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FROM THE PRESIDENT

We are the community’s college

Dr. Tracy HallThe mission, reach and impact of community colleges are fundamental, yet responsive and evolving. Community colleges were established to provide greater access to higher education and at a lower cost. Today, the role of community colleges is expanding exponentially due to the pandemic, the information technology revolution and the growing awareness of the prevalence and devastating impact of social injustice in our country and world.

The pandemic has done more than change life as we know it. It has shone a light on those sometimes hidden imperfections in our society, also known as disparities. One such disparity is the digital divide. Oh, sure, we knew there was such a thing. But the pandemic has shown just how deep and debilitating it can be for underserved populations. We are addressing this issue with an expanded laptop loan program and WiFi access.

Now, another disparity has surfaced: vaccination access disparity. The Associated Press reported Jan. 30, 2021, that “a racial gap has opened up in the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, with Black Americans in many places lagging behind whites in receiving shots.” The article further reports that of the 17 states and two cities that released racial breakdown data, “Black people in all places are getting inoculated at levels below their share of the general population, in some cases significantly below.”

This trend also holds true regarding economic status. The more affluent you are, the more likely you have been or will be vaccinated before someone who is not. This is deeply troubling and could have far-reaching impacts on the health and quality of life of underserved populations moving forward. Whether this is a natural occurrence, a mysterious one that is the result of limited supply and overwhelming demand, or one that is the manifestation of deeper, systemic issues in our society, one thing is true: community colleges can serve. Serve is what we do. Solutions are what we provide. Results are what we strive to achieve in all things.

Therefore, when we received the call to offer our Whitehaven Center as a location to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine Feb. 3-27, our simple answer was: “Yes. What can we do? What do you need?” The Whitehaven Center is a gem in one of Memphis’s most historic and beloved communities. It is a beacon of learning, a place where minds, hearts, souls and purposes meet to move our community forward, one life at a time. And this Southwest location is shining brightly.

The vaccination operation has been smooth, thanks to the talent and dedication of Southwest staff who worked alongside Shelby County Health Department and government officials to bring this indispensable service to the Memphis community. Residents have voiced their profound appreciation to Shelby County Government and us for making the vaccine accessible in their neighborhood. We even had some retired nurses from the area get vaccinated while the media was present as a show of solidarity and to serve as an example of courage and community pride to everyone. I truly appreciate the work you have done to make this service to the community a reality and all you will continue to do.

Thank you all for all you have done throughout this global crisis. You have been there for our students and the broader community. Pivoting. Innovating. Envisioning. Implementing. And, yes: serving. Stay strong. Stay safe. And let’s stay the course, serving Memphis and beyond as we move past this long, dark tunnel that has been the pandemic and look toward brighter and better days.

Shelby County Health Department vaccinators at the Whitehaven Center Vaccination Site administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to retired nurses.

Shelby County Health Department vaccinators at the Whitehaven Center Vaccination Site administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to retired nurses.

Dr. Tracy Hall

Dr. Tracy D. Hall
President