Southwest Tennessee Community College
FOUNDED JULY 2000
Commencement
Thursday, the Fifteenth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty-Five 7:00 p.m.
SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, founded July 1, 2000, is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college. It is one of the largest community colleges in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.
Southwest awards Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, Associate of Applied Science degrees for immediate career entry, and technical certificates to prepare for entry-level positions. Areas of study include liberal studies, fine arts and humanities, natural and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, allied health sciences, nursing, business studies, information technologies, engineering and related technologies, criminal justice, and education. The College is ever vigilant to incorporate new technologies and disciplines into the curriculum to serve new educational needs as they arise and are recognized by the community.
It is the College’s mission to anticipate and respond to the educational needs of students, employers and communities in Shelby and Fayette counties and the surrounding Mid-South region; and to provide an effective teaching and learning environment designed to raise educational levels, enhance economic development and enrich personal lives.
Southwest Tennessee Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097, Telephone number (404) 679-4501) to award the Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Science in Teaching degrees and certificates.
The Commencement Speaker
Paul A. Young was sworn in as mayor of Memphis on Jan. 1, 2024, with a commitment to creating a stronger, safer, and thriving community for all Memphians.
Young is a Memphian, father of two, husband to Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, and son of Pastor Dianne Young and the late Bishop William Young of the Memphis Healing Center.
Growing up in the Oakhaven neighborhood, Young learned at an early age that there were two Memphises–one ripe with opportunity and prosperity and another lacking resources and safe neighborhoods. Determined to bridge this divide, Young pursued a career focused on building a Memphis that works for every resident.
Young earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Master of Science in urban and regional planning and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis.
Young has spent the last decade improving the quality of life in Memphis by advancing housing security and fostering healthy neighborhoods where families can thrive. As the President of the Downtown Memphis Commission and the former Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis, Young applied a holistic approach to unifying the city through public and private partnerships and targeted investments in our future.
He believes moving the city forward requires strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and the potential of our greatest asset – our people.
Mayor Paul Young
The Student Speaker
Native Memphian, Hannah Sweezer came to Southwest Tennessee Community College from Colonial Middle School. She graduated from Medical District High School (MDHS) while simultaneously earning an Associate of Science in Health Sciences as a dual enrollment student. She truly embodies MDHS’s mission statement as a “college and career-ready critical thinker” who is “emotionally conscious, socially responsible, and prepared” for her role in the “global community.”
Hannah was named to the Dean’s List for four consecutive years, maintained a 4.73 weighted GPA, and ranked first in her class. She earned the prestigious title of valedictorian at MDHS, and excelled in extracurricular activities. Hannah was the first elected student government president and served as the senior class president. She was also a member of Memphis-Shelby County School’s (MSCS) Student Congress, where she was voted “Best Supporting Congresswoman” in 2024, and a member of the MSCS Legacy Builders, working alongside the superintendent on district-wide initiatives.
Hannah has been featured on media outlets such as 88.5 AM, FOX13 and WMC-TV. She has spoken at high-profile events including the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Luncheon, and several MSCS events, such as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Gala, Students Against Violence Everywhere, the Reflect, Reset, and Restore event, and the Leadership Symposium Panel.
Outside of public speaking, Hannah enjoys visual art. Several of her artworks have been exhibited at the Stax Museum and at Memphis ROCKS.
Hannah plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and aspires to attend medical school. Through all her experiences, she remains committed to giving back to her community, striving for excellence, and honoring Jesus in all her endeavors.
Hannah Sweezer
Procession
Grand Marshal
Joyce Johnson, Ph.D., Professor, Natural Sciences
Mace Bearer
Douglas Branch, Associate Professor, Languages and Literature
Commencement Dias
Tracy D. Hall, Ed.D., President
Carol Ash, Ed.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Workforce Development
Mayor Paul Young, Commencement Speaker
Hannah Sweezer, Student Speaker
Jose da Silva, Ph.D., Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management
W. Kelli Sharpe, Vice President for Communications
LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People and Culture
Dr. Tameka Perry, Chief of Staff
Dr. Michael Boyd, Chief of Administrative Services
Jeanette Smith, Chief Financial Officer
William W. Farris III, President, Covenant Pool & Landscape
Sheila Bouie, Ed.D., Dean of Health and Natural Sciences
Charles E. Baker, J.D., Dean of Business and Technologies
Sherria King, Ph.D., Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics
Matthew Lexow, Dean of Academic Support and Operations
Professor William G. Turner III, Reader
Professor Thomas King, Reader
Professor Michael Rounds, Reader
Professor Richard Cockrill, Reader
Faculty
Candidates for Graduation
Order of Program
Presiding
Carol ash, Ed.d., Vice President for AcAdemic AffAirs And Workforce deVeloPment
Prelude
* Academic Processional ......................................................... “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar Arrangement by Blue Claw Philharmonic
* National Anthem .......................................................... “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key Alexis Norman, Vocalist
.............................................................................................................................................................Alumna
The President’s Welcome and Recognition of Special Guests.......................................
Tracy D. Hall, Ed.D.
.......................................................................................................................................................... President
Southwest Alma Mater……………………………………………….....................Valetta Brinson, Vocalist Associate Professor, Communications, Graphics and Fine Arts
Introduction of Student Speaker ..................................................................................... Jose da Silva, Ph.D.
.................................................................................... Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management
Introduction of Commencement Speaker ............................................................................ Hannah Sweezer
....................................................................................................................... Associate of Science Candidate
Commencement Address ..............................................................................................................Paul Young
.................................................................................................................................. Mayor, City of Memphis
Presentation of the Alumnus of the Year Award ................................................................... W. Kelli Sharpe Vice President for Communications
Presentation of the William W. Farris Faculty Service Award William W. Farris III
......................................................................................................... President, Covenant Pool & Landscape
Presentation of Candidates ..................................................................................................Carol Ash, Ed.D.
................................................................................................................ Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferring of Degrees and Certificates.................................................................................... President Hall Assisted by
................................................................................
Charles E. Baker, J.D., Dean of Business and Technologies
Sheila Bouie, Ed.D., Dean of Health and Natural Sciences
Sherria King, Ph.D., Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics
Matthew Lexow, Dean of Academic Support and Operations
......
* Recessional .................................................. “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden and Whitehead
* Guests are requested to stand
Alma Mater
ALMA MATER
Words: Valetta Brinson and Martin Wakefield
Music: Valetta Brinson and Kevin Sanford
Dear Alma Mater we hail with honor, pride and thanksgiving. Within our hearts to Thee we sing, Southwest, Southwest, Southwest.
Her torch, it lights our way. She leads us day by day. Through trial and err, with zest and care, Southwest, Southwest, Southwest.
March on, be strong. We praise you with song. We'll carry Thee our whole life long. Within our hearts to Thee we pledge, Southwest *[the best], Southwest *[the best], Southwest Southwest *[the best], Southwest *[the best], Southwest!
*Audience Responds
The Tennessee Board of Regents
Bill Lee
Ex-Officio Regent Governor of the State of Tennessee
Emily J. Reynolds, Vice Chair 5th Congressional District
Lizzette Reynolds
Ex-Officio Regent Commissioner of Education
Charles Hatcher
Ex-Officio Regent Commissioner of Agriculture
Steven Gentile
Ex-Officio Regent
Executive Director at TN Higher Education Commission
Thomas A. H. White At-Large, East
Mark George At-Large, West
Miles A. Burdine 1st Congressional District
Danni B. Varlan 2nd Congressional District
Barry Stephenson 3rd Congressional District
Jeremy Harrell At-Large, Middle
Shane Hooper 4th Congressional District
Awards
Deanne DeWitt 6th Congressional District
Todd Kaestner 7th Congressional District
Kyle Spurgeon 8th Congressional District
Nisha Powers 9th Congressional District
Ross Roberts Faculty Regent
Angela Richardson Faculty Regent (Non-Voting)
Cayden Keltgen Student Regent
The William W. Farris Faculty Service Award
This award was established by the late William W. Farris, who served as a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents for 18 years and always remained a strong supporter of higher education and Southwest. The award has been given for many years to a member of the faculty who best demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the teaching profession. This year’s recipient is Joyce Johnson, Ph.D., Professor of Natural Sciences.
The Alumnus of the Year Award
This award recognizes an alumnus who demonstrates dedication, leadership and commitment to furthering the goals of the College among the alumni and within the community. The 2025 Alumnus of the Year is Teresa Dickerson, Class of 1998.
Student Honors and Recognitions
Graduation with Honors
A student who is graduating with honors wears a gold tassel and is recognized in the program with one of the following notations:
*** Summa Cum Laude “with highest honors” Signifies overall grade point average of 3.80-3.99
** Magna Cum Laude “with high honors” Signifies overall grade point average of 3.50-3.79
* Cum Laude “with honors” Signifies overall grade point average of 3.25-3.49
† Honors Academy Graduates
†† 4.0 distinguishes students who maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout their college career.
Honor Societies
Southwest Tennessee Community College hosts two international honor societies and four national honor societies that recognize the achievements of students in their studies, in leadership, and in service.
Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges. To be eligible for membership, students must have earned 15 or more credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5. Phi Theta Kappa graduates wear gold stoles and tassels.
Alpha Beta Gamma is an international honor society that promotes academic excellence and fellowship among students majoring in business studies. Students must have earned 12 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to be eligible for membership. Alpha Beta Gamma graduates are recognized by their blue stoles.
Lambda Epsilon Chi is a national honor society founded by the American Association for Paralegal Education. To be eligible for membership, students must be currently enrolled, in good standing, be declared majors of the Paralegal Studies, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the time of selection and have completed a minimum of 40 credit hours of the program. Lambda Epsilon Chi graduates are recognized by their purple and gold trimmed stoles.
Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society for adult students maintaining standards of academic excellence. Their motto is “First in Scholarship and Leadership.” Eligible students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75. Alpha Sigma Lambda graduates are recognized by their burgundy and gold stoles.
Sigma Kappa Delta is a national English honor society for two-year colleges. To be eligible for membership, students must have earned 12 or more credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in general scholarship.
Sigma Alpha Pi (also known as the National Society of Leadership and Success) is the nation’s largest leadership honor society. Students are selected for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of distinction. Sigma Alpha Pi graduates are recognized by their gray and black stoles.
Student Honors and Recognitions
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) promotes the development of character and intellectual growth as it invokes the voice of the students in campus affairs. SGA members, elected by the student body, excel in leadership and service. They are identified by white stoles.
The Honors Academy
The Honors Academy at Southwest offers an enhanced program of curricular and extracurricular activities for academically talented and creative students. Emphasizing the development of exceptional leadership, inquiry and critical thinking skills in students, the Academy offers select students and their faculty opportunities to enrich both the intellectual and cultural climate of the College while preparing for the future. Students who earn 15 or more hours of Honors credits within the Academy are distinguished as Honors Academy Graduates and receive an Honors Diploma at graduation. All Honors Academy members are recognized by their silver medallions.
2024-2025 Candidates
Associate of Applied Science
***
Accounting
*** Na Chen
** Shondra R. Ector
** Tikita Walker Nelson
** Jonah C. Robbins
* Christina M. Smith
Julia Fredonia Thompson
Keena Whiting
Tammy T. Wright
AdministrAtive ProfessionAl technology
Business Office
Linda Blanchard
Annie Denise Johnson-Nettles
Quintazsha D. O’Neal
Jasmine Maria Vinson
AdministrAtive ProfessionAl technology
Medical Office
*** Tierra Lynette Craft
Candace Henderson
* Skylar Anne Knobel
* Emily N. Oldham
Miricole Aliya Taylor
ArchitecturAl design technology
Architectural Design
Jose Miguel Flores
Jason Alan Vatter
Automotive service technology
Ricardo Carrillo
** Landon Michael Claxton
Larry Doby Giles
Noah B. Henderson
Alexander Michael Long
Maddox Henry Phillips
Keandre Seals
* Evan Marquel Turner
** Marquez Vester
Automotive service technology
Maintenance Technology
*** Connor L. Messler
AviAtion oPerAtions technology
Flight Dispatcher
** Alfred Coleman
* Demitria N. Hale
Jada Ariel Jones
Mitchell Anthony Jones
Emerson Giovanni Marin
* Samuel Matias
* Kasra Tavakoli Nik
Miles A. Thomas
Tramond Paul Vaughn
Jacquelyn Vickers
Biotechnology techniciAn
** Raquel B. Flores
** Kennedy Elizabeth Pettet
Business
Banking and Finance
Rachel N. Quick
Business
Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management
Laney Ashton Clark
Annayah Danyell Cobb
Clinton O. Cooper
** Diana Cruz
Perla J. Gallardo
Kennedy Keianna Harper
** Azariah Johnson
Gabrielle J. Overstreet
Conner R. Smith
Claudia Sosa
* Cor’Darius Stitts
Elaine Swain
** Nicole Webb
Business
Human Resource Management
** Jacqueline Bush
* Selena A. Johnson
Destinee Latrice Mabane
Cayla L. Maclin
Antoinette Marie Ryan
*** Shanethia Lasha Teleton
Oshyawna Lakail Williams
Business
Logistics and Transportation
Christina Denise Echols
Amber N. Elion
* Leah E. Mathews
** Kristin Olivia Pfeifer
**
Dakota D. Polk
Samuel Corey Rinehart
Quiana L. Simmons
Brea Young
Business
Management
Jaylon Matthew Allen
Antonio Q. Askew
Casandra Lasalle Cobb
*** Antonio L. Daniels
Michael Elliott
2024-2025 Candidates
Associate of Applied Science
**
Eboni Denise Gaters
Franchesca Denise Jackson
Erika R. Jones
Jermarious Jmar Kizer
††*** Braxton Jaquan Middlebrooks
* Miguel A. O’Neill
Estephanie Daniela Orellana
Orellana
Chisa Richardson
** Angel Gabriel Garcia Zepeda
comPuter engineering technology
*** Johanna Aguilar
Dominic Dorien Dickerson
** Alandrick B. Haynes
Timothy Eldawn Johnson
Derek D. Perry
* Imran Rahman
Jerrica E. Smith
Terrius Deon Tucker
** Cameron Jack Zamarripa
comPuter informAtion technology
Cyber Defense
††*** Alberto Ayala Reyes
Dustin Charles Boyle
** Bria Lynn Brown
** Ediel Adair Cruz-Martinez
** Jose N. De Los Santos
Lucas Anthony Domino
Derrick D. Jones
** Khadijah Karsie Freeman
*** Brianna Destini Mayes
Antonio Sencoriya Taylor
** Yewulsew Zento
comPuter informAtion technology
Networking
** Eman M. Abuhidar
*** Logan D. Corbitt
* Chad A. Farmer
Alexis O. Fuentes
** Gary A. Layrock
** Ali Mustafa Murshed
*** Stephanie Mae Rueter
comPuter informAtion
technology
Programming
* Thomas R. Carnes
** Diego Castro Archuleta
*** Michael Dale Field
DeCarlos Donell Hulett
*** Tishaye A. Ketema
*
Tahoor Ahmed Khan
Daniel G. Lucy
Benjamin H. Montgomery
Tyler E. Thomas
* Raina D. Torry
comPuter informAtion
technology
Systems Administration and Management
** John R. Brown
* Kenneth Collins
*** Jacob F. Graham
** Brandi O. Jett
** Amanda Faith Jones
Justin Charles Lee
Bobby Lewis
criminAl Justice studies
* Jahad Mahmoud Abuawad
* Dellnae M. Carter
Chastity Alexandria Hill
Arianna Gisselle Huicochea
Latish A. Thomas
Rainey Danielle Tiner
eArly childhood educAtion
Kabenie Epps
Delisiya Harper
Avangelie G. Lapina
*** Jeaneen Smith
** Takira Nicole Taylor
electricAl engineering technology
Electrical Design
*** James T. Alpuente
Calvin Arthur Collier
Gerald M. Larry
Devon Oakley
** Paul Ryan Thornton
Bryce Alexander Walton
emergency medicAl services
Jacob A. Cecil
Joseph Allen Christensen
** Dennis L. Duckett
††*** Matthew A. Herndon
** Christian Neil Panos
*** Derek W. Smith
*** Brian Steven Swansiger
funerAl service educAtion
Erin N. Calhoun
Leslie Veeshanata Lawson
Vernon
Willie Earl LeFlore Jr.
* Uneika M. McBride
2024-2025 Candidates
Associate of Applied Science
Cedric Redmon
* LaCrisha Monique Rucker
Travis Saunders
Virginia Leigh Tamargo
grAPhic Arts technology
Madeya Nelson
grAPhic Arts technology
Game Art and Design
** Connor N. Steward
* Taylor E. Virgous
grAPhic Arts technology
Graphic Arts Production
Jalen Eugene` Alexander
* Jacob Robert Brock
** Lisette Carbajal
* Leshele R. Collins
††*** Hannah Drees
** Victoria N. Franklin
** Wendy Munoz
* Aniya Eriana Neals-Herns
* Denise Robinson
Martavien T. Shorty
grAPhic Arts technology
Interactive Multimedia Production
*** Aria R. Barrett
*** Amber M. Breaux
** Kadien S. Coe
*** Sarah J. Jones
††*** Amber Lacy
††*** Samuel J. Powers
Karla Sharelle Shipp
Fareed Amin Toutio
††*** Margaret N. Wright
** Mesha Young
heAlth sciences
Syrena Brittany ClaybornJohnson
* Moriah D. Curtis
** Emily A. McDaniel
hosPitAlity mAnAgement
Culinary Arts
Shericka Alston
Josie L. Brown
** Tina M. Cox
**
Ebony Marshea’ Jones
Alex Amanda Mason
* Briley Alexandria Spencer
Iya E. Walls
hosPitAlity mAnAgement
Food and Beverage Management
** David Daniel Schneller
hosPitAlity mAnAgement
Hotel Management
** Selena Brown
mechAnicAl engineering
technology
Manufacturing
** Jessica S. Dorsey
mechAtronics technology
Julian L. Allen
* Ian Alexander Hayes
Stephen Cole Hayes
** Hebseber Nyaga
*** Grant Edward Stevenson
* Travis Jeffrey Theil
Colin Thien Tran
medicAl lABorAtory techniciAn
††*** Zandra Cajayon
** Yssis Copeland
Takindra LaShae Douglass
††*** Mary A. Fleij
Timothy P. Fryman
* Tyla M. Johnson
††*** Teresa Kolvek
Ashlynn Lepard
Sabrina Mohamed
Yevy Sheerwan Mohammed
* Tobias Martin Strueber
nursing
Allie G. Acheson
Aliyah Michele Adams
Tawana T. Holland Adams
Natasha I. Anderson
Mariana Barajas
JoAnna-Marie Noel Becker
Fanisha C. Boyd
Adrienne Chenell Brewer
Tashia L. Broom
* Colton Hunter BrownSowards
Brania Calvinagh Campbell
Michelle Denise Carr
Tamiko M. Carter
Jazmyn M. Clark
Ranesha Coleman
Abigail Corley
Michael L. Cox
Lisa B. Craig
Jessica N. Cutshaw
* Cassidy L. Dowell
Nikki Michelle Dunavan
* Ashley N. Dunn
* Justin H. Echols
2024-2025 Candidates
Associate of Applied Science
Nkechi G. Emelue
* Trinisha Elise Faulcon
Anna Ruth Ford
Lindsey E. Fredrick
Anderson Fullilove
Savannah Grace Grammer
Ashley Nicole Hawkins
* Destinee R. Hemphill
Quavisa N. Henderson
* Julia C. Hobbs
* Kenyatta Michelle Holmes
Damerah Amana Hopson
Sophy Injesia Imende
Taylor Irwin
Keith M. Ivy
Alicia Renee James-Finley
**
Brenda Lou Janke
Taneisha M. Jeffries
Diamond L. Johnson
* Gordon M. Johnson
* Jakuma Nti Johnson
Shonita A. Johnson
Chakira Jones
Crystal Danielle Jones
Leslie N. Jones
Valery Rachel Jones
Robyn Joy
Eric Edward Karlin
Jayden Kearney
Alexis L. Kneeland
Bridgette V. Leavy
* Brenna K. Lee
* Shaniece C. Logan
* Brandy Denise Lynn
Katherine M. Lyons
Christal L. A. Malone
Laquita A. Mangum
Starrtashiou Mason
*
Alona Matthews
Anna Marie McCollum
Stevie Elizabeth Meussner
Allyson Katherine Miller
Harrison
Jana Nichols
Joanna Marie Nichols
Chalencia I. Nunnally
Hannah Pannell
Chynah Lyn Parson
Latoya N. Patterson
Erin Phelps
Carlton Lyndell Phillips
Tiara J. Poole
Jada L. Prince
Halla Ali Rahman
Roxanna L. Randolph
Karintha K. Rawls
Shycuria Demia Robertson
Rhonda M. Ryan
* Mahdia Sbaa
* Mikia S. Scott
Soraya Small
Porshay M. Smiley
Ashton Oneal Stokes
* Kaikara Ziel Pinto Tangonan
Ceaira V. Taylor
Amelia N. Thomas
Jennifer M. Trippett
** Celena Tyler
* Iris Maria Vargas
Candyce Washington
Deshaun Eugene Washington
Britavia D. Williams
** Natalie L. Wilson
Brittany Marie Wooldridge
PArAlegAl studies
Wayne Everett Curry
Natalie Granados
* Jenna Marie Hatfield
Natalie Howell
††*** Charlette Slape
** Ollie Sheppard Terrell
††*** Darren L. Wibberding
* Lauren Taylor Wright
PhysicAl therAPist AssistAnt
** Jackson Carl Abner
**
Ashley S. Carter
* Jahari T. Holloway
*** Justin J. McMiller
*** Thomas Merrill
*** August Myers
***
Shelby N. Organ
** Kayla Brittany Ortega
*** Adam Carter Rae
††*** Ameena Marie Stanley
** Kaylah Ahlese Whaley
**
Sheria T. Wooten
rAdiologic technology
*** Dyann Acedo
** Kristi S. Arnold
* America J. Bacasegua
Chelsea Renee Baldwin
Derrick Tyrone Boyce
Millie Lashelle Boyce
** Nyleigha L. Falls
Josie L. Flake
* Lynnlee L. Foutch
Kendal N. Kirkpatrick
* Nicholas Henry Marion
*** Amanda Lexie Olsen
Carolina Rojas
** Alexandria Demariel Rowand
2024-2025 Candidates Associate of Arts
Art
Deven Ellis
* Madison Paige Kjellin
Dakota C. Montgomery
Coreycia S. Morris
Ivonna S. Williams
Jayden Kindrea Woodard
communicAtion
* Cameron Jackson Brown
Jerry Butler
Chaysion Dawson
** Bianca I. Divito-Brown
Michelle Garcia
Bryson Golden
Kendal Edwin Lewis
** Camilla McCuin
Jordan Keplinger Merritt
* Sophia Margaret Reyna
Nicole L. Spence
criminAl Justice
Brittney Jasmin Alcantara
Jinaki Bryson
** Jerrica Monet Gray
Kamryn M. Lawson
Nadia C. Marshall
Gerald D. Stubbs II
Ricky R. Woodman
economics
* Gabrielle Crossley
educAtion
Jamara Crenshaw
Czaria Hudson
*** Kassandra L. Karrigan-Fink
** Loralei Lynn Sigman
english
**
Gracie Evelyn Driver
††*** Sophia D. Rocha
Riley G. Warwick
foreign lAnguAge
Morgan T. Franklin
Robert A. Zuniga
generAl studies
* Kylee Marie C. Champeau
Jernesha Ronshae Clark
** Kristen Denise Coleman
Zach B. Ford ** Ryan Cole Harrison * Kobe Henderson
Jean Yvens Lafleur
Ramatoulaye Moctar
** Jackson DeWitt Morgan
††*** Nouhaila Moutiq
Whitney M. Pinter
Akira D. Shipp
Michael Anthony Slaughter
** Reginald Travis
*** Kenberly Tenia Tyson
* Katelyn Nicole Ward
Bianca Williams
** Allison Yerby
history
*** Thomas Joseph Baum
* Carson Cole Cook
Psychology
Tacarra L. Austin
††*** Mara Porielle Blank
*** Amanda Marie Buchanan
* Brooklyn Genae Dortch
Kendall A Fair
††*** Tyeasia Fields
Victoria L. George
* Daisi Rhayne Sweetin Hogan
** Olivia A. Kovacs
**
Jayda Ezalia Neal
Brennan Christopher Rhodes
Leah Camille Richardson
* Lauren Kyra Walker
Darious Jerome Williams
PuBlic AdministrAtion
*** Valencia Nicole Jasso
sociAl Work
** Enya J. Carter
Ciara L. Gardner
Takia L. Horton
Charniqua Jackson
Thomas Craig Johnson
Cailyn M. Jones
Kimberly A. Lee
Taylor Powell
** Melontina Roshelle Spiney
Destiny Elaine Tuggle
Algonda A. Ufeu
Madison Patrice Webb
Shadaja Armoni Williams
sPAnish
Syrena Brittany ClaybornJohnson
theAtre Arts
Performance
††*** Alexander P. Osborne
Dell Michael Stevens
2024-2025 Candidates
Accounting
Nazek Ali Alhrout
** Wafa A. Alnaggar
Nakia M. Berry
** Hannah Elizabeth Chancey
*** Carlos Josthein Espinal
Raeesah K. Hall
** Ifham Ul Haq
* Kimora Simone Hudson
*** Fatima I. Huete
* Melissa Yaneth Luna
*** Jack Harrison Reaves
* Felecia Shipp
** Karley Elizabeth Smith
Jacob J. Tibbs
Tianna T. Tran
** Ezekiel B. Turner
*** Estela Melisa Vasquez
*** Rutsamanh Kody Vichathep
Agriculture
Agricultural Business
* Javonii Mae Merritt-Hunter
* Julian Kenneth Welch
Agriculture
Animal Science
** Anna C. Jeong
** Marissa Woodard
Agriculture
Plant & Soil Science
††*** Margo J. Araoz
Allied heAlth sciences
Ashton D. Addison
* Nuru Asinethe
Associate of Science
* Priscilla Bautista
Jewel Samone Brooks
* Nia Simone Chatman
Cameron S. Donegan
*** ZorBari Janet Edooh
Madison Farmer
* Jakaila Damoneque Frazier
Jayla Leighana Garcia
Marisol Iniguez
Camille Lott ††*** Jordan Morries
* Lydia Skyyterria Nelson
** Mallory Anese Owens
** Taylor Peeples
Alyssa Miriam Peggs
*** Reponse Simparingoma
*** Jordyn Kennedy Smith
††*** Hannah Sweezer
De’Zyna Tate-Parker
††*** Jayla Taylor
Symone Kimora Thomas
** Evelyn Tovar
Madison Nikeya Wesby
Biology
* Lauren E. Evans
* Nadia E. Overstreet
* Bryanna J. Rainey
Business AdministrAtion
*** Liberty Nukyiah Armour
Bachir O. Badji
** Condoleezza Black
Raquel C. Brigham
** Lamia M. Brown
**
Jamie Rae Buckhanan
*** Domonique Casey
** Jasmin Cervantes
Nyla Katrice Crenshaw
Raven L. Davis
Jewell L. Dennis
*** Tevin M. Dye
** Anika Graham
* Layla Anne Hale
Laniyah Holmes
William Eric Lambert
Candice Lock
*** Leilah Mason
Karis Mariah McCraw
* Jaqueline Mendoza
* Brittani A. Morganfield
Tavetta L. Moton
* Brandi A. Nelson
Tya Rabb
Jessica R. Randles
* Taylor Jordyn Reed
* Katie L. Sedlacko
* Hannah Rena Stahl
Jordan Hailey Thackston
Tyler Dale Thronberry
Joy Ann Tousana
* Patrick T. Wolf
chemistry
††*** Alison Bridget Steward
communicAtion
McKinley Denise Ellis
Faustin R. Henderson
Christopher A. Jones
Tellas LaDon Lewis
** Vickie Marie Maybank
Brandy Nicole Redditt
Myles J. Townsend
2024-2025 Candidates
criminAl Justice
Tacoreya C. Collins
Sahara Z. Glass
Khrishun Raquis Hunt
Tuken Ishmael McMullen
MaKayla Michelle Morris
Lauren Elizabeth Nelson
Jasmine Norris
Sydnee Cheyanne Scruggs
Mary Grace Welch
eArly childhood educAtion
Melody S. Anderson
**
Niyia M. Bailey
Karlyn M. Bell
Timea Childres
Brianna M. Cole
Lailah Harper **
Amber S. Johnson
Jamie A. Lacy
Mallorie Nicole Richardson
Katie Tucker
economics *** Ryan Neilson * Ian Patrick Tindle
engineering
Terron C. Conner
Taurus Andrew-Jacob
McDaniel
Ian C. Reeder
generAl studies ** Pedro Abarca
Jeanne Ariri Acharya
Brantley Lane Adams
Associate of Science
Tylar V. Agus
Taysir Ahmed Alhrout
Chaida J. Ali
Mgdie Ali
James W. Ambrose
Bladesh Arisme
Michelle Arriaga
Charles Kudi Bache
Rodney O’Brian Ballard
Nykebra Banks
Ashley Nicole Barnett
Mandie Lynn Barrow
Demetria N. Bates
Valeria M. Bell
Catherine Micah Benson
Laura Bierbrodt
Latonya Bobo
Labranden Bonds
Jacqueline Roshay Booker
Samone Deberelle Boss
Angela Bounds
Lanee Boyle
Gavin Brewer
Olivia Nicole Brown
Logan M. Bruce
Daniel W. Cain
Angelica Paola Carrasco
Aluane Prince Charles
Akaydia Clements
Tamira L.L. Clements
Nathaniel Ray Clift
Elizabeth Marie Cogbill
Gracie Elizabeth Cook
Braden T. Cooper
Hanna N. Crider
***
Mary Margaret Crow
Jadon Alexander Crutchfield
**
**
Julia M. Cunningham
Kaylela D. Curtis
Sydney L. Curtright
Gabrielle Elise Daniel
Dylan Hughes Davis
Mercades Jasmine Davis
Brandy DeBlieux
* Miles Delos Santos
* India Dennis
* Lena Marie Dernaika
Kaylen Arianna Dickerson
* Harmony Diffay
Malcolm Dixson
* Brianca M. Drinkwater-Kidd
Lacurtis Wayne Dunn
Alexis Tamai Durham
**
Dynichia R. Edwards
Jonathan P. Eung
Jonathan D. Faulkner
Unique Fields
Cierra Michelle Finley
Savannah Michelle Freeman
* James Euegene Fresh
Karim Gamil
Tracie Denise Garvins
Kayden Alexus Gates
Justin C. Goins
*** Adriana Gomez
* Kalani Christian Grandberry
Malaysia Denee Gray
* Jannah L. Greever
* Maria Gross
Madison L. Hall
Amanda L. Hamilton
**
Kennedi Hardaway
Briana Simone Harmon
* Lyndsey Nicole Harris
2024-2025 Candidates
Associate of Science
**
Kobie S. Hartunian
Tyler Jamal Hendrix
Gloria Noemi HernandezRojas
Cameron A. Hicks
Jonathan Hield
Roddric McKenzie Hill
Tyler Wayne Hilliard
††*** Ashley N. Hughes
* Jalessa R. Hunt
** Samantha R. Hunting
LaTisha Ivory
* Jasmine Jackson
Perez E. Jackson
Alicia Renee James-Finley
*** William David Jensen
Maria Grace Nannette Jobe
Angela Anita Johnson
Deronicka A. Johnson
Sydnee Johnson
** Davina Jones
Jada Jones
*** Justice G. Jordan
* Brecquel Joyner
Hajir Jawad Kadhim
** Kaly B. King
Martha Kori
Colby Thomas Kuns
Amina Leigh
Payge Kenise-Malia Lewis
Sanaa Rae Lewis
*** Fateisha Lundy
* Brandy Denise Lynn
Christopher Jordan Mabon
Kenneth Jamal Madden
Jenette Shantel Marion
Gabriel Christan Martin
Bianca Pearl Massey
Eurinca Mayes
††*** Myra Mays **
Mahika Mazumder
Jazemine Denise McFarland
Michelle N. Mckinley ** Sarah I Mckinley
Abigail Grace Millard * Alexis Milligan
Dalton Miotti
Edith Merolyne Mitalo
Naela Mohammad
Dahl Lafrancine Moore
††*** Robyn C. Morris
* Cruz U. Murillo Escobar
Dmarius Murphy
Binta Ndongo
Jaden Austin Odom
**
***
**
***
Joseph Evan Olah
Reme Omran Omer
London M. Pace
Vidhi D. Patel
Amber Faith Pilcher
Isabella Sunday Pinkston
** Aylani Pugh
††***
***
Maggie Ann Purdy
Hannah Faith Rawie
Larrisha Brineke’ Lavette
Richards
Alang Richmond
Dustin Richmond
Jasmine Marie Roach
Shandon Roberts
* Victor Jose Rodriguez
Maci Danielle Rooks
** Ann M. Rosenberg
** Nacaria Ge’ne Royal
Shavani Alexandria Ruffin
Roman G. Rushing
Carniya N. Ryan
Aryona Linae Sanford
Sydney Adam Shaw
Mieya Imani Shotwell
Debra L. Sigee
**
Alyssa Mia Smith
* Kelsey Madison Smith
Kimetria Smith
Kiasira Sor
** Courtney Spano
* Aerin F. Spikes
** Isabella M. Stonecipher
Nia S. Stroggins
JaRon Michael Summerall
Elizabeth Sweet
Jordan I. Swift
**
Felecia S. Sykes
††*** Safaa I. Taha
* Yasmin Taveras Pena
Danielle R. Taylor
Jaden T. Taylor
** Takira Nicole Taylor
Kyleigh P. Thomas
Laqunta Denise Thomas
Markeisha K. Thomas
Katera Elise Thompson
Vanesha Monique Threatt
Bineta Tine
* Dustin Hoang-Duy Tran
Gisselle Trejo
Alexis M. Turner
Miracle Arnetric Turner
2024-2025 Candidates
* Vincent Tuyikunde
Shermiria Tyler
Sherronda Upshaw
** Alex Bram Vandenbergh
Ja’Shiah A. Verry
Misty Wade
Daveonne D’Shay Warfield
Demarcus M. Watkins
* Callia L. Watson
Kristen M. Whitmore
** Adriana Williams
Asaijha Williams
Tamyai L. Williams
Kameena Woods
††*** Savannah J. Worley
Ja’Nia Wright
Marcellena Wright
** Muahn Abigail Yogar
*** Dominic R. York
* Jaliyah Amari Zackery
heAlth sciences
††*** Jalissa Covington
Kerry Grace Hernandez
Briahna Makiya Hubbard
** Luke A. King
Aseye Kofie
Lasandra B. Morgan
*** Rasha Nasher
*** Sabah Nasher
** Jacob Jeremiah Norton
** Haley Elizabeth Polley
Yareli K. Romero
** Asma Ali Saleh
DuQuana Walker
Lauren M. White
Associate of Science
history
* Evan Hans Schlinsog
humAn services
Kimberly D. Rodriguez ** Crystal Barrett Seaton
informAtion systems
* Jayden Christopher Becton ** Luis Bernadac
Lakeitron J. Conner * Kara Cox
Will Bishop Davis II
Jackelinne Diaz ** Reginald D. Dobson
Elliot Anthony Ford
Wesly Goodin
** Tyra Hatley
Miya Herndon
Kaleb Mackie
Donna Moses ** John Steven Nunez
Steven Jerome Oliver *** Yamileni Salgado
Kimora Gabrielle Self *** Dontarrius Divon Simmons
Eric Toledo
**
Ikenna C. Ugwuanyi
Liliane Uwase
Jose Vergara
*** Javion Darnell White
Cinetress Wilkes
* Ethan Elon Williams
* Merritt Tucker Woods
Mason Wynn
mAth
Clark Barron Adams
medicAl lABorAtory science
Batool Chasib Barakat
** Rudi R. Glenn
Kiersten Alexandria Hill
music
*** Cody D. Baxter
nursing
*** Shema Feisel Abdulaziz
Esther Abengowe
*** Diana Maria Araiza-Canelo
Leja Amelliah Marie Bady
Larry T. Beal
Alexa G. Bernal
** Emilia Etane Bissong
Kaydee Branch
Jasmine M. Bratcher
** Ja’La Elise Brazell
Anari Ann Brooks
Takai Sy’ann Brooks
Taijah Lanyria Calvin
Kahlia M. Carlton
* Shakaila D. Carroll
Kenisha L. Carter
Maria Margarita Casas
Ariel L. Clark
Aleah Faye Coleman
Caleah Shaye Coleman
Madyson Coleman
Derwin Cooper
*** Ashley Cowans
TaLea Antoinette Crowder
*** Crystal D. Crutchfield
2024-2025 Candidates
*
Bineta Deh
Ashley N. Dunn
Maria A. Eason
Gina Escriba
Denisse Margaret Estrada
* Diana Fallorina
Arreonna R. Fitzpatrick
* Krisey Frazier
*** Gina Marie Galeana
Lucero Garcia
LaToya Gray
Makaili Shea Gregory-Parks
Joselyn Guevara
** Riley Nicole Halteman
Jerron Marcell Hardaway
Ariana Harmon
Samuel Lee Anderson Harris
Cynthia G. Haymore
*** Viviana Hernandez
Latosha Holliman
Hailey Holloway
Chandra Kay Holmes
Kennedy G. Holmes
Sheri Hubbard **
Shakiya Hudson
Kaitlyn Brianna Hughes
* Taylor Jackson
Quanika Jeems
Tarnisha L. Johnson
Tonya Denise Johnson
Takiyah S. Jones
Triston N. Jones
* Kelisia Lucresia Jordan
Felix Kazadi
Taylor Nicole King
Dafne Paola Ledesma
* Brenna K. Lee
Associate of Science
** Talayshia Lee **
Kennedy J. Little
Laquita A. Mangum ** Lana Kimberlie Manint
Raneisia L. Manning
Shaneisia Manning * Mineko Ito McCain
Summer Ashley McCalleum
Rachel A. McFarland
Shantia E. Milligan
Shakayla Rashun Milton * Azaria Iman Rhe Monday
Kauna Lenese Morrison
Isabella Rose Munoz
Promela Murphy
**
**
Charlotte E. Neely
Janice Ortiz
Tabria Jenea Pickens
Kevina D. Pollion
Briana M. Presley
Brianna Marie Prewitt
Morris Reed
Caliya Danae Rhodes
** Isabel Ribeiro De Lima
**
**
Cailey D. Robbins
Taylor A. Rogers
Maria DeJesus Roman
* JeCarey Rushing
Drake Sanders
Kaylyn Ciara Saulsberry
Benjamin G. Shriver
Verkita O. Taylor
* Destiny Mariah Thomas
Jamica L. Thomas
Jasmine A. Thomas
Keosha Thomas
** Kalysha Thompson
Jaliyah Quahtee Tolliver
Kimora Venable
Chelsea Walker
** Khaliah C. Walls
* Faith Washington
Cailyn J. Williams
Loren Williams
Kiyana Rashae Wilson
***
Charlie Dewayne Woodall
Brianna Apriel Young
Ryan S. Zuber
PhysicAl therAPy AssistAnt
* Kelsey Faye Brown
Amira A. Keita
** Anneka Shar-nise Williams
Lejae D. Wright
PoliticAl science
** James Matthew Hollon
Pre-lAW
* Julio Danilo Morales Pon
Psychology
Paige A. Allen
* Parker E. Ashby
** Addison Faith Banks
Bailey Elizabeth Bedsole
Jamirra Bonner
*** Amber L. Brown
* Kylie Elizabeth Brown
††*** Brittany R. Carpenter
Legerald D. Collier
* Tyranese L. Dandridge
††*** Wisdom Dudley
* Alicia D. Fason
2024-2025 Candidates
Xavier L. Fleming
** Katrina S. Grice
Darneshia Harris
** Haley C. Hunt
C’tia Tanay Jefferson
Stacey E. Lee
Vontashezia DeShun Love
Jasmine Sharmine Moore
Aaliyah B. Moss
Iriel Neustadter
Arielle T. Newsom
** Tashay C. Payne
**
*
Chulisia K. Pierce
Blakelynn McKay Pitts
Myla D. Shotwell
Stephanie R. Simmons
* Jessica Marie Smith
Jessica Stewart
Antrenette Latrice
VanRensalier
Breanna J. Webb
Nikolas Marshon Wiggins
††*** Ka’Aleiyha T. Wilkes
*** Aliyah R. Wilkins
Ashley Latrice Williams
Associate of Science
Kyara Lashay Wortham
* Lisa M. Zapien
rAdiogrAPhy And X-rAy
Tamera Antoinette Byrd
Tenia Chills
Mariama Diallo
Dynasty Garrett
Marisol G. Matias
Devon Marie Rhea
Tamia Jayla Sims
sociAl Work
Dominic L. Barnes **
Mariama Dalanda Barry * Alexis R. Brown **
Samantha Taylor Brown
Annie Golden
Jessica Renee Hodge
Eurikka K. Moore **
Tiffany Nicole Presley
Logan Lee Reid
Bambi R. Spencer * Jennifer Townsend
Keiauna White
sociology
Kiara M. Brown
**
Pamela K. Davis
Shanna J. Pierson
Nakita Vaughn
Phillisha Aniya Williams
sPort And leisure mAnAgement
Izabelle Melvin
2024-2025 Candidates
Accounting
Aysia Simone Jones
Kathy I. Lyons
Christina M. Smith
Teresa Elaine Thompson
AdvAnced medicAl emergency technology
Donterius Demetris Bates
Daniel Garrett Botts
Stephen C. Breault
Brandon Neal Brown
Eric Chagollan
Maria Yingyee Chu
Dalton Chase Duncan
Nicholas Ralph Eisman
Graham Ford
Jordan Deshun Goodwin
Eli Gordon Grizzard
Kaylee R. Hall
Kendrick Antwon Harris
Laronnie D. Harris
Andrew J. Hong
Mauricio Steven Jimenez
Nikita A. Kolesnikov
Hayley Sarah Levy
Isaac Ramon Luna
Dylan A. Lybarger
Maria Martinez Hernandez
Justin M. Richardson
Landon L. Richardson
Pruitt R. Richardson
Luke Allen Robbins
Mason Roghair
Joshua Matthew Sims
Bradley Ethan Tucker
Stafford
Technical Certificate
Robin L. Steele
Sarah Lee Steele
Gilbert Tula
James Volner
Aiden Bryce Ward
Logan Blaine York
Justin David Zuniga
ArchitecturAl/construction fundAmentAls
Avanette Harvey
Jerya J. Johnson
Sabrina A. Pfeifer
Areli Reyes
Angel F. Rivas
Thonesty I. Terry
emergency medicAl technology
Jacob L. Adair
Cole Aufdenberg
Gari Avellaneda-Valle
Matthew Dale Barrington
Blake Julius Beasley
Steve Milton Blen
Ethan Zane Browder
Brandon Neal Brown
Jeffrey Walker Collins
Markel A. Crawford
Dalton Chase Duncan
Austin Kyle Ear
Nickorrion Demarquis
Echols
Adnan A. Elfatouri
Cyrus Javier Gonzalez
Aidan Bruce Davis Gould
Mcgarrick Hill
Randall Parker Humphrey
Joshua Norwood Jasper
Sharrika D. Kendall
Phanetra D. Lee
Kristin A. Lulloff
Isaac Ramon Luna
Bryan W. Lutz
Christopher M. Lyons
Lekendra R. Mason
Joshua A. McGhee
Kyle Minogue
Selena A. Montoya
Walker Y. Ogale
Antonio Pickett
Faith Lanay Pumphrey
Brandon D. Ragland
Thomas Stephen Rakowski
Tayton Emmanuel Ramos
Jasmine Marie Rigby
Patrick Roman
Andrew Allen Samp
Thomas Andrew Scott
Cortney Shernard Smith
Seabstian James Suria
Charday D. Thomas
Emily Phuong Uyen Truong
Nicole Rosemarie Veit
James Volner
Tyler James Waltz
Maxwell Weiss
Cody M. West
Lauren M. White
Logan Blaine York
Annie Zaher
2024-2025 Candidates
emt PArAmedic
Nekia Asekun
Holliann Belton
Tyler Dixon
Kyle Michael Dobbins
Andre D. Elion
Michael R. Fioranelli
Connor Lee Hawkins
Sean Singer
Richard B. Victor
lABorAtory PhleBotomy techniciAn
Tiwanta Rena Bankston
Ekey Ekanem Bassey
Crisshauna A. Campbell
Allie B. Domino
Sakeena Ennin
Tomiya Lene Green
Skylar Lenae Greer
Janell Griffin
Tierra Shanta Houskin
Amanda Lynn Houston
Tocosha D. Johnson
Myeisha Lashay Jordan
Shelby N. Perry
Jayda Price
Tiffany Yvette Richards
Carlecia R. Robinson
Shannel Mary Runkle
Amanda Dena Ryan
Tiona Faith Smith
Shermiria Tyler
Anaya C. Williams
Sha’Kyra Woods
Technical Certificate
logistics/trAnsPortAtion mAnAgement
Quiana L. Simmons
mechAtronics technology
Christopher Warren Boyd
Julie M. Green-Nesbit
Ronnie D. Jones
John Tyler Kizer
Jared Kyle McGee
Robert Dwayne Nelson
Marvin Antwon Richmond
Tashaun Seals
Grant Edward Stevenson
Elizabeth Marie Zaragoza
medicAl lABorAtory AssistAnt
Lashondra M. Boyd
Brilee E. Christmas
Daneisha Lasha Johnson
Tiyana Newsom
Jazzy Lexus Randolph
Lorri Rena Williams
PArAlegAl studies
Tiara Jasmine Campbell
Philip T. Hughes
PhArmAcy technology
Arrwa Almintoser
Sierra Camille Curry
Nakyla M. Faulkner
Olivia Levette Guy
Natividad Yoselin Guzman
Kiara Hickman
Alexis Dominique Nettles
Margaret Ann Pinner
Marico Terrell Thomas
QuAlity AssurAnce suPervision
Shelton Alexander Gray
suBstAnce ABuse counseling
Jeffrey Evan Baker
Joshua Thomas Clark
Alexa Sofia Treadwell
tAX PrePArer
Poonam Gupta
The Seal of Southwest Tennessee Community College
The College Seal, much like a heraldic coat of arms, is symbolic of the College’s aspirations and mission. Southwest Tennessee Community College has incorporated both ancient and new elements and symbols into a seal that is 21st Century in design, to signify the College’s origin in this millennium and its commitment to the future.
The Southwest Seal is a circle, centered by a shield, which is quartered to hold four “charges,” denoting the general programs the College offers. The Torch, a symbol of general education, also stands for guidance, knowledge and enlightenment – the flame that lights the darkness of ignorance. The Gears represent the wide range of technological programs. The Atom, the most modern ideogram, symbolizes the natural sciences. The Caduceus, the most ancient symbol, illustrates the medical arts.
The Open Book, in the very center of the Seal, symbolizes knowledge and the wisdom of the universe. The Laurel Leaves, on which the shield rests, proclaim achievement, excellence and triumph. Finally, the Motto, KNOWLEDGE SERVICE OPPORTUNITY, sums up the Mission of the College.
Colors of the Seal:
The College’s official colors are red (signifying life and warmth) and blue (signifying calm, reflection, and intellect).
Use of the Seal:
The Seal is used officially to authenticate documents, such as diplomas, transcripts, and in jewelry, such as college rings and nursing pins. It is engraved on the College Mace, which is carried in solemn procession by the faculty senate president, symbolic protector of the president of the College.
Presidential Medallion
Bearing the seal of Southwest Tennessee Community College, the Medallion is symbolic of the College and represents the Office of the President. Worn by the President only during formal academic events, it signifies authority, trust, leadership, accomplishment and continuity of tradition. The sterling silver medallion, coin-struck with the College Seal, is supported by a double strand of silver links with eight sculpted silver shields. Each shield will eventually be engraved with the name and dates of tenure of a president of the College. The Medallion is a gift to the College from the Southwest Foundation.
The College Mace
The mace is an ancient symbol of authority, usually a spiked club, carried in ceremony before a king or other ruler by an officer charged with his protection. The College Mace is an ornamental “Lamp of Knowledge,” representing the body of learning imparted by the faculty to enlighten students, and also symbolizing authority as embodied in the president of the College. The silver lamp is engraved with the College Seal and is mounted on a staff of silver and carved wood. The president of the Faculty Senate carries the mace before the College president during Commencement and other ceremonial occasions as a symbol of the protector of knowledge.
Academic Regalia
Academic dress originated at universities in the Middle Ages when a warm gown and hood were necessary in unheated buildings. For centuries these gowns distinguished students from their fellow citizens; sometimes this distinction in dress symbolized unfortunate controversies between “town and gown.” The European habit of using academic robes came to this country in the eighteenth century with the founding of what is now Columbia University. In 1895, American universities and colleges standardized their styles of academic costumes, and this system, with occasional modifications, still is in force. Today, the various colors, trimmings and patterns of gown, hood and cap are all traditional and symbolize both the degree and field of learning.
GOWNS: American academic gowns are usually of black material, and their pattern varies with the degree held. The bachelor’s gowns are relatively simple in design with a closed front and long, pointed, open sleeves. Master’s gowns have an open front with long, closed sleeves, the arms extending through a slit at the elbow, giving the appearance of short sleeves. Doctoral gowns are the most elaborate, with velvet panels down the open front and three velvet bars on the bell-shaped sleeves.
HOODS: The hoods, differing in length for the three degrees (bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s), are lined with the colors of the institution that granted the degree. Hoods are also trimmed with the color that heralds the major field of learning.
CAPS: A square mortarboard is the approved headgear. The tassel, fastened to the middle point of the top of the cap, is black or the color appropriate to the subject; it may be gold if the holder has a doctoral degree. Southwest Tennessee Community College has adopted the practice of having candidates for the associate degree wear the tassels on the right front side before degrees are conferred and shift them to the left at the moment the degrees are awarded to them. In the last few years, many universities have returned to a distinctive gown design, using colors associated with the college or university. Some have replaced the mortarboard with a soft velvet tam with a gold tassel.
Hood and tassel colors represent categories of learning. All hoods are edged with the colors listed below. The same colors may be used for the facing and sleeve bars of doctoral gowns and tassels on bachelor ’s and master’s caps.
Dr. Carol Ash, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development
Dr. Michael Boyd, Chief of Administrative Services
Dr. Tameka Perry, Chief of Staff
Jeanette Smith, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Jose da Silva, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management
LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People and Culture
W. Kelli Sharpe, Vice President of Communications
Senior Leadership Southwest Foundation Board of Trustees
President
Darrell K. Thomas
Chairman/CEO, Thomas Consultants, Inc.
secretAry-treAsurer
Mr. J. Thomas Deutsch
Senior Vice President, Investments, Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
southWest President
Dr. Tracy D. Hall
Southwest Tennessee Community College
BoArd of trustees
Steve Ballard, Ballard Family Practice
Mauricio Calvo, Latino Memphis
Sam Chafetz, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz
Tosha Downey, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
John Farris, Farris Law Firm, P.L.C.
Jermain Fletcher, First Horizon
Captain Albert Glen, Project Aerospace/LWFA
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Inc. (OBAP)
Ann Langston, Community Volunteer
Ed Lyons, Community Volunteer
Jean Morton, Truist Bank
Steve Swan, Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP)
Michelle Taylor, Shelby County Health Department
Mary Ellen Sumrall, Baptist Memorial Health Care
2025 Commencement Committee
Alma Rutledge, Chair
Alvin Coleman
Chateeka Farris
Diana Fedinec
Lamecia Goode-Freeman
Ernest Greenleaf
Tracie Johnson
Lynn Maples
Duane Miller
John Mitchell
Parrish Oglesby
Chris Sanders
Detric Stanciel
Brian Stuckey
Rod Thompson
Krissi Williams
Phoenix Worthy
