Southwest Tennessee Community College is the comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college whose mission is to anticipate and respond to the educational needs of students, employers, and communities in Shelby and Fayette counties and the surrounding Mid-South region. The college provides citizens with an effective teaching and learning environment designed to raise educational levels, enhance economic development, and enrich personal lives.

To fulfill its multipurpose mission, the College:

Offers a broad range of learning opportunities in technical, career, general, transfer, developmental, honors, and continuing education
Offers associate degrees, certificates, and courses to prepare students for employment, career advancement" personal enrichment, and college and university transfer
Increases educational access through technology-assisted instruction, distance learning opportunities and multiple locations
Initiates partnerships and public service activities for workforce development and lifelong learning throughout the community
Implements articulation agreements and collaborative activities with high schools, technology centers, colleges, and universities
Attracts and retains diverse faculty, staff, and students
Delivers effective academic programs, student support services, and administrative services through quality personnel, current technology, and continuous planning, evaluation, and improvement
Southwest Tennessee Community College is committed to the education of a non-racially identifiable student body and promotes diversity and access without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a member of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents.