KUDOS: Memphis Business Journal honors Southwest leaders as “Women Who Lead”
President Tracy D. Hall
The Memphis Business Journal’s editorial team chose Southwest President Tracy D. Hall for 2021 Women Who Lead in
Education annual recognition. The honor singled out top educational leaders at Memphis’
key institutions representing both K-12 and higher education. These women are known
for their game-changing leadership--from propelling their institutions forward to
navigating the challenges of the pandemic.
MBJ wrote: “At Southwest, her team’s big, audacious goal involved a redesign of the
student experience — from recruitment to completion — seeing significant success in
the endeavor. “Because of our bold collective impact work, we have been recognized
nationally with prestigious honors, including winning [in 2021] the coveted national
community college Bellwether Award in the Planning, Finance, and Governance category,”
she said.”
Dr. Hall was quoted in the publication: "The pandemic has allowed higher education
to see the possibilities as it relates to online/virtual education. This crisis has
resulted in renewed efforts to expand the use of technology to increase efficiency,
to address the digital divide facing underserved communities, and to increase the
social and emotional wraparound support services for students.”
Read the article online at https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2021/10/27/women-who-lead-hall-weddle-west-chisholm-burns.html
Congratulations, Dr. Hall!
AVP Daphne Thomas
MBJ recognizes AVP Thomas for marketing leadership
The MBJ editorial team selected Associate Vice President of Communications, Marketing,
and Community Relations Daphne Thomas a woman marketing leader who is making her mark
in Memphis.
“I am thrilled Daphne has received this recognition,” said Southwest president Tracy
D. Hall. “Since her arrival at Southwest just four years ago, Daphne has strategically
transformed our marketing and communications efforts and elevated our College to greater
prominence. Our Southwest community is proud of her esteemed honor.”
The Memphis Business Journal wrote of Thomas: “The transformation of the marketing
and communication efforts at Southwest has been the highlight of her 25-year career
in the industry. Noting her team essentially operates as a full-service, in-house
advertising agency for the college, the entire focus of their work changed with the
pandemic. Much of that work became crisis communications, especially now. “I am proud
of and awestruck by the work we have executed during the pandemic. It’s been a heavy
lift, but exceptionally rewarding,” she said.”
MBJ quoted Thomas: “Reputation management is more important than ever as society continues
to debate, evaluate, and embrace the inherent value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Thanks to social media, everyone has a voice that can be amplified instantly. Reputations
that have been carefully crafted can be severely damaged or even destroyed with a
viral post. Perception can become reality regardless of veracity. The ability to respond
sensitively, swiftly, and effectively is paramount.”
Read the article online at https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2021/10/04/women-who-lead-marketing-daphne-thomas.html
Congratulations, Daphne!