09/01/2026
Some professors spend most of their time in the classroom. I spend mine out in the community.
I work with people to make our community better, from bringing fresh food to areas that need it to creating better public spaces.
In South Memphis, I worked with community members to help create a farmers market in an area with limited access to fresh food.
That market grew into a neighborhood grocery store. Then cooking programs. Then more services for seniors, including meal delivery during COVID.
Now, I’m continuing that work across Memphis. In the Medical District, I’m working with students and community members to look at how Medical District Park can better serve the people who use it.
I’ve also had the chance to do this kind of work in Sicily, where working with local organizations has helped bring in more than $300,000 in funding for projects they created for their own communities.
Through MARCA, the Memphis Applied Research and Community Action Institute, I’m also helping students get hands on experience working with local nonprofits on issues facing our city.
Read more about Dr. Katherine Lambert Pennington » https://bit.ly/4qMTYUg
UofM College of Arts & Sciences