MEMPHIS, Tenn. – At its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, the University of Memphis Board of Trustees announced the creation of the Rudd Institute for Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention in thanks to U of M President David Rudd.

The university said assisting and supporting veterans has been a top priority for Rudd, a veteran himself, throughout his career.

U of M has been named to the list of military-friendly schools for seven consecutive years.

The list honors the colleges, universities, and trade schools that do the most to welcome and ensure the success of military service members and veterans as students.

The University ranked #9 nationally on the list in 2020 and achieved “Gold” status for the 2021-2022 academic year.

In 2019, U of M announced that it would become the first higher education institution to partner with Folds of Honor by accepting the Folds of Honor Fellowship, an annual scholarship of $5,000, in full payment of fees. of schooling.

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The scholarship supports higher education for spouses and children of deceased and disabled U.S. service members.

U of M also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps veteran students attend school at little or no cost.

Rudd was co-founder and founding scientific director of the National Center for Veterans Studies at the University of Utah.

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He has published over 200 scientific articles and numerous books on the clinical care of suicidal people and is considered an international leader in suicide prevention.

Over the years, he has focused his research on veteran suicide prevention and has established thoughtful, evidence-based programs to create resources for veterans in higher education.