Southwest Tennessee Community College and LeMoyne-Owen College Announce New Memorandum of Understanding Strengthening Pathways for Education and Collaboration
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.
(Memphis, Tenn.) - Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWTCC) and LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) announce a transformative partnership through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This historic agreement, approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents, solidifies a commitment to strengthen, promote, and develop cooperation in education and training between the two institutions.
The MoU signing ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 23 at the Bert Bornblum Library Cyber Café on Southwest’s Macon Cove Campus, located at 5983 Macon Cove in Memphis, Tenn. Presidents Tracy D. Hall of SWTCC and Christopher B. Davis of LOC will officially sign the agreement during the event.
The agreement builds on years of collaboration between Southwest Tennessee Community College, a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), and LeMoyne-Owen College, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). The partnership not only strengthens educational pathways but also fosters greater collaboration between the two historic Memphis institutions.
“This MoU is more than an agreement—it’s a bridge to opportunity,” said Dr. Hall. “Together, Southwest and LeMoyne-Owen are providing a foundation for lifelong success and building a legacy of educational excellence.”
The MoU will provide Southwest students with an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from a top-tier HBCU while enjoying a seamless credit transfer process for business and general education courses.
Key highlights of the partnership include:
- Transfer Pathways: Students completing their associate degrees at SWTCC can transfer into LeMoyne-Owen College to complete their bachelor’s degrees, particularly in programs within business, general education, and other fields.
- Cross-Cultural Enrichment: Both institutions aim to enhance the academic experience through shared initiatives, peer-to-peer learning, and exchange programs, fostering a richer cultural foundation for students.
- Commitment to Workforce Development: The partnership creates pathways for students to further their education and contribute to Memphis’ vibrant workforce and community.
“I am thrilled to formalize this partnership with LeMoyne-Owen College,” said Hall, “This MoU reflects our shared commitment to empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals. I am excited for our graduates and the opportunities this agreement will provide them.”
“LeMoyne-Owen College is proud to welcome Southwest students into our programs,” said Davis. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in creating accessible, high-quality education pathways that benefit our students and our community.”
The program for the MoU Ceremony is listed below.
January 23, 2025
10:00 AM
Welcome – Dr. Derrick Wheatley, Department Head, Business and Legal Studies, SWTCC
10:05 AM
Remarks by Dr. Tracy Hall, President, SWTCC
10:15 AM
Remarks by Dr. Christopher Davis, President, LOC
10:25 AM
Signing of the Transfer Agreements and Close of Program
Presidents will be seated at signing tables for the ceremony and photo opportunities.
10:30 AM
Reception with light refreshments, photo opportunities, and press interviews with
the college presidents.
For more information about the Memorandum of Understanding, contact LaToya Chavers, SWTCC transfer and articulation administrator, at ldchavers@southwest.tn.edu.