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HJR 1557

Memorials, Recognition - Rhodes College in Memphis, 100th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Gabby Salinas

Recognizes Rhodes College’s 100th anniversary of relocating to Memphis and its history, prominence, and contributions to Tennessee’s education and culture.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 1557

Summary of Bill: HJR 1557 ( Tennessee 114th General Assembly )

Title

Memorials, Recognition – Rhodes College in Memphis, 100th anniversary

Purpose and intent

  • To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rhodes College’s relocation to Memphis and to recognize the college’s historical significance, academic excellence, and contributions to Tennessee’s educational, cultural, and civic life.
  • The resolution honors Rhodes College’s long-standing presence in Memphis and its national reputation as a liberal arts institution.

Key provisions and changes

  • Officially acknowledges Rhodes College’s origins dating back to the mid-1830s (Montgomery Academy in Clarksville) and traces its evolution through name changes and institutional reforms.
  • Highlights major milestones:
    • 1848: Tennessee General Assembly authorized the academy’s property for the Masonic University of Tennessee.
    • 1855: Renamed Stewart College under the Presbyterian Church.
    • Civil War impact and postwar recovery.
    • 1875: Renamed Southwestern Presbyterian University.
    • Early 20th century reforms under Charles E. Diehl, including admission of women (1917) and the Oxford-Cambridge style education model.
    • 1925: Relocation from Clarksville to Memphis.
    • 1945: Renamed Southwestern at Memphis.
    • 1948: Peyton N. Rhodes becomes president; growth under his leadership and first Black students admitted.
    • 1984: Renamed Rhodes College in honor of President Rhodes.
  • Emphasizes Rhodes College’s current status as a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences institution, with noted rankings (e.g., top liberal arts universities by U.S. News & World Report; top colleges in the South by Forbes).
  • The resolution states the 100th anniversary of the relocation to Memphis as a milestone worthy of commemoration.

Who/what is affected

  • Rhodes College is the primary beneficiary of the commemorative recognition.
  • The Tennessee General Assembly serves to acknowledge and honor the college’s contributions to the state’s educational and cultural landscape.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Type: House Joint Resolution (concurrent resolution) recognizing a milestone.
  • Sponsor: Representative Salinas; co-sponsor: Gabby Salinas.
  • Action history indicates:
    • Introduced and filed on April 21, 2026.
    • Placed on the House consent calendar for April 22, 2026.
  • Upon passage, the resolution would be prepared as an official copy for presentation, with minor clerical formatting clarifications (omitting the final clause from the copy as described).

How this may be used

  • Symbolic recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly of Rhodes College’s historical trajectory and current prominence.
  • Could support public acknowledgement in ceremonies or events related to Rhodes College’s anniversary.

Note: This bill is a commemorative resolution and does not create new legal obligations, funding, or statutory changes beyond formal recognition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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