
Ricky Kirby, a junior marketing major from Dyersburg, Tenn., currently serves as the Student Government President on the University of Memphis campus.
Kirby has served as president since mid-April and has taken part in many projects benefiting the university.
The McDonald’s project, Highland strip renovation, and the future of the U of M bookstore are just a few things Kirby has had a hand in.
“The University District is here because of the University,” Kirby said.
Kirby has been involved in many organizations on campus throughout his three-year tenure at the U of M.
Kirby has many goals as president to help improve the University District.
“I would like to see us acquire the Highland Library and make it our recruitment and tour center,” Kirby said. “I also want to see the Barth House torn down and made into a garden and some into more parking."
One of the biggest projects under Kirby’s regime is heading up efforts to get Tiger Funds, dollars that students typically use for on campus food venues, used at local businesses in the area.
Kirby and his Vice President EuDarius Jones are also working with district businesses to offer more discounts to U of M students.
“There’s always something going on. It’s a very diverse community; it’s a very interesting community, one street over you have a retirement center, then the next street is the University,” Kirby said about living in the University District.
Kirby works closely with both campus and University District officials in attempts to make the area friendly to students and residents.
“I want this campus and area to be at its best so that future generations can enjoy the U of M and University District for years to come,” he said.
As a long-time fan of the city of Memphis and the U of M, Kirby hopes that his term as SGA President will be considered a successful one and that he can say that he made a good impact on the University District.