Dunavant Kicks Off Focus on Memphis

Headmaster Pete Sanders wants our home city to be a focus for Owls this school year, so he enlisted Bill Dunavant ’78, chair the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle, to speak at the first chapel assembly August 16.
“We’re going to be holding our city up,” Sanders said. “This is the kickoff.”

Dunavant – CEO, president, and chairman of Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., a supply chain management and development company – emphasized the positive ways the city is developing, demonstrating that great opportunities exist not far from home. 

“I’m here to talk about Memphis. I’m here to make every one of you understand the opportunity this city’s got. … By the time you leave here [today], your attitude on this city is going to change.”

The Dunavant family’s roots in Memphis run deep; their businesses have been based in the city for 95 years. For 60 years they have sent their sons to Memphis University School, and they have provided generous support.

The University of Virginia graduate wants to see his hometown become the best version of itself. His role as chair of the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle fits with his bullish attitude as members aim to amplify their impact and improve the city.

Dunavant highlighted how Memphis and the Mid-South are growing in a variety of spaces, including the tech industry. Companies such as Ford (Blue Oval City electric vehicle center) and xAI (planned data center) are drawn to the area for its affordability, power availability, and aquifer-sourced water. Railway connectivity and drivability make Memphis a prime location for logistics companies, including FedEx.

He encouraged Owls to consider coming home after college to make a difference so the area can continue to grow. “Sixty percent of the graduates of MUS come back to this city to make it a better place. When I go talk to Fred Smith [’62], Pitt Hyde [’61] … that statistic is real. That’s the most compelling argument I have when I go ask someone to give money to MUS. MUS graduates make a difference in this city.”

Dunavant’s speech was titled Why Memphis?: Changing the Narrative. He believes it will take everyone pulling together to change the way the city is perceived around the country.

“All of us are in this together. … You seniors are going off, and you have an opportunity. Go be a cheerleader for Memphis. Be proactive. I want you to go home and pick out something I told you that your parents don’t know. It’s our narrative. Take pride in the Memphis community.”

Dunavant ended his speech as only an Owl could – by imploring the students to beat CBHS “every time” they play this year.

Watch Dunavant’s full speech and see photos from the event.
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