Group Rallies Support for University of Memphis
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In just four days, a group of volunteers organized and pulled off a major rally to show support for bringing the University of Memphis to the Hub City. On Monday, dozens of Jackson residents showed up at Conger Park to rally for Jackson’s future. “The campus would bring a lot of prospects to the citizens of west Tennessee that we do not currently possess,” said current University of Memphis Student, Tyson Saltwell. According to reports, Jackson is the only major city in the state that is not home to a public, four-year college. With a potential estimated $14 million in direct spending from Memphis students a year, some wonder, why not? “When you look at the economic impact of that spending you are talking about $28 million annually turning around in the community. That will create about 200 jobs in the community alone,” said Jenci Spradlin, one of the event organizers. City officials said bringing U of M to Jackson would also create more opportunities for graduating high school seniors. “There are a number of those students who are going to Memphis. Just think of the ramification, what it could be if those students stayed in Jackson to pursue their college careers,” said District 5 City Councilman-Elect Scott Conger. Many residents said they are ready for Lambuth’s Board of Trustees to sign on the dotted line. “Do the deal, we want you to do the deal. We want this to happen for our community,” said Spradlin. Spradlin is taking two, signed petition boards to Nashville’s legislative plaza in order to let state representatives know how Jackson feels.
