Lambuth University‎

Jackson, Tennessee, United States · Est. 1843 · Private University

Methodist university in Jackson, Tennessee that operated from 1843 to 2011.

  • Founded in 1843 as Memphis Conference Female Institute; renamed Lambuth College in 1923
  • Private Methodist university affiliated with the United Methodist Church
  • Located in Jackson, Tennessee on a 50-acre urban campus
  • Closed in 2011 due to financial struggles and loss of accreditation
  • Campus acquired by University of Memphis and now operates as Lambuth branch campus
  • Athletic teams called the Eagles; competed in NAIA and NCAA Division II

History

Lambuth University was established in 1843 as the Memphis Conference Female Institute and later renamed in honor of Walter Russell Lambuth (1854–1921), a Methodist missionary. The institution operated as a private Methodist university supported by the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for over 160 years. After facing significant financial difficulties, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools declined to renew the university's accreditation in 2011, leading the Board of Trustees to vote for closure in April 2011.

Athletics

The Lambuth Eagles competed in 11 intercollegiate sports through dual membership in both the NAIA and NCAA Division II. Men's sports included baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, and tennis, while women's sports included basketball, golf, soccer, softball, and tennis. The team competed in the Mid-South Conference (1995–2006) and TranSouth Athletic Conference (2006–2008) before transitioning to independent status.

Legacy

The university produced notable alumni including Tony Award-winning actress Adriane Lenox, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Tia Sillers, professional athletes such as Corey Webster and Ron Dixon, and Lee Hee-ho, First Lady of the Republic of Korea. Following closure in 2011, the University of Memphis acquired the 50-acre campus, which now operates as the Lambuth branch campus.

Founded
1843
Type
Private University
Courses
0
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationUnited Methodist Church
Websitehttps://web.archive.org/*/http://www.lambuth.edu/
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
0
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources