Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0551

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/23
• Engrossed: 4/18/23
• Enrolled: 4/21/23
• Passed: 5/2/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor Walters State Community College on being named the Community College of the Year.

Impact

The resolution serves to publicly commend Walters State Community College and highlight its successes in improving student outcomes, collaborating on workforce readiness initiatives, and having a strategic impact on broader state educational goals. It reflects not only the institution's achievements but also illustrates the importance placed on community colleges within the educational landscape of Tennessee. As such, it reinforces state support for enhancing educational quality and accessibility at these institutions.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 551, introduced by Senator Southerland, is a resolution that honors Walters State Community College for being named the Community College of the Year by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Walters State has received this prestigious award, which is given as part of the SOAR Awards program that celebrates community colleges in Tennessee based on their achievements and contributions to student success and local communities. The resolution emphasizes the commitment of the college's administration, faculty, staff, and students to academic excellence and their significant advancements in various metrics related to student achievement and workforce development.

Contention

While the resolution itself may not carry contentious elements as it pertains to commending an educational institution, it represents the ongoing dialogues regarding funding and support for community colleges in the state. Discussions around the challenges these institutions face, including budget constraints and meeting increasing educational demands, underline the necessity of recognizing and supporting community colleges as vital components of higher education in Tennessee.