AI and Technology Focus of 2025 Open House, Industry Leaders Provide Students Insight

The world’s workforce may be changing rapidly thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and technology, but Mid-South business leaders all agreed that critical thinking and soft skills are still the basis of performing any job.

That message was shared by panelists participating in the Third Annual Southwest Workforce Solutions Center’s Open House on April 10 at the Macon Cove Campus. This year’s theme, “Advancing AI and Technology,” showcased the college’s offerings and brought together students, the community, and leaders from industry, government, and education for a day filled with discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations.

“This is an opportunity to let the community know about what we do and what we offer. Now, three years later, this event is just bigger and better…we have more people in attendance…we have more sponsors, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to see who we are and what we are to the community,” said Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Tracy D. Hall.

Industry leaders from Riviana Foods, AT&T, Tennessee Valley Authority, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and IMC Logistics shared their experiences on how AI and technology have revolutionized their companies, providing valuable insights on what skills students need to thrive in the modern workforce. The panel discussion was led by facilitator Dr. Joann Massey, president/CEO of EDGE: Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County. Joining the industry panelists were Southwest’s Dr. Sheila Bouie, dean of health and natural and Dr. Charles Edward Baker, dean of business and technologies.

“Technology is allowing us to have more flexibility and scalability in what we do,” said Joe Cutrell, director of strategy and innovation at AT&T. “It helps tasks happen faster and better, but you also need to learn how to leverage AI and when to use it. That’s why soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving are still required.” 

Dr. Bouie agreed and equated the use of AI and technology to that of a detective. “You’re going to pull data, know what to do with it, and not only do you have to know what to look for, but you have to understand the details. You’ll need critical processing skills, and this (Southwest) is the foundation of where to get them.”

It is that foundation that has allowed the Mid-South to be dubbed the Digital Delta, according to Ted Townsend, president/CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. He spoke to government and business leaders during the event’s private luncheon for sponsors. Serving as keynote speaker for the event, he said Memphis is known for its logistics workforce and has transformed itself into a worldwide digital hub with a diverse workforce.

“Memphis has the highest number of Black tech talent in the nation. Twenty-five percent of IT employees – one in four – are African-American,” Townsend said. “We’re among the top ten for software publishing. We now have the supply chain to produce AI and are a part of the global narrative of technology. We have the data, and we have the talent.”

Talent that attracted more than 50 employers to the event’s annual Career Fair held at the Nabors Gymnasium. The community and students were encouraged to bring resumes and visit employers seeking applicants. 

Participants were also encouraged to explore Southwest’s career offerings – programs such as nursing, biotechnology, mechanics, and culinary arts during an expo. Both the healthcare and technologies mobile Southwest Express Laboratories were available for hands-on exploration.

Open House coincided with National Signing Day (NC3 Day) in which high school seniors sign a letter of intent to attend college as a Career-Tech major upon graduation. Participating in the event were 15 seniors from Overton and Fayette-Ware High Schools. Liberty Armour was recognized as a dual-eligible student who will graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Southwest before heading to Spelman College in the fall.

In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the college bestowed a milestone recognition on one of its longstanding industry partners. Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW) was awarded the inaugural Partner of the Year Award for more than two decades of outstanding collaboration and student support. MLGW has supported educational programs through scholarships, learning labs, and career development resources and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in technical and utility-related fields. 

Accepting the award for MLGW was Lori Miller, Coordinator, Workforce Development, Human Performance & People Development; Lashell Vaughn, Vice President and Chief Information Officer; Dr. Zelphia Brown, Interim Supervisor, Human Performance & People Development; Rose Brooks, Coordinator, Workforce Development and Training, Human Performance & People Development.

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