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.
Before his presidency, Dr. Essex was a professor of Educational Law and Leadership at the University of Memphis. He earned his B.S. in English from Alabama A&M University, an M.S. in Educational Administration from Jacksonville State University, and a Ph.D. in Administration and Planning from The University of Alabama.
Throughout his career, Dr. Essex received numerous accolades, including the Truman M. Pierce Award for Educational Leadership, the Academic Excellence Award from The University of Alabama's Capstone College of Education Society, and the University of Memphis Distinguished Administrator of the Year award for 1995-96. He was also honored with the President's Award for leadership and service to the community by Youth Services, Inc., and President Bush's Community Service Award.
Dr. Essex is a published author, contributing significantly to the field of educational law. His works include "A Teacher's Pocket Guide to School Law" and "School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders," which serve as essential resources for educators navigating legal aspects of the education system.
One of Essex's notable accomplishments was the establishment of the Dr. Nathan Essex Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Biotechnology Building at the Union Avenue Campus in 2014. This facility was named in his honor, recognizing his contributions to the college and his dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Under his leadership, Southwest Tennessee Community College earned a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in 2013, recognizing the institution's commitment to service-learning and community engagement. Dr. Essex attributed this achievement to the dedication of the students, stating, "They're the energy driving our commitment and they're the ones who make it all happen."
Throughout his presidency, Essex focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. He was known for his collaborative leadership style and his efforts to build strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. These partnerships helped to provide students with valuable resources and opportunities for career development.
Essex's legacy at Southwest Tennessee Community College is remembered through the continued success of the institution and the positive impact he had on the lives of many students and educators. His dedication to education and community service has left a lasting mark on the Memphis community.