Faculty, Staff Honored at 2025-26 Year-End Awards Ceremony
(L-R) Alfreda Brooks-Davis, LaToya Chavers and
Suzanne Gibson walk the red carpet in recognition of
their participation in the President’s Leadership
Academy during the annual Faculty and Staff Awards
Ceremony at the Macon Cove Campus on April 21.
Faculty and staff members were celebrated for their dedication, collaboration, and impact during the Southwest 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards on April 21 at the Macon Cove Campus.
The annual event brought together employees from across the college to recognize the achievements of colleagues nominated by their peers for exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to the College’s mission. The ceremony underscored the collective culture that drives the institution’s success and its role in serving Memphis and the region.
President Tracy D. Hall thanked employees for their work and emphasized the importance of recognizing contributions at every level of the college. “This is always an exciting event, a time where we can come together and just appreciate everything that we’ve done throughout this entire year,” Hall said, noting that while individual efforts matter, the college’s strength lies in its shared purpose.
(center) Tujuana Townsend holds the Administrative
Staff of the Year Award surrounded by her team.
Throughout the program, awards highlighted faculty and staff members whose efforts support student success, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and foster a positive campus environment. Many honorees were recognized for work that often happens behind the scenes but has a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
The event also acknowledged participants in the college’s President’s Leadership Academy, a cohort designed to develop leaders in culture, discipline, and continuous improvement. Members of the academy’s second cohort were recognized for their commitment to personal and professional growth and their contributions to advancing Southwest from “good to great.”
(L-R) President Tracy D. Hall presented the President's
Awards to Patsy Fancher, interim associate dean for
communications, graphics and fine arts.
Those recognized included: Jhona Gipson, director of advising; Bonnie Grohe, associate dean for the center of teaching and learning excellence; Alfreda Brooks-Davis, manager for workforce solutions; LaToya Chavers, director of transfer and articulation; Suanne Gibson, director of grants; Shilpa Desai, department head of medical lab technology; Sandra Wallace, executive director for business services; Craig Quinn, department head of emergency medical technology; Katrina Muldrow, director of academic support and operations; Katina Phillips, deputy CIO of information systems; Andrea Pickens, assistant director for precollegiate programs and partners; and Tujuana Townsend, director of payroll.
Strategic Planning Committee members and co-chairs were also recognized for their leadership in shaping priorities that support student pathways, workforce alignment, and data-informed decision-making. Their work reflects the college’s emphasis on collaboration and long-term planning to meet the needs of students and the community.
(L-R) Phoenix Worthy, director for student leadership
and engagement, received the Student Impact
Award-Staff and was nominated by Southwest
student Jacqueline Gillis.
Those recognized included: Terika Hughes, director of career training; Alfreda Brooks-Davis, manager workforce solutions; Dr. Derrick Wheatley, department head of business and legal Studies; Jhona Gipson, director of advising; Bill Turner, associate professor of communications, graphic design and fine arts; Rosie Britton, director of recruitment and K-12 partnerships; Shelley Trigg, associate professor of emergency medical technology; LaToya Chavers, director of transfer and articulation; Katina Muldrow, director of academic support and operations; Erica Hughes, AVP for institutional research and effectiveness; and Katina Phillips, deputy CIO.
Hall emphasized that fostering a strong internal community is essential to external impact. “Community begins at home,” she said, adding that a supportive workplace allows employees to do their best work for students and for Memphis.
Captions here use shift enter to break up lines
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the 2026 President’s Award to Patsy Fancher, who was honored for 26 years of dedicated service to the College. She is currently the interim associate dean for communications, graphics and fine arts. Fancher was recognized for her role in supporting faculty, staff, and students, strengthening donor relationships, and representing the college at events and commencements. As Fancher prepares for retirement, Hall expressed appreciation for her lasting contributions and encouraged her continued connection to the college. Applause filled the room as colleagues celebrated her career and the legacy she leaves behind.
The Faculty and Staff Awards served not only as a moment of recognition but also as a reminder of the shared commitment that drives Southwest forward. By honoring peer-nominated excellence, the college showed its appreciation for employees whose work makes Southwest a cornerstone of opportunity and success in the community.
Additional awards presented were:
Retirees
- Angela Banks – 43 years
- Phyllis Gathright – 25 years
- James Sorrell – 8 years
Outstanding Employee Recognition
- Administrative Staff – Tujuana Townsend
- Support Staff – Demetrius Parson
- Part-Time Employee – Lisa Brown
- Leadership Award – Alvin Coleman III
- Excellence in Service – Alberta Williams
- Student Impact (Staff) – Phoenix Worthy
- Student Impact (Faculty) – Cynthia Elliott
Faculty Awards
- Community Service – Sharron Hightower
- Professional Development and Leadership Activities – Michelle Jones and Melanie Jones
- Instructional and Curriculum Development – Holly Green
- Service to the College – William Turner
- Professional Development – Tad Lauritzen Wright
- Farris Award – Emily Ford
- Adjunct Award – Cheryl Richmond