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Southwest technologies instructor Christopher Rogers takes pride in his student-first approach

By Chris Caldwell 

Southwest Technologies Instructor Christopher Rogers
Southwest Technologies Instructor Christopher Rogers

Southwest educators are teaching students more than how to navigate career paths, they are providing all the essentials it takes for them to succeed, from connecting them to mentorships and apprenticeships, to assisting them with mental health concerns.  

That’s how Southwest technologies Instructor Christopher Rogers sees his role at the College. Rogers has found that the key to success for his students lies in helping them become the best versions of themselves, academically and professionally. 

“I am honored to be able to teach the future students in my industry and grateful to be able to make a difference in their lives,” Rogers said. “I started in the technologies industry and I was considered “green”. I didn’t understand what was needed to be successful, just like many of our students starting out. I can identify with the needs of our students.” 

Rogers has been an instructor at Southwest since 2014. He previously worked in the industrial maintenance field for companies such as Alcoa, Electrolux Memphis, Graham Packaging and Cal Western Packaging, amassing over 20 years of industry experience.

He knows the Memphis workforce is ripe for students pursuing technologies fields and believes Southwest is the best place to get workforce-ready. “We have the two-year degrees and certifications that can get students on their way to competitive jobs in this market. Companies are looking for talent and they are looking to us for that talent,” Rogers said. 

Rogers teaches classes in mechatronics, mechanical components, electrical control systems, computer controls systems, process control systems and robotics. One emerging field is mechatronics, a multidisciplinary field of engineering that includes a combination of systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering and computer engineering. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in mechatronics are expected to grow rapidly in the next 10 years. 

“Southwest’s state-of-the-art equipment makes this College an industry leader for students and a great institution for local business to find the talent they need,” Rogers said. 

For more information about Southwest’s technologies program, click here.