Southwest Tennessee Community College

Overview

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public, nonprofit community college located in Memphis, Tennessee. Established through a consolidation in July 2000, it resulted from the merger of Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute at Memphis (STIM). The college operates under the Tennessee Board of Regents.

History

The consolidation aimed to integrate the strengths of both institutions, creating a comprehensive educational entity that serves a broader community. The college's founding president was Nathan Essex, who announced his retirement in 2014. The current president is Tracy D. Hall.

Campuses and Centers

• Macon Cove Campus: Located in Northeast Memphis, this campus is known for its intensive technology programs and offers a suburban environment.
• Union Avenue Campus: Situated in Downtown Memphis, it hosts allied health sciences, nursing programs, and fine arts.
• Satellite Centers: The college has several satellite centers across Shelby and Fayette counties, including the Maxine A. Smith Center, Millington Center, and Whitehaven Center.

Programs

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers over 100 programs of study, leading to as many as 27 University Transfer and career associate degrees and more than 20 technical certificates. The college provides both credit and non-credit instruction, utilizing distance learning technology and traditional campus-based classes. Popular programs include Liberal Arts & Sciences, Registered Nursing, and General Business Administration & Management.

Mission and Values

The college's mission is to provide high-quality, affordable post-secondary education to prepare students for associate degrees, future educational opportunities, and successful employment. Key values include academic excellence, student success, community involvement, and continuous improvement. The college emphasizes personalized instruction and hands-on learning.

Demographics

As of 2022, the full-time enrollment was 2,547 students, with 3,896 part-time students. In the same year, 1,106 degrees were awarded, with Liberal Arts & Sciences being the most popular field for associate degrees. The college primarily serves students from the Mid-South region.

Employee Benefits

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including health insurance, retirement savings programs, educational assistance, and optional benefits like long-term care insurance.