Lambuth University was a liberal arts university located in Jackson, Tennessee. It was supported by the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Lambuth's athletic teams participated in the NAIA's TranSouth and Mid-South Conferences. The university began as the Memphis Conference Female Institute in 1843 and was later renamed in honor of William Russell Lambuth (1854–1921), a Methodist missionary who traveled globally during his lifetime. Lambuth ceased operations in June 2011 following several years of financial difficulties. Due to the university's financial struggles, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools opted not to renew Lambuth's accreditation in 2011; however, an injunction issued in federal court allowed Lambuth to retain its accreditation until the time it closed. Final commencement exercises were held April 30, 2011.