On September 24, 2026, the University of Tennessee at Martin and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law formalized a new 3+3 program. 

UT Martin Chancellor, Yancy Freeman, and Dean of the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Jim Strickland, provided remarks and signed the official agreement in Paul Meek Library. 

“I am proud of this agreement,” Freeman said to the crowd. “This is the epitome of access and opportunity for our students.”

At the signing, Strickland was accompanied by the Dean of Admissions for Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Justin Aromas-Janosik. UT Martin Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Laurie Couch, joined Freeman. Dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Todd Winters, and Dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Jeffrey Bibbee, joined the ceremony as well. 

This agreement started as a vision two years ago. It has taken the hard work of many different people to make this program a reality. 

The 3+3 program allows students to complete three years of undergraduate coursework at UT Martin before beginning law school at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Students’ first year of law school would count towards the completion of their bachelor’s degree. 

“Y’all have a great university with high-quality students, and we want more of those high-quality students,” Strickland said to the crowd.

This provides students a cheaper and quicker way to obtain the education needed to practice law. The pathway is available to students majoring in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Agriculture and Environmental Law and Policy, English, or Political Science.  

UT Martin Assistant Professor Becky Dykes is a Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and UT Martin alumna. Dykes teaches agricultural law and policy courses at UT Martin. As a graduate of both schools, she is excited for this opportunity. 

“There’s two big benefits [of the program]. One, you get through the program quicker,” Dykes said. “Then, financial, for sure. If you’re cutting a whole year off of undergrad, that can make a big difference.” 

Dykes explained that while students are in law school, there are limits to how many hours they can work. The first year of law school is difficult, making it challenging for students to work at all. For the next two years, most schools have a limit of 20 hours per week. The financial benefits of cutting a year off of schooling overall can be very beneficial. 

“Memphis does a great job of actually trying to get you some legal experience before it sends you out there,” Dykes said. 

Dykes enjoyed her time at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and feels it is especially a great option for students planning to stay in West Tennessee to practice law. 

“One of the things that we talk about a lot in the legal community is the shortage of lawyers,” Dykes said. “We’re severely understaffed, and particularly in our rural communities.”  

Dykes hopes that the new Agriculture and Environmental Law and Policy concentration will encourage more students to become lawyers in rural communities. 

Valentina Restaino is a sophomore in the 3+3 program at UT Martin. She is a double major in political science and finance with a minor in legal studies. 

“I always wanted to be a lawyer, and I was going to be able to do it faster that way instead of doing 4 years. Then, I also would save money,” Restaino said. 

Restaino explains how the partnership with Memphis can be a good opportunity for students looking to stay in the West Tennessee area.

“For students that are from Tennessee and maybe even closer to that area, it could be really fun, and it could be better for them too,” Restaino said. 

Currently, there are seven UTM graduates enrolled in the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. 

Dykes explains that her hope is for this program to encourage more students to go into law who might not have thought it was a possibility for them. 

“I think it is a great program to have, so I am excited about it,” Dykes said. “Your dad doesn’t have to be a lawyer to go to law school. You can absolutely do it.”