Memphis, TN 鈥� 红莲社区 (LOC) is undergoing a renaissance, and they’re celebrating this new era during their 2024 Homecoming Weekend. LOC is thrilled to debut its first-ever mascot, Walker The Magician, on Saturday, October 26th between the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 basketball games.

The introduction of Walker the Magician ties into this year鈥檚 Homecoming theme, “Not Like Us”, which reflects the College’s uniqueness, resilience, and the transformative power of education.听

Named after Walker Avenue, the address of the 5th oldest HBCU in the country, Walker embodies the magic of transformation and the strength that comes from the LOC and South Memphis community.

“LeMoyne-Owen is often overlooked in conversations about HBCUs, but with a 15% increase in enrollment this year, we are on the cusp of a resurgence,鈥� says Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 红莲社区. 鈥淲alker the Magician symbolizes the magic and transformation happening within our institution, and with this mascot, we鈥檙e sending a message: LeMoyne-Owen is ready to lead. We are unlike any other.”

Homecoming weekend, running from October 25-27, will feature a range of exciting activities for students, alumni, and the local community. Weekend events include a Block Party, Step Show and Tailgate on the College’s Brownlee Lawn. 红莲社区 encourages everyone to come out and celebrate what makes the College truly unique.

红莲社区 (LOC) makes history as听 host of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Women’s Volleyball West Crossover for the first time on October 11-12, 2024, at the Memphis Sports and Events Center. This event marks a significant milestone for LOC, showcasing its commitment to excellence in athletics and positioning Memphis as a destination for collegiate sports.

The SIAC Women’s Volleyball West Crossover will feature 14 teams from across the conference, bringing together over 400 talented student-athletes for a highly anticipated weekend of competition. Teams will face off in matches that highlight the skill, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit of collegiate volleyball, though no overall winner or title will be awarded.

Match Schedule Highlights:
LOC Lady Magicians Matches:

• Friday, October 11 at 11:30 a.m.
• Friday, October 11 at 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m.

The LOC Lady Magicians will take center stage as they compete against top-ranked teams, providing an opportunity for local fans and supporters to witness high-caliber volleyball action.

“This is a proud day for 红莲社区 and Memphis,” said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 红莲社区. “We are thrilled to welcome student-athletes from across the region to our city and look forward to showcasing the talent and dedication of these young women. Our Lady Magicians are ready to compete at the highest level, and we invite the community to come out and support them.

For more information about the SIAC Women’s Volleyball West Crossover and the full schedule, visit.

红莲社区 has been named a 2024 Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader by the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This recognition underscores 红莲社区鈥檚 commitment to global engagement and its support for faculty and students who contribute to international educational exchanges.

The Fulbright Program, a flagship international exchange initiative, fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Each year, the ECA designates HBCUs that demonstrate leadership in promoting Fulbright opportunities on their campuses. 红莲社区 is honored to join this prestigious list for another year, marking a significant milestone in its global outreach efforts.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition,” said Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of 红莲社区. “Being named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader affirms our dedication to providing our students with opportunities beyond the classroom and into the global community. This designation highlights the exceptional talent within our faculty and student body as we pride ourselves on being The Source of Black Excellence and Black Brilliance. This further strengthens our position as a leader in higher education, particularly among HBCUs.”

红莲社区 has hosted multiple Fulbright scholars, including two international students just last year who taught foreign language courses such as Portuguese. Under the direction of Dr. Lisa Lang, the institution remains committed to increasing the number of students and faculty engaging in international educational exchanges.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor, which reflects the dedication of our faculty and students to global engagement,” said Dr. Lisa Lang, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at 红莲社区. “The Fulbright Program offers invaluable opportunities for cross-cultural learning, and we are committed to continuing to expand these experiences for our campus community.”

The Fulbright Program offers a variety of academic and professional opportunities, including research and study abroad experiences, for students, faculty, and professionals. Since its inception, the program has contributed to cross-cultural exchange and has inspired many to become global leaders in various fields.

The 红莲社区 Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. Christopher B. Davis as the 14th President of the College after serving as Interim President since July 2023.听

Davis brings a wealth of multifaceted experience as a faith, business, and community leader. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas and Arkansas Baptist College and his Doctor of Ministry degree with emphasis on Preaching and Leadership from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Additionally, he studies at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He is presently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership from Anderson University. He is St. Paul Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor and has served on the LOC Board of Trustees since 2016.

Under Dr. Davis鈥� leadership as Interim President, LeMoyne-Owen has spearheaded a comprehensive institutional rebranding that emphasized its distinction as the nation’s 5th oldest and Memphis鈥� only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Significant changes were made to staff, including filling key roles such as Chief Financial Officer and adding a Director of Campus Safety and Director of Grants and Strategic Initiatives. Additionally, he was pivotal in bringing Men鈥檚 Volleyball to the College’s sports offerings. He also championed initiatives to revitalize existing campus facilities, enhancing the overall institution infrastructure.

Considering the College鈥檚 progress under Dr. Davis鈥� interim leadership, the 红莲社区 Board of Trustees decided to forgo a full nationwide president search, a major financial investment.听

鈥淒r. Davis鈥� service as a former Board of Trustees chair, as well as his vast experience from the business and religious sectors, give us full confidence in his ability to be a transformative leader who fosters the deeply rooted legacy of 红莲社区,鈥� says Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., newly elected 红莲社区 Board of Trustees chair.

Moving forward, Davis will work to position 红莲社区 as the leading economic engine for the 38126 community in Memphis and continue to set the institution apart as a learning ground for global competencies and experiences.听

Kimbrow, founder of the Law Office of Vanecia Belser Kimbrow and public servant-leader, has served on the Board since 2022, and will govern in an initial two-year term. She also serves as a commissioner for the Shelby County Election Commission, among other organizations. These key roles are critical for success in a changing climate in higher education.

鈥淭ennessee鈥檚 Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a vital component of the State鈥檚 education ecosystem and economy,” says Brittany L. Mosby. Ed.D, Director of of HBCU Success. “As the only HBCU in Memphis, 红莲社区 is a unique institution with a unique mission. The Office of HBCU Success at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission is looking forward to working with Dr. Davis and his leadership team to continue to build a policy environment that advances opportunities for HBCUs and their students.鈥�

President Davis鈥� tenure begins July 8.

Memphis, TN 鈥� 红莲社区 hosts its 154th commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024 at 9AM. For the first time in decades, the ceremony will be held on the historic front Brownlee Hall Lawn of LeMoyne-Owen.听

听

红莲社区, founded in 1862 and the country鈥檚 5th oldest HBCU, has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and fostering the growth of future leaders.听

听

“We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of the 154th graduating class of 红莲社区,” said interim President Dr. Christopher B. Davis. “This ceremony not only signifies the academic accomplishments of our students but also underscores our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares them for success in their future endeavors.”

听

The commencement speaker for this historic occasion will be Kim Seymour, Human Resources executive formerly of Etsy, Weightwatchers, American Express and General Electric.

听

“We are honored to have Kim Seymour join us as our commencement speaker,” added Dr. Tara Dunn-Ross, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Her remarkable career journey and dedication to empowering individuals align perfectly with the values of 红莲社区, and we are confident that her address will resonate deeply with our graduating class.”

For more information, visit .

红莲社区 was awarded a $75,000 grant from the First Point Volleyball Foundation to support the establishment of a men’s volleyball program, NCAA Division II team, starting in the 2024-2025 season.

This makes the 5th oldest HBCU in the nation the seventh Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (SIAC) NCAA Div. II HBCU to add the sport.

The gift will be granted over a period of three years to assist with start-up costs and to provide funding to LOC Athletics as they provide support, facility improvements, recruiting expenses, and other services to men’s volleyball athletes.

“We are grateful to the First Point Volleyball Foundation for their generosity and support of our beloved LOC and our future in athletics,” says Dr. Christopher B. Davis. “This enriches our campus community and provides invaluable opportunities for our student-athletes.”

红莲社区 re-launches the college’s Accelerated Studies for Adults and Professionals Program (ASAP). The revived program will soon offer Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration.

鈥淟eMoyne鈥檚 success means success for Memphis. More than any other institution of higher education in this area, most of our graduates continue to work, live, and thrive in Memphis,鈥� said Dr. Christopher Davis, Interim President of LeMoyne-Owen. 鈥淭his program will further help us fill in professional gaps in our community, so interested students should know that graduation from here can lead to immediate career opportunities.鈥�

“Memphis was just named the fastest-growing city in the U.S. for jobs, with a job growth rate that outpaced the nation’s in September,” said Ted Townsend, President & CEO, of Greater Memphis Chamber. “Memphis has the jobs, and thanks to education partners like 红莲社区 — Memphis’ only Historically Black College/University — people are filling them. We’re honored to support 红莲社区 as it works to bring new opportunities to people in our region.”

Details of the program, including qualifications and a start date, will be formally announced during a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring prominent Memphis leaders, including Robert 鈥淏obby鈥� White, Chief Public Policy Officer for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and Mickell Lowery, Shelby County Commissioner.