The emphasis will be on employment when Women in Higher Education in Tennessee holds its 2013 annual conference at MTSU.

The 33rd annual gathering of female college and university professionals will take place Friday, Oct. 18, in the Student Union Building.

Dr. Shirley Raines

“Career Compass: Are You Headed in the Right Direction?” will be the theme of the event.

“We are excited to bring WHET to the MTSU campus for the first time,” said Connie Huddleston, coordinator for the MTSU College of Liberal Arts. “Many professional women are ready to become mentors for the younger women coming along in this profession.”

Dr. Shirley Raines, president emeritus of the University of Memphis, will deliver the keynote address during a luncheon from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

A native of Bells, Tenn., Raines was the 11th president and in the school’s history and the first woman in that position. She retired June 30, 2013, after 12 years at the helm.

During Raines’ tenure, enrollment at the University of Memphis grew to more than 22,000 students. In 2012, the school awarded 4,033 degrees, the most in its history.

In addition, the university expanded its honors program and acquired Lambuth University, now known as the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus.

From 3 to 4 p.m., a panel discussion will focus on female administrators in higher education.

Click on the WHET logo above to visit the organization’s website.

Since 1980, Women in Higher Education “has sought to meet the needs of women in the academy,” according to the group’s website.

WHET holds professional development seminars, partners with the statewide Women’s Leadership Conference for college and university students, offers annual scholarships and supports members’ participation in national leadership conferences.

Women from all levels of higher education, including students, faculty and staffers, are invited to join WHET for professional development and other career opportunities.

“If you are looking for a way to move forward in your career in academics, WHET is the place to start,” said Huddleston.

Conference fees are $50 for professionals and $20 for students. Membership fees also are $50 for professionals and $20 for students.

For more information, contact Connie Huddleston at 615-494-7628 or connie.huddleston@mtsu.edu. To register, contact WHET Treasurer Judy Jordan at jjordan@cumberland.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)