Fourth Annual Open House Showcases Southwest's Role in Preparing the Region's Healthcare Workforce
Panelists and special guests included (l-r) John Dixon,
a Southwest nursing graduate; Sarah Colley, senior
vice president and chief administrative officer for
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare; Mary Ellen Sumrall,
chief nursing executive and officer for Baptist Memorial
Health Care; Leticia W. Towns, FACHE, executive vice
president and chief administrative officer for Regional
One Health; Dr. Tracy D. Hall, president of Southwest
Tennessee Community College; Dr. Peter Buckley,
chancellor of The University of Tennessee Health Science
Center; Bobby White, chief government affairs officer for
the Greater Memphis Chamber; and J.B. Smiley Jr., Shelby
County Mayoral candidate.
Southwest welcomed prospective students, families, and community partners to its Fourth Annual Open House & Career Fair, transforming the Union Avenue Campus into a hub of exploration, networking, and hands-on learning centered on healthcare careers.
The 2026 event, themed “From Classroom to Career: Exploring Healthcare Pathways,” highlighted Southwest’s growing role in preparing the region’s healthcare workforce while connecting attendees directly with employers and industry leaders. Students and guests spent the day engaging with faculty, touring academic programs, and learning about career options that extend far beyond the classroom.
A cornerstone of the open house was an industry panel discussion featuring some of the region’s most prominent healthcare leaders. Moderated by Bobby White of the Greater Memphis Chamber, the panel focused on workforce development, collaboration, and the skills needed to strengthen healthcare systems across Memphis and Tennessee.
Panelists included Dr. Peter Buckley, chancellor of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Sarah Colley, senior vice president and chief administrative officer for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare; Mary Ellen Sumrall, chief nursing executive and officer for Baptist Memorial Health Care; Leticia W. Towns, FACHE, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Regional One Health; and John Dixon, a Southwest nursing graduate whose journey reflected the very pathways the event aimed to showcase.
Together, the panelists addressed healthcare workforce shortages, emerging career pathways, and the importance of mentorship, partnerships, and early exposure to healthcare professions. Speakers emphasized that healthcare offers sustainable careers with opportunities for advancement, economic mobility, and long-term community impact.
Beyond the panel, attendees explored Southwest’s Nursing, Allied Health, Business, and Technologies programs through guided tours and interactive demonstrations. Mobile exploration labs provided a hands-on look at equipment and training environments students can expect as they progress through their programs.
The career fair, which featured more than 40 local and regional employers, allowed students to connect directly with healthcare organizations and other industry partners seeking talent at various levels. Representatives discussed internships, entry-level positions, and long-term career opportunities, reinforcing the link between academic preparation and workforce needs.
The day also featured a keynote address from Dr. John Dunn, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health. Dunn offered an overview of the state’s collaborative efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and emphasized the importance of partnerships among educational institutions, employers, and public agencies in meeting future workforce demands.
Southwest leaders said the annual open house reflects the college’s mission to serve as a workforce engine for the region while expanding access to high-demand careers. By bringing together students, educators, healthcare systems, and employers in one setting, the college aims to demystify healthcare pathways and provide clear entry points into the field.
As the event concluded, students left with new connections, clearer goals, and firsthand insight into how classroom learning at Southwest can translate into meaningful careers. For the college and its partners, the open house underscored a shared commitment to developing and educating today’s—and tomorrow’s—healthcare workforce.