Honoring Southwest Presidents | Commemorative Plaque Reveal
June 11, 2025
Charles Oliver Whitehead
President State Technical Institute at Memphis | 1967-1983
Charles Oliver Whitehead was born on Oct. 10, 1915, in Rockmart, Georgia. His early
life was marked by a strong commitment to education and personal development. He pursued
higher education at the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in Agricultural Engineering. Later, he continued his studies at the University
of Tennessee, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Charles M. Temple
President State Technical Institute at Memphis | 1983-1995
Charles M. Temple served as the president of State Technical Institute at Memphis
from 1983 to 1995. Born on March 25, 1932, he had a distinguished career in both education
and the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, serving in Korea and
Vietnam, and retired as a Colonel in 1990. His military decorations included the Legion
of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Dr. Nathan Essex
President Southwest Tennessee Community College | 2000-2015
Dr. Nathan L. Essex served as the founding president of Southwest Tennessee Community
College from 2000 to 2015, overseeing the successful merger of State Technical Institute
at Memphis and Shelby State Community College. His leadership was instrumental in
uniting two institutions with distinct cultures and educational missions, fostering
growth and integration within the Memphis community. Under his leadership, the college
expanded its programs, improved facilities, and increased enrollment, becoming a key
educational institution in the Memphis area.