Southwest Honors Class of 2025, Milestone MDHS Grads

Southwest Tennessee Community College celebrated its 27th commencement ceremony on May 15, conferring 1,312 associate degrees and certificates to 1,295 graduates at the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. Memphis Mayor Paul Young delivered the keynote address, highlighting the graduates' achievements and what their future holds for the Mid-South. 

“I firmly believe that our city is writing a new chapter and that chapter is going to be crafted and cultivated by each and every one of you,” Young said. “You are going to change the future of our great city. Use this as the launch pad.”

More than a quarter of students graduating were recognized as graduating with academic distinction – 110 achieving a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 to 4.0 with the designation of Summa Cum Laude; 160 with 3.5-3.79 GPA as Magna Cum Laude; and 140 achieving 3.25-3.49 as Cum Laude.

The ceremony celebrated the senior class of 43 students from Medical District High School (MDHS) who became the first to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. MDHS was established in 2021 on Southwest's Union Avenue Campus and is unique in that it offers a dual-credential pathway in health science, information technology, and general studies via Southwest.

"These young scholars have shown extraordinary commitment and maturity—earning college degrees while still in high school," said Southwest President Tracy D. Hall. "They are on a clear path to meaningful careers in high-demand fields."

Teresa Dickerson, a 1998 graduate of Shelby State Community College, was recognized as Alumnus of the Year. She is the CEO of Isaiah 54 Films, a production company creating inspiring and socially reflective stories. Prior, she served as the corporate affairs manager for Kroger and the director of community investment for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 2025 William W. Farris Faculty Service Award was presented to Dr. Joyce Johnson, a professor of biology in the Department of Natural Science, for her dedication to student learning, curriculum innovation, and community engagement. She also represents Southwest on the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Faculty and Service-Learning councils and serves as Faculty Senate President.

The 2025 Commencement Ceremony is available to view online. Photos from the event can be found on Flickr. To view reels and more content, check out our Facebook and Instagram.