Academic Affairs and Workforce Forum Highlights Departments’ Activities
From electronic vehicles and mobile health units to partnerships with Kroger and a
$1.4 million GIVE Grant, there’s a lot of activity taking place within Academic Affairs
and Workforce Development.
The teams showcased their department’s activities during a cross-knowledge forum designed to help keep employees abreast of what is happening institutionally. The forum took place at the Bert Bornblum Library Auditorium on Oct. 29 at the Macon Cove Campus and was broadcast collegewide.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Faculty Professional Development funds totaling $1,000 per person were available for needed training and resources. The deadline to apply for those funds was Nov. 1. Funds not used will be reallocated, according to Dr. Carol Ash, vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development. Inquiries about the funds can be made to Matt Lexow, Interim Dean for the Center of Teaching and Learning Excellence.
Business and Technology Dean Eddie Baker shared details about a new retail management program with Kroger that will allow graduates to qualify for management positions at the grocer and other retail companies.
With the construction of Blue Oval City’s electronic vehicle (EV) plant underway, Southwest continues to prepare the workforce for new opportunities and technology. The department is purchasing two electronic vehicles as part of the Electronic Vehicle Maintenance program, allowing up to 10 students to train on Ford-made EVs.
Starting in Spring 2025, the Health and Natural Sciences Department will roll out the Health Careers Mobile Unit. The lab is similar to the Southwest Express as it will allow for on-the-spot training when visiting schools and public spaces. The unit will provide education and information only, as no health screenings will be offered.
“Students want to know they’re getting the most up-to-date education with the latest equipment and technology,” said Sheila Bouie, dean of nursing, noting that the addition makes Southwest very favorable for students deciding where to attend school.
Academic Affairs is also introducing a new certificate in Agriculture and Biotechnology, fully utilizing the Community Garden located on the Union Avenue Campus.
The Union Avenue Campus will also see the introduction of a new industry standard recording studio thanks to a $1.5 million grant through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program. The GIVE Grant allows Southwest to establish the Southwest Entertainment Production Collaborative (SEPC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at meeting the rapidly growing workforce demands of the Memphis entertainment industry. The SEPC is strategically designed to cultivate a new generation of professionals, propelling the Memphis entertainment sector to the next level.
Amy Shead, associate vice president of Workforce Development, provided an overview of the department's activities, starting with the success of more than 600 hours of community outreach via the Southwest Express. More than 11,000 visitors have explored the mobile lab. Even more impressive are the 2,565 students who’ve passed through a workforce program, totaling 66,212 contact hours.
“We try to make sure the students that engage with us know the next steps,” she said.