Western Tennessee A&M is proud to announce the expansion of its AI & Emerging Technologies program beginning Spring 2027. The redesigned curriculum adds 120 hours of hands-on lab instruction, three new employer partnerships in the Memphis tech corridor, and a direct articulation pathway into the college's DOL-registered apprenticeship program.

"The demand for AI-literate workers in our region is growing faster than any other sector," said Dr. Marcus L. Whitfield, President of WTAM. "This expansion ensures our students are not just learning about AI — they are building the skills employers need right now."

The updated program includes new modules in machine learning fundamentals, data pipeline management, and AI ethics. Students who complete the program will be eligible to sit for the CompTIA AI+ certification exam, with exam fees covered by the college.

Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort open December 1, 2026. Enrollment is limited to 24 students. Prospective students are encouraged to attend an information session on November 19 at 5:30 PM in the Workforce Innovation Center.

Western Tennessee A&M and Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding establishing a formal apprenticeship pipeline for WTAM graduates.

Under the agreement, MLGW will offer a minimum of 12 paid apprenticeship positions per year to graduates of WTAM's Electrical Technology, Telecommunications & Fiber Optic, and Building & Facilities Maintenance programs. Apprentices will earn prevailing union wages from day one.

"This is exactly the kind of partnership our students need — a direct line from the classroom to a career with benefits, a pension, and a future," said James T. Holloway, VP of Workforce & Industry Partnerships.

The partnership also includes a $75,000 equipment grant from MLGW to upgrade WTAM's electrical lab facilities, with installation scheduled for January 2027.

Western Tennessee A&M will hold its Fall 2026 Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103.

This fall's graduating class of 143 students represents the largest cohort in the college's history. Graduates have completed programs in Culinary Arts, Construction Craft Technology, AI Support Specialist, Telecommunications & Fiber Optic, and Building & Facilities Maintenance.

Keynote speaker will be announced in November. Each graduate may invite up to four guests. Tickets are free and will be distributed through the Registrar's Office beginning November 15.

A reception for graduates and their families will follow the ceremony in the Cannon Center lobby. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend in academic regalia.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has awarded Western Tennessee A&M a $1.2 million Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant to expand the college's apprenticeship infrastructure and modernize its training facilities.

The grant will fund construction of a new 4,000-square-foot Trades Training Center on the WTAM campus, scheduled to open in Fall 2027. The facility will include dedicated labs for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fiber optic installation.

A portion of the grant will also support 40 need-based scholarships for students enrolling in the college's apprenticeship-pathway programs in 2027.

"This investment from the state reflects the critical role WTAM plays in building Tennessee's workforce," said Dr. Whitfield. "We are grateful to Commissioner Burns and the TDLWD for their confidence in our mission."

Western Tennessee A&M's Culinary Arts & Professional Chef program has been awarded accreditation by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), making WTAM the first HBCU in Tennessee to hold this distinction.

The accreditation process involved a comprehensive review of the program's curriculum, faculty credentials, facilities, and student outcomes. ACFEF evaluators cited the program's industry-connected curriculum and its 94% job placement rate as particular strengths.

"This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our culinary faculty and the talent of our students," said Dr. Renée A. Chambers, Provost. "It also signals to employers that a WTAM culinary credential carries real weight."

ACFEF accreditation allows WTAM culinary graduates to apply for ACF membership and access a national network of culinary professionals and employers.

Western Tennessee A&M will open enrollment for all Spring 2027 programs on December 1, 2026. Prospective students may apply online at the WTAM application portal or in person at the Admissions Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

All seven programs have openings for the Spring cohort. The AI Support Specialist and Telecommunications & Fiber Optic programs are expected to fill quickly; prospective students in those programs are encouraged to apply early.

Financial aid is available to all admitted students who complete a FAFSA. WTAM also offers institutional scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need or academic achievement. Payment plans are available for students who do not qualify for full financial aid coverage.

For more information, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@mywestam.org or call (901) 256-8618.