Over a Century of Purpose
Western Tennessee A&M was founded on the belief that every person deserves access to transformative education — and that belief has guided us for more than 100 years.
Mission & Values
Western Tennessee A&M prepares students from all backgrounds for meaningful careers and civic leadership through rigorous workforce education, apprenticeship training, and community partnership — rooted in the HBCU tradition of excellence and service.
Access
We remove barriers to education and create pathways for students who have been historically underserved by traditional institutions.
Excellence
We hold ourselves and our students to the highest standards of academic rigor, professional preparation, and personal integrity.
Community
We are rooted in Memphis and Western Tennessee — our success is measured by the strength and prosperity of the communities we serve.
Innovation
We embrace emerging technologies and evolving industries, ensuring our graduates are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Our History
A century of building futures in Western Tennessee.
Founded
Western Tennessee A&M is established as a vocational and agricultural college serving Black students in the Memphis region, one of the earliest HBCU institutions in the state.
Wartime Training
The college expands its technical programs to support the national war effort, training hundreds of workers in manufacturing, logistics, and communications.
Civil Rights Era
Students and faculty play an active role in the Memphis civil rights movement. The college becomes a hub for community organizing and voter registration.
Workforce Expansion
A new partnership with regional employers launches the first formal apprenticeship pipeline, connecting graduates directly to union and industry jobs.
Technology Programs
The college introduces its first information technology curriculum, responding to the growing demand for tech-skilled workers in the Mid-South economy.
Centennial
Western Tennessee A&M celebrates 100 years of service with the launch of its AI & Emerging Technologies program and a renewed commitment to DOL-registered apprenticeships.
The Future Is Built Here
With seven active programs, employer partnerships across six industries, and a growing apprenticeship network, WTAM continues to transform lives and communities.
Leadership
Guided by educators, practitioners, and community leaders committed to our mission.
Dr. Marcus L. Whitfield
President & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Whitfield brings over 25 years of experience in higher education administration and workforce development. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Howard University and has led WTAM since 2015.
Dr. Renée A. Chambers
Provost & Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Chambers oversees all academic programs and faculty development. A former HBCU faculty member and curriculum designer, she is a nationally recognized expert in competency-based workforce education.
James T. Holloway
Vice President, Workforce & Industry Partnerships
Mr. Holloway manages WTAM's employer network and apprenticeship programs. He previously served as a regional director for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Accreditations & Affiliations
Recognized by the institutions that matter most to employers and students.
U.S. Department of Labor
Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Authorized Postsecondary Institution
THEC Workforce Development Division
Approved Workforce Training Provider
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
NAFEO Member Institution
IRS 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Tax-Exempt Educational Organization
Memphis Chamber of Commerce
Education & Workforce Partner
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Whether you're a prospective student, an employer, or a community partner — there's a place for you at Western Tennessee A&M.