Prospective students learn why Southwest is Your Best Choice at Campus Day 2018

More than 200 prospective students from area high schools, along with their family members, braved unseasonably cold weather to learn more about Southwest programs and activities during the annual Campus day Nov. 10.

Southwest President Dr. Tracy Hall welcomed the students in Nabors Auditorium with an introduction to the day’s events and a message of reflection. “Today you will learn about our campus life and the many programs we have that will prepare you for work,” she said. “You have begun your journey to the rest of your life and we are excited that you are considering us to be a part of the Saluqi family.”

Southwest Ambassador Josue Flores guides prospective students and their families on a Macon Cove Campus tour for Campus Day. .

Southwest Ambassador Josue Flores guides prospective students and their families on a Macon Cove Campus tour for Campus Day.

Associate Director for K-12 and Community Partnerships, Admissions and Recruitment Shawn Boyd says Campus Day is a team effort across all departments and organizations to engage students to start thinking about academic opportunities and career possibilities. Coordinated by the recruitment office, the half-day event involves representatives from academic affairs, admissions, financial aid, athletics, student development and various clubs. 

“Our Campus Day event is offered to the community every fall,” Boyd said. “It’s a great way for prospective students and their parents to meet and talk with faculty, staff, and current Southwest students, and to showcase our state-of-the art facilities” he said. “The day’s agenda is packed full of activities and opportunities to ask questions about our curriculum and what it means to be a Saluqi!”

Many of the families were interested in the types of student supports Southwest has to offer. Vice President for Student Services Jacqueline Faulkner addressed Southwest’s unique wrap-around services. “When you become a Saluqi, you will have four people assigned to you: a financial aid specialist, enrollment specialist, a dedicated academic advisor throughout your journey, and a faculty mentor,” she said. “We don’t believe we are successful as a college if you are not successful as a student” Faulkner told the crowd. “After today, we are convinced you will agree Southwest is your best choice.” 

Southwest Ambassador Josue Flores was one of the tour guides. Flores came to Memphis from El Salvador about four years ago and arrived at Southwest due to Tennessee Promise. He graduated from Cordova High School and this spring will be the first in his family to graduate from college. “I’m a criminal justice major and I developed all my leadership skills here,” Flores said. “I just love this school; it’s like a family to me.”  Flores enthusiastically described his educational experience to the students who were part of his tour group offering up memories from his study abroad travels to Poland and South Africa, and the many resources, scholarships and student activities available.

“Just walking around and taking this tour – I see you can’t fail here – there’s everything here at your fingertips and everyone here to help you,” said Brandy Morris, owner of Solouberb and Transportation who accompanied her daughter Breeianna Mayo, a senior at Raleigh-Egypt High School.  “I’m interested in the culinary program. I always loved cooking and today, to learn culinary arts, you need a degree and not just a certificate,” she added.

In addition to tours and meetings, the students participated in games, were entertained by Saluqi cheerleaders and treated to a BBQ lunch from One and Only.

President Tracy D. Hall discusses academics and student life with Raleigh-Egypt High School senior Breeianna Mayo and her mother, Brandy Morris.

President Tracy D. Hall discusses academics and student life with Raleigh-Egypt High School senior Breeianna Mayo and her mother, Brandy Morris.

Bartlett High School senior Wilson Reed whose interest is music and animation, talks to Assistant Professor of Information Technology and Networking Brenda Phillips.

Bartlett High School senior Wilson Reed whose interest is music and animation, talks to Assistant Professor of Information Technology and Networking Brenda Phillips.

Timane Broome Jr. and Paulisha Hunt, seniors at Germantown High School, inside the Nabors Auditorium. Both heard about Southwest from their guidance counselors and are interested in exploring opportunities at Southwest.

Timane Broome Jr. and Paulisha Hunt, seniors at Germantown High School, inside the Nabors Auditorium. Both heard about Southwest from their guidance counselors and are interested in exploring opportunities at Southwest.

Josue Flores accompanies Orlandas Mason and Jaylin Parker, both seniors at Ridgway High School, and Elbert Jones from Germantown High School, to information booths inside the Farris Building. Jones wants to major in business and commerce. “I want to start my own clothing line so I want see what Southwest has to offer in terms of becoming a small business entrepreneur.”.

Josue Flores accompanies Orlandas Mason and Jaylin Parker, both seniors at Ridgway High School, and Elbert Jones from Germantown High School, to information booths inside the Farris Building. Jones wants to major in business and commerce. “I want to start my own clothing line so I want see what Southwest has to offer in terms of becoming a small business entrepreneur.”