Southwest Tennessee Community College names Dr. Jose E. da Silva vice president of strategic enrollment management

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 has appointed Dr. Jose E. da Silva as vice president of strategic enrollment management.

This newly created position reflects the college’s commitment to expanding access, strengthening student retention, and implementing innovative enrollment strategies that support long-term institutional growth.

With a distinguished career in higher education spanning multiple states and institutions, da Silva brings extensive experience, a passion for student success, and a proven ability to drive enrollment growth and student engagement. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping and executing a comprehensive enrollment strategy that aligns with the college’s mission to provide students with the support, resources and guidance needed to persist in their studies and successfully complete their credentials.

“Dr. da Silva’s strategic vision will not only enhance our enrollment efforts but also ensure that more students have the support they need to complete their credentials and enter the workforce. His experience and dedication to student success make him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said Tracy D. Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Da Silva’s background includes leadership roles across four higher education systems—Washington, Texas, Illinois and Florida—where he has led initiatives to enhance access, retention and student success. Most recently, he served as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at the University of North Texas at Dallas, overseeing a team of 96 full-time employees and managing a $25 million budget. His prior leadership roles include serving as chief student affairs officer at Kankakee Community College, Big Bend Community College and Walla Walla Community College.

“I am extremely excited to join the Southwest family,” da Silva said. “I look forward to working with the amazing faculty, staff and students at Southwest Tennessee Community College and continuing to build upon the foundation of student success established at the college. I also look forward to immersing myself in the greater Southwest Tennessee community.”

In addition to his administrative expertise, da Silva is an active contributor to the academic field, having published book reviews, authored a novel about community colleges and taught community college courses. His academic credentials include a doctorate in higher education administration with a focus on community college leadership from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in higher education administration with an emphasis on student affairs, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Florida State University.

As a proud community college graduate, da Silva’s journey began with an associate degree from Tallahassee Community College, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s students.

Da Silva’s dedication to higher education is also a family affair. His wife, Jill, works in higher education finance, and together they are raising their three sons, Tiago, Mateo and Leo, with a shared commitment to lifelong learning.

Da Silva began his new role on Feb. 17. The college welcomes his leadership in advancing enrollment strategies and student success initiatives that empower students, strengthen their academic and career outcomes, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities.