Mission, Vision and Values

Mission Statement approved December 10, 1999, by Tennessee Board of Regents

VISION

Southwest Tennessee Community College will become the college of choice and a national model for technical, career, and transfer education by fostering student success, transforming lives, and strengthening the diverse community.

MISSION

SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE is the comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college whose mission is to anticipate and respond to the educational needs of students, employers, and communities in Shelby and Fayette counties and the surrounding Mid-South region. The college provides citizens with an effective teaching and learning environment designed to raise educational levels, enhance economic development, and enrich personal lives.

To fulfill its multipurpose mission, the college:

Offers a broad range of learning opportunities in technical, career, general, transfer, developmental, and continuing education

Offers associate degrees, certificates, and courses to prepare students for employment, career advancement" personal enrichment, and college and university transfer

Increases educational access through technology-assisted instruction, distance learning opportunities and multiple locations
Initiates partnerships and public service activities for workforce development and lifelong learning throughout the community
Implements articulation agreements and collaborative activities with high schools, technology centers, colleges, and universities
Attracts and retains diverse faculty, staff, and students
Delivers effective academic programs, student support services, and administrative services through quality personnel, current technology, and continuous planning, evaluation, and improvement

SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE is committed to the education of a non-racially identifiable student body and promotes diversity and access without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE is a member of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

IMPLEMENTATION OF MISSION

Implementation of this mission requires specific activities carefully designed to ensure that the mission is accomplished. These activities are grounded in the college's basic values and are grounded in the college's basic values and are continuously evaluated and improved. As a current implementation strategy, the college:

Offers Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees, academic and technical certificate programs, and courses that prepare students for transfer, employment, and career advancement in areas that include allied health sciences, nursing, business, computer technologies, criminal justice, education, and engineering and related technologies, while continually developing new programs in emerging fields

Offers a general education program to improve student communication and mathematical skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal and civic responsibility

Provides customized training, specialized courses, continuing education, and assessment services to meet personal, career, and workforce development needs

Provides developmental education to strengthen basic academic skills

Develops articulation agreements and collaborative activities with high schools, technology centers, colleges, and universities to ensure smooth educational transitions for students

Develops and sustains effective partnerships with business, industry, and community agencies to foster economic development and workforce preparation

Initiates public service activities and educational collaboratives dedicated to life-long learning and the improvement of the community at large

Creates opportunities for enrichment and personal growth through social, cultural/artistic, multi-cultural, and athletic activities

Utilizes technology reflecting current business and industry standards

Provides student support services to increase opportunities for success

Promotes academic excellence by supporting effective learning with quality instruction, a free exchange of ideas, and enhanced educational experiences through honors programs

VALUES

As a college community, the faculty and staff of SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE commit to the following values as guides for their professional practice:

Learning
Student success
Academic excellence
The uniqueness and worth of each individual
Dedicated faculty and staff
Responsible learners
Diversity
Personalized instruction and hands-on learning
Open communication, teamwork and participatory management
Academic freedom
Ethical and professional behavior
Community involvement
Continuous improvement

HISTORY

SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE draws on the legacies of two colleges, Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute at Memphis, which were consolidated July 1, 2000.