Southwest welcomes new The Center for Access director

Dr. Ebony Briggs joined Southwest as the Division of Student Affairs’ new Student Disability Services director June 1. She previously served as the Special Education Coordinator for GRAD Academy Memphis, a secondary charter school in Memphis, Tennessee.  Dr. Briggs received her Doctor of Education in Higher and Adult Education from the University of Memphis last month.

Dr. Briggs brings a wealth of professional experience in supporting secondary education students with disabilities as well as personal experience of having received services as a student with disabilities throughout her college career. She says the highlight of her career was reforming and rebuilding the special education department at GRAD Academy, which increased access to core instruction for students with disabilities. “My goals during my first year of service to Southwest Tennessee Community College students are to establish strong collaborative partnerships on- and off-campus, to help improve communication across departments, and to bring programs and events to Southwest that inform the community of disability accommodations and services per Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504.”

In her personal time, Dr. Briggs plans to continue her research surrounding the improvement of educational opportunities and outcomes for students with disabilities, with the ultimate goal of increasing overall retention and student success.

To welcome Dr. Briggs or to set up a meeting with her, email her at ebriggs@southwest.tn.edu or dial (901) 333-4223 to reach her at the Macon Cove Campus or (901) 333-5116 at the Union Avenue Campus. You also may email sds@southwest.tn.edu.

Welcome aboard, Dr. Briggs, and congratulations on your recent academic achievement!