Southwest Holds Winter Recharge 2026 with Focus on Accessibility and Innovation

A large group of people in a bright computer lab, each seated at a desktop. Conversations suggest collaboration and a focused, educational atmosphere.
Southwest faculty packed the ADA Compliance session during the 8th annual Winter
Recharge.

Southwest started 2026 with its eighth annual Winter Recharge event, bringing faculty together for two days of professional development designed to energize teaching practices and advance student success.

The event, organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), featured a mix of 90-minute workshops, 45-minute mini-sessions, and a resource fair. Organizers said the goal was to provide faculty with timely, relevant, and actionable strategies that could be applied immediately in the classroom.

This year’s theme centered on accessibility and innovation. College leaders emphasized the importance of meeting a March 31, 2026, mandate requiring all digital course materials to be fully accessible. “Accessibility was not just about compliance—it reflected our values and commitment to equitable access for all students,” said Sherria King, dean of humanities, social sciences, and math, during the opening session.

Dr. Sarah Marshall, an instructional designer from the University of Memphis, led in-depth sessions on ADA compliance and universal design. “Removing barriers for students directly supported their learning and success,” she said.

Beyond accessibility, faculty explored topics such as artificial intelligence in education, global learning opportunities, and strategies for fostering student engagement. Organizers encouraged participants to share best practices and collaborate on solutions that enhanced classroom experiences.

College officials highlighted recent milestones, including reaffirmation of accreditation and the launch of a five-year strategic plan, Pathways to Prosperity Reform 3.0. Enrollment was up 13 percent compared to last year, with more than 240 students attending the final new student orientation the previous week.

Dr. Jose de Silva

“Students were excited to be at Southwest, and that energy was contagious,” said Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Dr. Jose da Silva, who delivered remarks on behalf of President Dr. Tracy D. Hall.

He noted that the college is undergoing a major organizational restructure with the merging of academic and student affairs to create a more coordinated approach to student support. Consultants from the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) are scheduled to lead listening sessions in the coming months to gather input from faculty, staff, and students.

The resource fair, featuring campus partners, took place in the Bert Bornblum Library’s Cyber Café both days. Leaders closed the opening session with a call to action: “Reconnect with colleagues, refresh your practices, and let’s continue to inspire one another as we reimagine the future of Southwest.”

Winter Recharge, now in its eighth year, had become a cornerstone for faculty development at Southwest. “This was our chance to build momentum going into the new year,” said Matt Lexow, dean for CTLE. “Together, we could make 2026 a year of innovation and impact.”