Southwest Tennessee Community College announces successful reaffirmation of SACSCOC accreditation
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 is proud to announce the successful reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This milestone follows a comprehensive decennial review process and culminates in the highest possible outcome—reaffirmation with no sanctions and no further reporting requirements. The announcement was made at the June meeting of the SACSCOC Board.
Dr. Tracy D. Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College, said, “Our reaffirmation by SACSCOC is a testament to the dedication of Southwest’s faculty, staff, administrators, and students. It validates our efforts but also positions Southwest — and our students — for an even brighter future. As we continue to strive for greatness, we remain focused on fostering an environment where our students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Since its founding in 2000, the college has been fully accredited by SACSCOC. The reaffirmation stands as a powerful endorsement of the institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education and legacy of public trust.
“Congratulations to President Tracy Hall, the faculty and staff and the entire Southwest community for achieving this important milestone,” said Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). “The periodic accreditation reaffirmation process is rigorous; it reviews virtually every aspect of academic, business and student services, with the overall goal of ensuring that the college meets the highest standards. Reaffirmation by SACSCOC assures the Greater Memphis area that Southwest continues to serve it well as the region’s great public community college.”
SACSCOC accreditation signifies that an institution meets rigorous standards related to governance, academic programs, student support, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement. The reaffirmation process involved extensive self-assessment, peer review, and evidence-based reporting, underscoring Southwest’s ongoing dedication to accountability and educational excellence.
“Accreditation is more than a seal of approval; it is a reaffirmation of our promise to the city of Memphis,” said Erica Hughes, associate vice president of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness. “It reflects our commitment to being a trusted educational resource—one that empowers individuals and strengthens the fabric of our community. I’m deeply grateful to our leadership, faculty, staff, and students for the collaboration and passion that made this achievement possible.”
Selena Grimes, SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison and a longtime employee of the college, said the accreditation team demonstrated what true collaboration looks like. “This reaffirmation represents Southwest’s mission to continuously uplift our students and serve our community. It reminds me why I’ve stayed so committed to this institution —it’s always been about the community we serve. I’m proud to have been a part of this milestone.”
As Southwest celebrates the reaffirmation of its SACSCOC accreditation, and its 25th anniversary, the institution remains focused on future growth and innovation. This milestone serves as a strong foundation for expanding academic offerings, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, and strengthening community partnerships. With renewed momentum, the College is committed to creating an environment where students are empowered to reach their fullest potential through academic excellence and transformative experiences.