skip to main content
Search

Stay current with updates on our cyber incident page.

External Affairs expands division with new grants writer and PR Coordinator

By Communications and Marketing Staff 

Suzanne Gibson, Southwest’s new director of Grants Development and Management

Suzanne Gibson

Congratulations to Suzanne Gibson, Southwest’s new director of Grants Development and Management. 

Prior to her new role, Gibson was the college’s director of Community Programs and Engagement where she worked for three years. In this capacity, Gibson had the opportunity to write several grants for the division of Southwest Workforce and Community Solutions. She transitioned into her new directorship in December 2021. 

“I am grateful for this opportunity to offer my service,” Gibson said. “It is a pleasure to work with many individuals throughout the college to help secure grant funding that will allow Southwest to achieve a new level of success by developing and offering the most innovative programs in our area.” 

Gibson brings years of experience in community development, marketing, and communications. As editor of four award-winning magazines, one national, two regional, and one state-wide, Gibson has worked both on the corporate and the ad agency side. She also has a passion and an extensive history of volunteering for various organizations. 

Gibson graduated from Robert Morris University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis on communications and is currently working on a Master of Adult Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. 

Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Gibson has lived in Memphis for 30 years. She and her husband, Ralph, have three children, and recently welcomed their fifth grandchild in May.  They also are parents to Abby and Luke, golden retrievers, and two cats, Tux and Rudy.  

Feel free to contact Gibson at Sgibson12@southwest.tn.edu or 901-333-4577. 

Welcome aboard, Suzanne!

Chris Caldwell

Chris CaldwellChris Caldwell joins the Southwest family as the new public relations coordinator in the department of Communication, Marketing and Community Relations. 

Caldwell is excited to help the department continue to spotlight the College and raise awareness of the accomplishments of the faculty and staff. One of his primary goals is to inspire, encourage and be a voice for current and future Saluqis.

“I am blessed with a talent for storytelling,” Caldwell said. “I intend to use my skills and experience to showcase the works of the College and to help our team continue to elevate the Southwest name."  

Caldwell earned his Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi in 2014. He brings an extensive background in journalism and writing as a former reporter for The Delta Democrat Times in Greenville, Miss. He also has experience in marketing and communications. As the  communication coordinator for Volunteer Connection in Oxford, Miss., Caldwell managed social media platforms and generated content for press releases and the organization’s website, in addition to coordinating volunteer projects in  Lafayette, Oxford and the Oxford University community. At Ashley Furniture Home Store, Caldwell held the position of communications specialist where he headed the development and roll out of company-wide initiatives and campaigns. Before coming to Southwest in April 2022, Chris was a nutrition supervisor for the Memphis and Shelby County School District. 

Caldwell hails from Water Valley, Miss. His parents are Lee & Lula Caldwell. 

Feel free to contact Caldwell at clcaldwell12@southwest.tn.edu or 901-333-4023. 

Welcome aboard, Chris!