For more information contact: Kimberly Stark at (901) 333-4023

Assisi Foundation grants Southwest $100,000 for Nursing and Biotechnology Facility
Release written by Kimberly Stark

Southwest Tennessee Community College has been awarded a $100,000 Assisi grant. This grant will allow the College to complete the technical planning necessary to secure major investments for the Nursing and Biotechnology facility initiative currently underway.

The new facility will be constructed on the College’s Union Avenue Campus. “This will allow Southwest to increase the enrollment of the nursing program by 33 percent,” said Southwest President Dr. Nathan L. Essex. “It will also allow Southwest to implement the community’s first Biotechnology Technician Associate Degree program and augment the laboratory hands-on learning opportunities by 25 percent.”

Southwest’s Nursing and Biotechnology Programs provide employers with educated and trained health care professionals. In Memphis and Shelby County, the nursing vacancy rate is estimated to be approximately 35 percent. In partnership with area health care and research organizations, funds will be raised to establish a new facility that will house both the Nursing School and the new Biotechnology Technician Degree program. Biotechnology is a rapidly growing industry in Memphis that will require a newly trained skilled workforce. In addition to nurses, the new facility will allow Southwest to educate students in high-demand areas such as Laboratory Technicians, Process Development Technicians, and Research Technicians in the field of biotechnology.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis was selected by the Donor Recognition Selection Committee to receive the 2005 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy from the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Southwest offers 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 into technical, business, service, education and allied health fields, and technical and academic certificates to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the marketplace.