on identifying the genetic differences that influence responses to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Credit: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Cannabis hits everyone a little differently, doesn’t it? A shared bowl of the same bud can produce varying effects in those sitting on the same couch. Why?   

That (and a whole lot more) is exactly what researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) want to find out. Now armed with a $3.7 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, they’ll begin to unravel how genetic differences in animals change how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the major psychoactive component in cannabis — affects them differently. 

 The study, the first of its kind, is led by Bob Moore, PhD, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Megan Mulligan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics. Drs. Xusheng Wang, Byron Jones, and Rob Williams are assisting in the research. UTHSC provides facilities, resources, and administrative staff, and the school invested pilot-project funding.

The team wants the research to ultimately help those consuming cannabis. Do gene variants put some at risk for unwanted side effects? Can the research be used to create new cannabis-based therapies?

We caught up with Mulligan to help us better understand the project. — Toby Sells

Memphis Flyer: Can you briefly (and plainly) explain what this research project is about? 

Megan Mulligan: The goal of our research project is to identify gene variants that contribute to individual differences in the physiological response to high-dose THC. These gene variants could make individuals more or less sensitive to therapeutic or harmful effects of THC. 

To do the research, we will measure THC response in a genetically diverse population of rodents. In response to THC, both humans and rodents experience a drop in body temperature (hypothermia), reduced activity (hypolocomotion), and are less sensitive to pain or annoying stimuli (antinociception). 

Just like humans, some rodents in this population are more or less sensitive to THC. For example, some rodents may show only a slight reduction in activity when given THC, while others might not move at all. 

We can score the response of each individual in the genetic population and then identify which regions of the genome contain genetic changes that are shared by individuals with similar responses to THC. This will be the first study to identify gene variants that cause differences in response to THC. This type of study has not been done before in humans or rodents.

How did you get the idea to do this project?

Changes in regulatory policy and public attitudes towards cannabis have resulted in increased cannabis use. Recreational use is now legal in 23 states. 

At the same time the levels of THC in cannabis and derived products have tripled. On average, 3 percent in dried cannabis in the 1980s [is] up to 15 percent today and even up to 30 percent for some strains. Extracts and edibles can contain as much as 50 percent and up to 90 percent THC.

We have a very poor understanding of how individual genetic variation impacts health benefits of THC or the risk of adverse health consequences following use of high-potency products that contain large amounts of THC. 

This project was inspired by the urgent need to better understand the range of individual variation in THC response and to identify gene variants and biological signaling pathways that mediate differential sensitivity to THC.

What do you hope to find out?

Although some of the targets of THC in the body are known, we have yet to characterize all of the genes and signaling pathways impacted by THC. 

Moreover, cannabis-derived products like THC and the biological signaling pathways that respond to them are now being explored as therapeutics or therapeutic targets to treat neurodegenerative diseases, pain, metabolic disorders, drug dependence, and anxiety, to name just a few. 

At the same time, THC, especially in high doses, can have adverse health consequences. These include acute impairments in perception, memory, and motor skills, and cognitive impairments, psychosis, use disorders, withdrawal symptoms, and hyperemesis syndrome in some individuals following chronic use. 

The goal of our study is to identify the gene variants and biological signaling pathways that make individuals respond differently to THC. This information could then be used to identify individuals who might be at risk for side effects or negative health consequences of THC use or to identify signaling pathways that could be therapeutically targeted to treat pain or disease.

 How will the results change the cannabis industry, or products, or cannabis policy? What could change with your results?

Consumers need accurate information about the composition of products and potential health risks. Our study does not directly address these issues. 

It is our opinion that learning more about the targets of THC in the body and the contributions of genetic variation to THC response are part of a broader research effort to better inform the public about the risks of high-potency THC use and will ultimately contribute to changes in policy and the development of cannabis-derived therapeutic products.

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Nonconsensual Pelvic Exams “Unethical,” “Unacceptable” Says UTHSC OBGYN Chair

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

While nonconsensual pelvic exams are legal in Tennessee, the practice is banned at the state’s largest medical school, the Memphis-based University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). 

Under normal conditions, these are called pelvic exams. In them, doctors, nurses, or medical students examine a woman’s vulva and internal reproductive organs like the vagina, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The exams are considered routine parts of wellness checks and Planned Parenthood suggests them for those turning 21. 

However, done under anesthesia and without permission, the exams have been labeled nonconsensual pelvic exams. The use of such exams has been normal and widespread for decades. However, more and more states have outlawed the practice with legislation. Also, more schools and professional medical groups have instituted policies and guidelines against them. 

UTHSC officials enacted a policy last year that says the ”attending [physicians] will ensure that adequate consent is obtained for an exam under anesthesia. Such procedures include examination of the external genitalia, vaginal speculum exam, internal vaginal exam, and rectal exam.”

COM128 Consent for Exams Under Anesthesia – COM Medical Education

Dr. John Schorge is the chairman of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) at UTHSC. He arrived at the university after its policy against the exams was passed. But he said such policies banning nonconsensual exams have become “fairly universal.” 

“The bottom line is that performing pelvic exams on women under anesthesia without their knowledge or approval is unethical and unacceptable.”

Dr. John Schorge

“The bottom line is that performing pelvic exams on women under anesthesia without their knowledge or approval is unethical and unacceptable,” Schorge said. 

This has been acknowledged, he said, with guidelines and policies from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Those say pelvic exams should only be performed on a patient under anesthesia if they have given explicit consent, is related to the planned procedure, done by a student recognized by the patient as part of their care team, and supervised by a teacher. 

Schorge said patients are “rarely” opposed to such exams but “there is a spectrum as you can imagine.” Patients will occasionally say they don’t want students involved in their treatment at all, he said, “and we respect that, just like we do in the office.” 

Pelvic exams are necessary and integral to plan treatments, Schorge said. As an example, he said hysterectomies can be done numerous ways and pelvic exams are the best way to choose one.  

State Law Versus Guidelines

Before 2019, only six states banned the exams, according to data from the Epstein Health Law and Policy Program at the University of Illinois. After 2019, 16 more states banned the practice. In 2021, bills to outlaw the exams were before legislators in four states, according to the latest data. 

 Schorge said he favors professional guidelines to state laws. 

“We — in the OBGYN arena at least — have national guidelines for a reason,” Schorge said. “The reason is that we would like to have a certain consistency, versus a state law that’s kind of draconian in my opinion. We’re indebted to our national organization for guidance on topics like this and it’s pretty clear.” 

Florida’s law against nonconsensual pelvic exams took effect in July 2020. The law was originally written to only include exams in certain training environments, according to ACOG. But it was later expanded to mandate consent for the exams in all settings and by all health care practitioners. For this, ACOG opposed the legislation, called it “intrusion,” and vowed to fight it.  

”All too often, legislators single out women’s health for regulations and mandates,” ACOG CEO Dr. Maureen G. Phipps said at the time. “This is not only another specific example but could set a dangerous a precedent for further efforts to single out women’s health, particularly their sexual health.”

No such legislation is now before the Tennessee General Assembly. 

At UTHSC, Schorge said doctors and students follow the national guidelines. He said he’s never heard of “someone intentionally violating” the policy. If they do, consequences could come after a thorough investigation and then the staff would “address it accordingly.”

As for education, Schorge said the policy does not make it harder to train students. After a patient has given informed consent, the instructor talks the student through the exam out loud for the benefit of other students in the room, who might not be involved in the procedure but will still get something out of it. 

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Controversial Medical Exams Allowed Under State Law

(Credit: JAFAR AHMED on Unsplash)

In Tennessee, medical professionals and medical students can —without any kind of permission — stick their fingers and instruments inside a woman’s vagina and rectum while she is under anesthesia. 

Under normal conditions, these are called pelvic exams. In them, doctors, nurses, or medical students examine a woman’s vulva and internal reproductive organs like the vagina, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The exams are considered routine parts of wellness checks and Planned Parenthood suggests them for those turning 21. 

However, done under anesthesia and without permission, the exams have been labeled nonconsensual pelvic exams. The use of such exams has been normal and widespread for decades. However, critics of them say they strip “the rights of patients to decide who touches their bodies” and are more for the benefit of medical students than of the unconscious patient. 

In recent years, medical students have begun to publicly decry the practice, saying they’ve done it shamefully and only at the behest of their instructors. A June study published in the Journal of Surgical Education found that of 305 medical students surveyed, 67 percent said they “never or rarely witnessed an explicit explanation that a medical student may perform a pelvic [examination under anesthesia – EUA].”

”…students wanted to uphold patient autonomy but felt they did not have the personal autonomy to object to performing pelvic EUAs that they believed were unconsented,” reads an abstract from the paper. “They faced significant emotional distress when consent processes were at odds with their personal ethos and professional ethical norms. Students favored more standardized and explicit patient consent processes for educational pelvic EUAs.” 

Now, an increasing chorus of states are passing legislation against nonconsensual pelvic exams. As of May, 28 states — including Tennessee — still allow it by law. 

Before 2019, only six states banned the exams, according to data from the Epstein Health Law and Policy Program at the University of Illinois. After 2019, 16 more states banned the practice. In 2021, bills to outlaw the exams were before legislators in four states. 

Epstein Health Law and Policy Program

“Yet, the practice persists because the controversy it periodically sparks dies out eventually,” reads a statement from the Epstein policy website. “And, like clockwork, attending physicians and medical educators resume teaching their trainees through the bodies of unconscious/anesthetized patients. This, in turn, strips the rights of patients to decide who touches their bodies.” 

This, in turn, strips the rights of patients to decide who touches their bodies.

Epstein Health Law and Policy Program

A search of the Tennessee General Assembly bill archive shows no piece of legislation ever introduced here to ban such exams. 

 Memphis-based University of Tennessee Health Science Center is not waiting for state lawmakers to act on the matter. In March, the school’s College of Medicine enacted a new policy that says “the listed attending [physician] will ensure that adequate consent is obtained for an exam under anesthesia.” Further, students in an operating room can decline to do such an examination “without repercussion, if consent is not documented or is unclear.”

“Learners in the operating room should only perform an exam under anesthesia for teaching purposes when it is explicitly consented to, related to the planned procedure, performed by a learner who is recognized by the patient as part of their care team, and done under direct supervision by the educator,” reads the policy. 

COM128-Consent-for-Exams-Under-Anesthesia-COM-Medical-Education-1240_1Download

This new policy was created after an opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2011 that said pelvic examinations “on an anesthetized woman that offer her no personal benefit and are performed solely for teaching purposes should be performed only with her specific informed consent obtained before her surgery.”

A 2019 statement from the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics concurred saying the exams should only be done when it is “explicitly consented to, related to the planned procedure, performed by a student who is recognized by the patient as a part of their care team and done under direct supervision by the educator.”

A 2021 post on the Tennessee subreddit urged action on the matter from a user called u/sandoreucalyptus who called it “an urgent and common problem.”

Under current [Tennessee] laws, someone can visit the doctor for an unrelated medical procedure and receive an invasive rectal or pelvic exam without consent.

Reddit user u/sandoreucalyptus

“[Tennessee] state laws allow healthcare providers and medical students to perform intrusive pelvic or rectal exams on unconscious patients, which violates all established medical ethics guidelines and can be considered assault,” the user said. “Under current [Tennessee] laws, someone can visit the doctor for an unrelated medical procedure and receive an invasive rectal or pelvic exam without consent.” 

TN law allows for non-consensual rectal/pelvic exams while unconscious from Tennessee
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University of Tennessee Health Science Center Reaccredited

(Credit: University of Tennessee Health Science Center)

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) accreditation has been reaffirmed, without any adverse findings or recommendations, by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The reaffirmed accreditation is set to last until the next full reaccreditation in 10 years.

SACSCOC, the accrediting body for universities and colleges in the Southern United States, evaluates institutions for compliance on more than 100 quality standards, including academic programs, student success, financial resources, physical facilities, faculty accomplishments, student support services, policy and procedures, and more. UTHSC was found in compliance with all standards with no areas needing additional monitoring.

“This accreditation is a comprehensive look at the institution and how it operates,” said Allen Dupont, Ph.D., director of Institutional Effectiveness for UTHSC and the SACSCOC accreditation liaison for the university.

“It was a team effort,” he continued. The university began the process of compiling documentation for the process in 2018. Because of the still-ongoing Covid pandemic, the process was virtual and was delayed by a year. “Our compliance certification was over 300 pages and our supporting documentation ran over 1,500 pages,” Dupont said. “Everyone helped out with the writing of the compliance documentation.”

“The accreditation process was led by AFSA [the Office of Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs], notably Drs. Lori Gonzalez, MaryAnn Clark, Allen Dupont, and Charles Snyder,” said Cynthia Russell, Ph.D., RN, vice chancellor of academic, faculty, and student affairs at UTHSC. 

“A sincere thank you to our faculty, staff, and students for their work that ultimately led to this outstanding achievement,” Russell said. 

Though accreditation is voluntary, federal student financial aid funds are tied to an institution’s accreditation status, as are individual college accreditations. UTHSC has been accredited by SACSCOC since 1972.

“The fact that we were reaffirmed with no further monitoring or action required shows that the entire campus is in compliance,” Dupont said. “It really is a reflection of the entire university and the leadership.”

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UTHSC Sued in First Amendment Case on “Sexual” Social Posts

CREDIT: Kimberly Diei UTHSC Student Courtesy of FIRE

Kimberly Diei UTHSC Student Courtesy of FIRE

A University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) pharmacy student sued the university in federal court this week, alleging it violated her First Amendment rights for “crude” and “sexual” social media posts. 

Kimberly Diei filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the school Wednesday with help from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). The move came after the student was reprimanded by the school for some of her social posts, including comments on a trending discussion on Twitter about the song “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.

In September 2019, a month after enrolling at UTHSC, the school received an anonymous complaint about Diei’s Instagram and Twitter accounts — and that she was now under investigation for that content, according to FIRE.

Diei went before the college’s Professional Conduct Committee (PCC). Although her accounts are operated under an alias, the committee said that she violated university policies because her posts were “crude” and “sexual.” The Professional Conduct Committee never told Diei exactly which school policies she violated nor which posts were in question, according to FIRE.

Kimberly Diei UTHSC Student Courtesy of FIRE

“It’s just a matter of time before they come back for another investigation into my expression on social media,” said Diei, who is seeking her doctorate in pharmacy with an emphasis on nuclear pharmacy. 

Diei is backed by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).  Diei’s suit argues that colleges cannot arbitrarily police a student’s personal expression outside of school and by doing so, violates her First Amendment rights.

“UT spied on my social media activity — activity that has no bearing on my success as a pharmacist or my education. I can be a successful and professional pharmacist as well as a strong woman that embraces her sexuality. The two are not mutually exclusive,” says Diei. 

Diei was required to write a letter reflecting on her behavior. She agreed, although she had reservations about the policy violating her First Amendment rights.

“It’s so important to me to just have my voice, because people that look like me are often told ‘be quiet, stay in the back,’ and that just does not suit my personality,” Diei said. “I’m not asking for approval. I’m asking for respect.”

August 2020, less than a year later, the committee investigated Diei again. They presented screenshots from her social media accounts. In one tweet, Diei contributed to a trending discussion on Twitter about the song “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, suggesting lyrics for a possible remix. In another, Diei referenced a popular Beyoncé song.

“The First Amendment protects the right of students to suggest lyrics for a Cardi B remix on Twitter and Instagram. Period,” said FIRE attorney Greg H. Greubel. “Kim is an authentic and successful woman, and FIRE believes that it is important to show the public that students like Kim are capable of being successful professionals while also being free to personally express themselves on social media. Kim is standing up for every American who hopes to have a personal life in addition to their professional life.”

A UTHSC official said Friday the school does not comment on pending litigation.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Trial to Launch in Memphis

CREDIT: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Facebook

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Facebook

A Memphis vaccine trial will enlist 500 for a possible COVID-19 drug.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will offer a testing site here for the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson’s Phase 3 clinical research study. 

St. Jude and UTHSC are recruiting adults aged 18 and older, who are in stable health, and have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. Specifically, they are looking for volunteers who are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19, such as:

• People with underlying medical conditions

• People with greater chances of exposure at their job

• People who live or work in elder-care facilities

• People over age 65

• People who work in jails or prisons

• People from racial and ethnic groups that have been impacted in greater numbers by the COVID-19 pandemic, including people who are African American/Black, Latinx, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native.

The trial here is part of larger trial that will test 60,000 people. The trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of a single dose of Janssen’s experimental drug. Some in the trial will receive the drug. Some will receive a placebo, a liquid with no active ingredients.

During the study, participants will be asked about their medical history and for blood, saliva, and nasal swab samples for testing, including for COVID-19. At the study site, participants will get one injection in the arm, unless otherwise indicated. After the vaccine, volunteers will track how they feel, and study staff will do occasional checkups.

Participants will not be exposed to COVID-19 as part of the study. If participants do test positive for the virus, they will be tested and staff members will monitor them daily.

For more information on the vaccine trial here visit visit www.preventcovidmemphis.org or email covidvaccinestudy@stjude.org.

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Lyft COVID-19 Guidelines Developed In Memphis

CREDIT: Lyft

Lyft

Next time you hop in a Lyft, you can know it was (hopefully) cleaned with methods developed in Memphis.

The rideshare company worked with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and P&G Professional to develop a clean ride guide. The recommended vehicle cleaning process was developed specifically for rideshare vehicles.

The guide was developed to protect drivers and passengers from the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. The measures are recommended to be used while wearing a face mask and riding with the windows down.

Lyft

The guidelines recommend using only cleaning products on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s List N.

The guidelines advise drivers to disinfect seat belts, door handles, knobs, and seat backs in the rider’s area. Also, they should clean the steering wheel, gear shift, rearview mirror, seatbelt, and door handle in the driver’s area, according to the guidelines.

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UTHSC Website Has Current Coronavirus Information

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) today launched a website to provide the public with information and resources about Coronavirus.

The site, uthsc.edu/coronavirus, is designed to be a one-stop resource for the public that includes the best available information about Coronavirus, as well as frequently asked questions and links to global, national, and local organizations monitoring the virus.

There is also an interactive option that allows the public to ask the experts at UTHSC questions about the virus and receive answers. Visitors to the site will find links to information from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Shelby County Health Department.

A press conference was held Wednesday at UTHSC to offer the public information about preparations underway locally for any possible spread of the Coronavirus and to discuss UTHSC’s role in research to discover more about the virus. Information from that press conference is here.

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U of M President Says School Will Pay $15 Per Hour in Two Years

A week after the most recent conversation about living wages at the University of Memphis heated up, U of M president David Rudd sent a letter to faculty saying that his commitment to providing all employees with a living wage “remains firm.”

Last week Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris vetoed a Shelby County Commission decision to allocate $1 million for the U of M’s Michael Rose Natatorium because of the school’s failure to pay living wages to some employees.

Harris said then that he won’t support the funding until the university presents a plan to pay livable wages to all employees.

Rudd said that the mayor’s proposal raised “serious ethical concerns” and that the university will forgo the county’s funding offer for the project. Rudd also said last week that the university is in the process of implementing a plan to raise hourly wages to $15 an hour over the next two years.

“We have a definitive plan,” Rudd said. “We’ll be at $15/hour in two years. And in a sustainable manner.”

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In a Monday letter to the university’s faculty and staff, Rudd said over the past four years the university has implemented three “historic increases in our minimum wage from $9.20 to $10.10, $10.60 two years ago, and $11.11 this fiscal year.”

A living wage extends beyond hourly pay and also should account for employee benefits packages, Rudd said. When the new minimum wage of $11.11 goes into place this year, Rudd said, with benefits factored in, wages equal about $16.80 an hour.

University of Memphis President David M. Rudd

The university’s approach to increasing minimum wage is “thoughtful and methodical,” Rudd wrote, touting some of the school’s financial accomplishments, such as implementing four consecutive years of pay increases and keeping tuition the lowest of the state’s public institutions over the past five years.

“Over the past few years, I have repeatedly expressed my support for a living wage,” Rudd wrote. “We’re the only public university in the state with three significant increases in our hourly wage over the past four years. As I’ve also said before, we’re committed to doing it because it’s the right thing.”

Rudd said he believes the university will be able to pay a livable wage to all employees in two years, but in a “manner that is financially responsible and sustainable.”

He did not mention the amount of the proposed livable wage.

“We’ve made significant progress the past two years and I believe we can achieve our goal in two years,” Rudd said. “I will not, however, sacrifice financial discipline and the success of our university for political expediency.”

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What are other universities here paying?

As of July 1st, the lowest-paid employees at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will earn $15 an hour, according to the university. This is the highest in the area. 

Southwest Tennessee Community College established a living wage plan in 2017 and raised every employee’s pay to at least $10.76 an hour. Since then, the minimum wage has increased to $12.24 an hour. The college said 31 employees currently earn this amount.

Christian Brothers University officials did not disclose its minimum hourly wage, but said the university is committed to a “just and living wage for employees” and that income equality is one of university president John Shannon’s top priorities during his first 100 days in his new role as president.


At Rhodes College, the minimum hourly wage is $12 an hour, but president of the college, Marjorie Hass, said last week in a letter to faculty and staff that the college is in the second year of a multi-year plan to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour.