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Southwest is closed for the holidays Dec. 23 through Jan. 1. The College will reopen virtually Jan. 2 and 3 and return to in-person services Jan. 6. Happy Holidays to all!

Thanks a million to Karen Nippert for 33 years of fundraising service

How does one summarize 33 years of a person’s work life? That was the question Southwest President Tracy D. Hall asked in her remarks celebrating the retirement of Vice-President of Institutional Advancement Karen Nippert Jan. 30 at the Bert Bornblum Library.  Nippert worked in several departments at Southwest before lending her talent and passion as a fundraiser to the Office of Institutional Advancement. Among her many achievements, Nippert spearheaded the merger of Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute; raised millions of dollars for the College, including for the construction of the Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology Building and Bert Bornblum Library; doubled the foundation endowment in the last 10 years; created numerous student supported scholarships, and oversaw the ground-breaking and grand openings of the library, Macon Academic Building, and Maxine Smith and Whitehaven centers.  “I never dreamed I’d be in fundraising, but I knew how critical this work is to the preservation of the College.” said Nippert.  Nippert looks forward to having no plans and more time to enjoy her grandchildren.

Well-wishers pose for a final staff photo with Karen Nippert: Interim Vice-President of Finance and Administration Mike Neal, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Community Relations Daphne Thomas; Vice President of Student Service Jacqueline Taylor, Nippert, President Tracy D. Hall, Chief Information Officer Michael Boyd, and Executive Assistant to the President Sherman Greer.

Well-wishers pose for a final senior staff photo with Karen Nippert: Interim Vice-President of Finance and Administration Mike Neal, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Community Relations Daphne Thomas; Vice President of Student Service Jacqueline Taylor, Nippert, President Tracy D. Hall, Chief Information Officer Michael Boyd, and Executive Assistant to the President Sherman Greer.

Foundation Board Member Paul Calame, Karen Nippert and Board Chair Ann Langston at Nippert’s retirement reception. “I never met a development person as calm and collected as Karen – fundraising is in her DNA!” said Langston

Foundation Board Member Paul Calame, Karen Nippert and Board Chair Ann Langston at Nippert’s retirement reception. “I never met a development person as calm and collected as Karen – fundraising is in her DNA!” said Langston.

Karen Nippert with her retirement plaque surrounded by colleagues Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Rose Landey and Advancement Specialist Frances Bullock. Landey worked with Nippert for 11 years. “Karen was an exceptional boss, full of compassion for her team and the students.”

Karen Nippert with her retirement plaque surrounded by colleagues Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Rose Landey and Advancement Specialist Frances Bullock. Landey worked with Nippert for 11 years. “Karen was an exceptional boss, full of compassion for her team and the students.”