This paper describes the 9-year (1985-1993) evolution of a Tennessee state-sponsored university educational policy research center at the University of Memphis. A recent (1990-1993) restructuring of the unit is summarized within the context of a college-wide reorganization that had important implications for academic, research, and service units of the institution. This restructuring included the addition of various advisory groups to improve communication between the Center and the academic units of the college. The current mission and organizational structure are also described. Research supported by the Center is expected to reflect the following: (1) the potential for contributing to the solution of educational policy/practice issues; (2) applied research and development foci; (3) involvement of interdisciplinary research teams; (4) use of multiple modes of inquiry; (5) involvement of partnerships and collaborations with schools and other organizations; (6) incorporation of both immediate and long-range planning; and (7) provision for the establishment of data bases to foster secondary analyses. An appendix contains a list of the Center's major projects. A list of 1993-94 Center projects in urban studies, professional studies, educational assessment and performance, and collaborative action research is attached. (GLR)