University of Memphis Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

University of Memphis has 9 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, human resources, information technology, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, University of Memphis fosters a transformative environment for undergraduate, graduate, and law students while driving significant regional impact through diverse educational programs.

Leadership Roles at University of Memphis

  • President, Chief Executive Officer & Director - Andrew Laurence
  • President - Bill Seymour
  • President of the AIAS Chapter - Antonio Tirado
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Maria Alam
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Doug Hurley
  • Associate Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer - Thomas Crafton
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Jeffrey Delaney
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Karen Bell
  • Associate Vice President & Managing Director - Byron Morgan
  • Andrew Laurence - President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

    Andrew Laurence, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at University of Memphis, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public research institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with institutional goals, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director ensures the university maintains high standards across undergraduate, graduate, and law offerings. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term growth initiatives across the Tennessee region. By prioritizing research output and student success, Andrew Laurence directly influences the academic trajectory of the institution. Ultimately, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director secures the financial and operational stability necessary for continued excellence in higher education, ensuring the university remains a cornerstone of intellectual development and community engagement within the broader academic landscape.

    Bill Seymour - President

    Bill Seymour, the President at University of Memphis, provides high-level leadership for specific academic divisions and institutional initiatives. Overseeing the development of specialized programs, the President ensures that the university meets the evolving needs of the student population and the broader community. This leadership role involves representing the institution in external partnerships and driving initiatives that enhance the university's reputation. By focusing on academic quality and student outcomes, Bill Seymour directly contributes to the institution's standing as a premier research university. Ultimately, the President fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor, ensuring that the university continues to provide high-quality education across its undergraduate, graduate, and law programs while maintaining its commitment to public service.

    Antonio Tirado - President of the AIAS Chapter

    Antonio Tirado, the President of the AIAS Chapter at University of Memphis, directs the activities and professional development initiatives for the student architecture community. Overseeing the organization of workshops, networking events, and design competitions, the President of the AIAS Chapter ensures that students gain practical experience beyond the classroom. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice by connecting students with industry leaders. By fostering a collaborative environment for aspiring architects, Antonio Tirado directly impacts the professional readiness of the student body. Ultimately, the President of the AIAS Chapter drives student engagement and leadership development, ensuring that the university's architecture program remains vibrant and connected to the broader professional design community.

    Maria Alam - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Maria Alam, the Chief Human Resources Officer at University of Memphis, manages the comprehensive talent strategy for the entire faculty and staff population. Overseeing recruitment, professional development, and organizational culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the university attracts and retains top-tier academic and administrative talent. This leadership role involves implementing policies that support a diverse and inclusive workplace while aligning human capital with the broader research mission of the institution. By optimizing workforce efficiency and employee engagement, Maria Alam directly impacts the operational effectiveness of the university. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive environment that empowers staff to contribute to the success of undergraduate, graduate, and law programs, maintaining the institutional reputation for excellence.

    Doug Hurley - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Doug Hurley, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at University of Memphis, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of advanced computing systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the campus. This leadership role involves modernizing data management practices to support the research-intensive nature of the university. By integrating cutting-edge technology into the learning environment, Doug Hurley directly enhances the educational experience for the entire student body. Ultimately, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation, ensuring the institution remains competitive in the evolving landscape of higher education through robust and scalable technological solutions.

    Thomas Crafton - Associate Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Thomas Crafton, the Associate Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer at University of Memphis, manages the daily operational execution of campus-wide information technology services. Overseeing the maintenance of critical network systems and hardware, the Associate Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures high availability for all digital resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with technical teams to resolve infrastructure challenges and supporting the broader IT strategy. By streamlining technical support processes and improving system reliability, Thomas Crafton directly contributes to the efficiency of academic operations. Ultimately, the Associate Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity of the university's digital environment, providing the necessary technical foundation for students and faculty to conduct research and pursue academic goals without interruption.

    Jeffrey Delaney - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Jeffrey Delaney, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at University of Memphis, directs the strategic deployment of enterprise software and academic technology platforms. Overseeing the integration of digital tools into the classroom, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the resources required for modern research and learning. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to identify and implement software solutions that enhance pedagogical outcomes. By focusing on the user experience and accessibility of digital platforms, Jeffrey Delaney directly supports the university's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of emerging technologies, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of digital education and research excellence.
    Jeffrey Delaney

    Karen Bell - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Karen Bell, the Associate Chief Information Officer at University of Memphis, manages the governance and compliance frameworks for all institutional data and information systems. Overseeing the protection of sensitive academic and research information, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures adherence to regulatory standards and internal security policies. This leadership role involves auditing existing systems to identify vulnerabilities and implementing robust data management strategies. By fostering a culture of security awareness across the university, Karen Bell directly mitigates risks associated with digital information. Ultimately, the Associate Chief Information Officer secures the integrity of the university's intellectual property and student records, providing a safe and reliable digital environment that supports the institution's mission of research and academic advancement.

    Byron Morgan - Associate Vice President & Managing Director

    Byron Morgan, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director at University of Memphis, directs the operational logistics and administrative workflows for key institutional departments. Overseeing the coordination of cross-functional projects, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director ensures that administrative processes align with the university's strategic objectives. This leadership role involves managing resource allocation and optimizing departmental performance to support the broader academic mission. By streamlining internal operations and improving service delivery, Byron Morgan directly enhances the efficiency of the university's administrative functions. Ultimately, the Associate Vice President & Managing Director facilitates the smooth execution of institutional initiatives, ensuring that faculty and staff have the necessary support to focus on their core responsibilities in teaching, research, and student service.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding University of Memphis Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads University of Memphis?
    University of Memphis is led by Andrew Laurence (President, Chief Executive Officer & Director), along with executives such as Bill Seymour (President) and Antonio Tirado (President of the AIAS Chapter).
    Who is part of University of Memphis’s executive team?
    The executive team of University of Memphis includes leaders such as Andrew Laurence (President, Chief Executive Officer & Director), Bill Seymour (President), Antonio Tirado (President of the AIAS Chapter) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does University of Memphis have?
    University of Memphis has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in University of Memphis’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of University of Memphis includes roles such as President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, President, President of the AIAS Chapter, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer.