The Fogelman College of Business and Economics
BUILDING MODERNIZATION PROJECT
The Fogelman College of Business and Economics
For decades the Fogelman College of Business and Economics (FCBE) has been a leader in workforce development for Tennessee and the Mid-South. Our 30,000+ alumni, faculty and staff have made amazing contributions to our business communities and academic fields of study. And the state of Tennessee is really on the move. The growing population, expanding business environment and an increased need for modern workforce development are driving enhanced demand for career-ready graduates across high-wage, high-demand sectors. The Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis is uniquely positioned to help meet this demand, but its efforts are significantly hindered by the physical and functional limitations of its current facilities. These constraints directly impact FCBE’s ability to grow enrollment, enhance student engagement, recruit and compete for top talent and meet regional workforce needs.
It is time for a change.
We are extremely excited to announce the plans for the new Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex. This project aims to transform the existing business buildings located on the corner of Central Avenue and Patterson Street into a state-of-the-art learning center. In additional to the complete renovation of our current facilities, a brand-new building will be added to conjoin the renovated existing spaces.
The total investment needed for the new Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex is $90M. The State of Tennessee has allocated $25M towards the $30M renovation.
We aspire to raise the additional $60M for the new additional through a combination of donor and state funding. Please consider helping us on this transformational journey. We are in this together.
A New Building is a Necessity
The Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex will feature 32 new or redesigned classrooms varying in formats including tiered-case rooms, immersive-EASL rooms, flat-flex flipped rooms and innovation labs. These diversified classroom layouts and research labs will allow for improved modern pedagogies – much more than what is currently possible in the present learning spaces.
The new business complex will also house a large, airy, naturally lit student commons area where people from all over campus can come to meet, discuss, study and learn in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Additional features of the Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex will include an international café, an event space, applied research centers and trading labs.
Gift Opportunities
More gift opportunities are available.
Please reach out to Laura Sparks for more information!
Impact and Vision
The new Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex will be a state-of-the-art, technology-driven hub designed to foster innovation, develop skilled professionals and cultivate the next generation of business leaders.
While there are numerous positive implications, these improved spaces will allow us to compete more aptly with the country's most elite business schools.
79K SF
New Construction
Continuously-utilized &
student-centered
32 new or re-designed
instructional spaces:
tiered case rooms, immersive
easel rooms, flat-flex flipped
rooms and an innovation lab
126K SF
Renovated Space
Enhances college’s identity & prominence nationally
25 innovative,
tech-enhanced collaboration
& team spaces for students,
plus additional faculty
and staff offices
$90M
Total Cost
Timeless & functional,
prepares college for growth
Student commons,
international café, event/training
theatre, applied research and
training centers
New Building Plans
While our two existing buildings are being completely redesigned, we are also excited to share that we are adding a third building which will serve as a connector of the previously disjointed facilities. This new addition promotes collaboration and visibility between students and faculty. This building will offer a large, airy commons area which will promote connectivity among all its users.
Features
Some of the new improvements will include:
- Case Study Classrooms
- Flat Flex Classrooms
- EASL Classrooms
- Event + Training Theater
- International Food Cafe + Coffee Bar
- Student Team Rooms + Individual Study-Pods
- Outdoor Terrace
- Large Living Room + Common Area
- Grand Staircase
Exterior Improvements
The new exterior of the Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex will showcase impressive curb appeal on the highly-populated corner of Central Avenue and Patterson Street. The design will be reflective of the modern and new-age activity going on inside. Not only will its sleek modern design catch the eye, but the number of windows will provide an immense amount of natural light within.
Features
Some of the new improvements will include:
- Renovated Courtyard
- Grand Entrances (North + East)
- New Building Signage
- State-of-the-art Glass Windows
- Improved Building Security
Existing Building(s) Renovations
The interior of our current buildings will follow a student-centric flow. The new and varied classroom formats, cutting-edge technology labs, innovation centers and large performance spaces/lecture halls are all being designed to ensure the best possible learning experience.
Features
Some of the new improvements will include:
- Tech + Innovation Labs
- Center(s) Suites
- Dean's + Administration Suites
- Large Lecture Halls
- Faculty Offices
- Departmental Lobbies + Collaboration Zones
- Executive Conference Rooms
- Improved Analytics Labs
Student Stories
Kathryn Todd
BBA, Management & Psychology ‘24
The Fogelman College a space dedicated to fostering innovation, research, leadership, professional development and overall life-long learning. I cannot wait for the building itself to match the energy and excitement of what is going on within its walls.
Isaiah Capps
BBA, Marketing Management ‘24
I am proud to be a Fogelman Business Tiger! The promise of a new business complex is strongly influencing my decision to continue my academic journey by returning to earn my graduate degree. I want the opportunity to experience the cutting-edge amenities, modern designs and comfortable atmosphere of the new building first-hand.
Insiya Khan
BBA, Management Information Systems ‘24
I was thrilled when I heard about the prospect for a new building. As an international student, the connections I have made with my teachers and classmates is paramount. I am looking forward to having a comfortable and fully equipped place to study, gather and relax. I can confidently say that the new building will be a future home for other students like me.
Carley Brown
MBA ‘25 & BBA, Marketing ‘23
I am a lifelong Tiger. I earned by bachelor’s degree from the Fogelman College, and I am currently pursuing my master’s. While I have loved my time at FCBE, I sincerely wish that I could enjoyed the amenities of the new building. This new space will be a game changer for future generations.
Faculty & Staff Testimonials
Dr. Yafang Li
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Management Information Systems
Teaching in the new innovative and modern learning spaces will really allow me to connect with my students. I truly believe that the updated flat flex classroom layout will be vital for our student learning experience.
Laura Sparks
Director of Development
Truthfully, our buildings are showing the effects of their age and heavy usage. The building modernization plan is not a simple band-aid fix, but rather a complete overhaul to existing space and construction for a new third building. These upgrades will absolutely move our college into the future becoming the state-of-the-art building on campus.
Dr. Marja Martin-Carruth
Assistant Dean, Student Success
Director, Center for Professional Career Development (CPCD)
This new building is exactly what we need to be competitive with other institutions. Your generosity is helping us build the next generation of business leaders. I genuinely cannot wait to walk into work and just say “wow.”
Dr. Robert Garrett
Dean
Our Building Modernization project puts our college on the forefront of business education. Not only is this advancement pivotal in helping us become one of the most sought-after and highly renowned business colleges in the country, but it is critical for advancing the city of Memphis.
Endorsement
Dr. Bill Hardgrave | President, University of Memphis
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Business Building Modernization Project!
The new Avron and Robert Fogelman Business Complex will allow us to improve our pedagogies and provide access to modern research facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Ultimately, it will help us to better prepare our students to meet the ever-evolving needs of the business industry. With your help, we will attract the best and brightest students, faculty and staff and create an environment for collaborative learning and world-class research.
The monumental effort of rebuilding will drive Fogelman to become a top-tier destination for faculty, students and local and national business partners. As the college continues to expand, so does the economy of Memphis and our region.
We hope you will help us in the effort to provide the tools necessary to make our school one of the most sought-after and highly renowned business colleges in the country.
We are deeply grateful for your time, interest and support. Thank you for your investment in our future.
Contact Information
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