Southwest Tennessee Community College Scoop Newsletter

FACULTY NEWS: Dr. Jennifer Townes named teaching academy director

Dr. Jennifer Townes is the new director of Southwest’s Teaching Academy. She most recently served Southwest as a full-time faculty member teaching reading support courses in the Language and Literature Department. In her new role, Dr. Townes will provide leadership and support to what has been traditionally known as the Center of Emphasis for Teaching and Technology. “I look forward to working with faculty, department chairs and deans to transform the Center of Emphasis,” Dr. Townes says.

Dr. Jennifer Townes

Dr. Townes has been an educator for more than 18 years. She began her career as a self-contained classroom teacher in elementary and middle school grades. She went on to earn her master’s degree in educational technology and began working as a student and teacher technology educator. In 2007, Dr. Townes set her sights on higher education where she began teaching computer application courses. In 2013, Dr. Townes returned to Memphis and joined Southwest Tennessee Community College. After serving as an adjunct faculty for four years, she joined Southwest as a full-time faculty member.

Dr. Townes continued her studies at the University of Memphis where she obtained her doctorate in education with a concentration in instructional design and technology.

Education is her profession, but teaching is her passion. Dr. Townes has amassed a vast amount of experience in professional development. In 2014, she launched a free professional development workshop for area educators entitled Teachers and Technology Thursdays and has also written and helped implement technology integration plans for K-12 schools. She also has led professional development workshops at Southwest that focus on using technology as a tool to support student engagement and learning. When she is not on campus, Dr. Townes enjoys volunteering as a literacy tutor and working with nonprofits like Black Girls Code. Her hobbies include photography (candid black & whites) and crafts, such as sewing, embroidery, scrapbooking and reupholstering.

Congratulations, Dr. Townes!