skip to main content
Search

Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Open House Focuses on AI, Technology

For more information, contact Diana Fedinec, Southwest Tennessee Community College Director of Public Relations and Media, at 901-333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu.

Southwest Tennessee Community College will host its Third Annual Workforce Solutions Center Open House and Career Fair on Thursday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the College’s Macon Cove Campus, located at 5983 Macon Cove Road, Memphis, Tenn.

This year’s theme, “Advancing the Workforce with AI and Technology,” highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in reshaping industries and workforce development. 

“This event is more than a showcase — it’s a dynamic intersection of education, industry and innovation,” said Amy Shead, associate vice president of workforce development and co-chair of the event. “As technology and artificial intelligence continue to rapidly reshape the workforce landscape, Southwest is proud to bring together thought leaders and community partners to explore how we can collectively advance the Mid-South region.

“The open house and career fair reflect our commitment to providing talent that meets the demands of an evolving marketplace while supporting the growth of our local economy.”

The event will open with a panel discussion at 10 a.m., moderated by Dr. JoAnn Massey, President & CEO of EDGE.  A distinguished panel of industry leaders will share insights on how AI is revolutionizing business practices and increasing the demand for skilled professionals trained in emerging technologies. Panelists include:

  • Mark Corbin, Senior Human Resource Manager, Riviana Foods
  • Joe Cutrell, Director of Strategy and Innovation, AT&T
  • James Linder, Program Manager of Innovation Scouting, Tennessee Valley Authority
  • Dr. Belinda Mandrell, Director of Nursing Research Division, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Joel Tracy, Chief Information Officer, IMC Logistics
  • Dr. Charles E. Baker, Dean of Business and Technologies, Southwest Tennessee Community College
  • Dr. Sheila Bouie, Dean of Health and Natural Sciences, Southwest Tennessee Community College

Deniece Thomas, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will join Ted Townsend, President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, at a special luncheon for sponsors. Townsend is the keynote speaker and will address the future of the workforce and Memphis’ growing role in technological innovation. 
Attendees can look forward to:

  • Guided tours of Southwest’s state-of-the-art Technologies Building
  • An Expo of Programs showcasing educational pathways
  • Interactive experiences aboard the Southwest Express mobile career labs, focusing on technologies and healthcare careers
  • A special NC3 National Signing Day ceremony, where students will commit to career-tech majors at Southwest
  • A community career fair in the Nabors Gymnasium from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring nearly 50 Mid-South employers actively recruiting talent

The Open House and Community Career Fair is free and open to the public. Registration and check in starts at 9 a.m. 

Southwest Tennessee Community College invites students, job seekers, industry professionals, and the broader community to join this exciting day of exploration, learning, and networking as we pave the way for the next generation of tech-savvy professionals.