MUS | Reunion Giving

About

For more than 100 years, Memphis University School has provided Mid-South boys with unparalleled opportunities to develop intellectually, morally, socially, artistically, and physically, becoming leaders well-equipped to turn great ideas into action. Here, boys in Grades 7-12 find a top-tier academic program, small classes with individual attention, a school community centered on an Honor Code, extracurricular activities with opportunities for leadership, and a sense of belonging within a fellowship of common purpose.

Admissions

Come learn for yourself why there is no better school in the Mid-South for boys in Grades 7-12. We are committed to academic excellence, and we know how to teach boys. Nearly 70 percent of our teachers have advanced degrees, and they average 22 years of experience. We maintain a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1, and a typical class size of 15. Step-by-step, our students learn to take responsibility for their actions, serve the community, and develop leadership skills as they make lifelong friendships.

Academics

The extraordinarily accomplished and dedicated faculty is our driving force, and providing boys an unparalleled college-preparatory education is our guiding principle. Since the school’s founding in 1893, we have upheld a tradition of excellence, and we stay on the cutting edge by keeping an eye on the future. What we teach is shaped by the expectations that colleges have for students they admit, and by what we believe we should pass on from generation to generation.

Arts

Understanding and appreciating the works of man’s creative spirit are necessary for a complete education. We offer students myriad opportunities for hands-on, full-fledged participation in performing, visual, and recording arts. Boys here have the chance to sculpt, to paint, to act, to sing, and to perform, and the whole community benefits from the creativity that they express.

“It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance … and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.” - Henry James, 1915

Athletics

Sports have always played a significant role in shaping the moral character of our students. Teamwork, self-sacrifice, courage, stamina, perseverance, hard work, self-control - these values are forged in the crucible of competition. While we are extremely proud of our numerous athletic achievements, we realize these endeavors are never an end in themselves, but a powerful means to an end: self-knowledge and self-improvement for our boys. Our athletic program lives by the highest code of sportsmanship. We play hard, we play by the rules, and we have fun. At MUS, we always play the games well.

Student Life

A tradition of excellence remains vigorous here due to the commitment of the entire community - especially students. We encourage our boys to strive for excellence because that allows them to find meaning in what they do, to play a role in something greater than themselves, and to discover a sense of competence and thus confidence in themselves and in their abilities. If our academics, or our sports, or our arts, or our service and leadership opportunities do not challenge or engage boys, then they lack the capacity to transform boys. The struggle for excellence makes our experiences real. And boys need something real.

“1776” Wins Two Orpheum Awards

Congratulations to the cast and crew of 1776 for winning Outstanding Production Number for “Mama, Look Sharp” and to cast member Bella Littleton for winning Best Supporting Actress.
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Class of 2019 Commencement

Surrounded by the family members, friends, and teachers who supported them along the way, the Class of 2019 celebrated graduation on Sunday, May 19, at Second Presbyterian Church. Click here to see selected photos from the event. Kathy Daniel Patterson took photos during Commencement, and the images should be loaded on her website by May 23. Under Client Viewing, enter the Event ID MUS2019.

We will mail the parents of each graduate a complimentary flash-drive copy of the Commencement video.
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Counce Honored for 25 Years of Service

Upper School Assistant Principal Mark Counce ’77 was recognized at the year-end faculty luncheon for 25 years of service at MUS. As an alumnus, Counce has school connections that began some 10 years before his teaching tenure (1983-1993 and 2004 until today). He has taught math, coached basketball, overseen discipline, and raised three alumni (Stephen ’07, Robert ’09; and Andrew ’14). As a token of the school’s appreciation, Headmaster Pete Sanders presented him with an Honorary Master of Arts.
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Springfield Scholars Induct 10

Ten eighth graders joined the Springfield Scholars May 9 in an evening filled with moving testimonials, proud parents, and crisp new ties. During the 13th annual dinner, Jack Blackwell, Vince Boberski, Jaxon Hammond, Frederick Huang, Varun Krishnamurthi, Kevin Ma, Jackson Oswalt, Alyaan Salman, Jack Zaptin, and Lou Zhou each received a commemorative tie, certificate, and lapel pin, and a favorite teacher spoke in his honor.
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Special Awards Night

Nine students received special honors and collegiate book awards this month at the annual Special Awards and Honor Society Induction. Faculty, alumni, and special guests presented the awards:
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David Willson '99 Named Basketball Coach

Mr. David A. Willson has been named head basketball coach at Memphis University School. Willson, a 1999 graduate of MUS, has served as head basketball coach at Emory & Henry College in Virginia since 2013. He takes over for Coach Matt Bakke, who is stepping down from coaching after 20 years with MUS basketball and seven years as head coach.
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Alston in Football Coaches Hall of Fame

Head Football Coach and Director of Athletics Bobby Alston was inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association fifth Hall of Fame class December 1 in Cookeville, TN.
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Three Owls Honored at TAIS Biennial Awards

The Tennessee Association of Independent Schools honored three MUS educators during the biennial awards dinner Sunday, November 4, at the Hilton Memphis. The Sawney Webb Award, honoring administrators who have made outstanding contributions to independent-school education, was presented to Headmaster Emeritus Ellis Haguewood and the Hubert Smothers Award, presented to teachers who have evidenced excellence and a deep commitment to the teaching profession, was given to Hyde Library Director Bonnie Barnes and Instructor in Latin Ryan Sellers.

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Founders Day at MUS

In celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of Memphis University School, we designate September 13 as Founders Day to commemorate the opening day of the original school in 1893 and to honor the two teachers whose vision brought it to life, James White Sheffey Rhea and Edwin Sidney Werts.

Rhea, a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, and Werts, a graduate of the University of Virginia, were experienced young teachers who had become friends and colleagues as instructors at the Knoxville Classical School. Keen to open a prep school of their own, they were advised by an exceptional educational mentor, President of the University of Tennessee Dr. Charles W. Dabney, to consider Memphis as the location.

An advertisement that appeared May 14, 1893, in the Memphis Appeal-Avalanche announced their school would open in September with the goal being “to prepare boys and young men for Yale, Harvard, Princeton, University of Virginia, and other colleges and universities.”
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Board Chair Recalls Time-Tested Lessons

“What stands the test of time?” To Diversified Trust CEO and MUS Board of Trustees Chair Sam Graham ’80, one answer to this question is easy: his MUS experience.

“A lot about me was formed in these hallways,” Graham said during a chapel presentation August 17.
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Sports Passes Go Digital

The days of “Where’s my sports pass?” are gone! They’ve gone digital and mobile! This year you can purchase individual game tickets or an all-sports season pass online, and your ticket/pass will be accessible on your mobile phone. Simply show your phone pass when you get to the gate, and the gate worker will activate your pass for entry. Click here to purchase a sports pass for $80 or individual game tickets at $7 each. The season sports pass provides admission to regular-season home games for all sports. Students are admitted to all regular-season home games with their U Card. TSSAA playoff games are not included.
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State Representative Daniel Visits Campus

State Assembly Representative Martin Daniel ’75 visited the campus Monday, July 30. Pictured, from left, Assistant Headmaster Barry Ray, Daniel, Headmaster Pete Sanders, and Academic Dean Flip Eikner ’77.
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Robert Fudge Wins Distinguished Teaching Award

Headmaster Pete Sanders has recognized Technical Director of Theater Robert Fudge as the 2018 Distinguished Teaching Award recipient.

The Distinguished Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Considered one of the most knowledgeable theater technical directors in the city, Mr. Fudge joined the staff in 2010 and has established a standard of excellence that is manifested every year in the school’s elaborate and beautifully designed stage productions. Known for his quiet professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile, he has also overseen independent study projects, guided students in producing the past three TEDxMemphis events, and expertly managed school and special events held in Hyde Chapel.
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Webb Gift Provides Studio Upgrades

Thanks to the generosity of Bita and Jim Webb and their son, Jacob Webb ’18, the control room in Bloodworth Studio is now named in honor of the late John Hiltonsmith for his many years of service to the MUS music program. The family’s gift has made possible substantial upgrades in the Hiltonsmith Control Room. The Webbs along with Hiltonsmith’s younger daughter, Julia, and wife, Sherry, were on hand for the dedication on April 23.

Standing, from left, are Jacob Webb '18, Director of Music Matt Tutor '91, Headmaster Pete Sanders, Bita Webb, Jim Webb, Julia Hiltonsmith, and Sherry Hiltonsmith.
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2018-19 Student Leaders Named

The following Owls were elected to leadership positions for the coming school year: top row, from left, Student Council President - J.J. Johnson; Student Council Vice President - Call Ford; Student Council Secretary-Treasurer - Trey Fussell; Student Council Commissioner of Student Welfare - JoJo Fogarty; bottom row, Honor Council President - Stephen Christenbury; Senior Class President - John Mann; Student Council Commissioner of Student Athletics - Devin Malone; Student Council Commissioner of Special Activities - Reagan Griffin; and Student Council Commissioner of Social Events - Emerson Manley.
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Rogers Leadership Forum, Jan. 19

MUS will host Mr. Anthony M. Flynn during our annual Rogers Leadership Forum for students January 19. Flynn is founder of The Gifted Education Foundation and author of “The Execution Pipeline: A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Business Idea from Dream to Reality.”

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Film Celebrates Ellis Haguewood

Temple Brown '81 created a film celebrating Ellis Haguewood’s service as teacher since 1969 and headmaster since 1995. Mr. Haguewood retires from MUS in June. Watch it here.
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Robert Gordon '79 Talks Music and Memphis

Grammy-award winning author and documentary producer Robert Gordon ’79 spoke to students at chapel August 26 about his work and how it has been informed by the music and musicians of Memphis.
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Annual Fund