The HBCU Experience Panel

IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The HBCU Experience Panel

Why I Chose My HBCU and How It Helped Me Prepare for My Career

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Meeting ID: 878 7650 1091 | Passcode: IMSAHCBU26


MODERATED BY

Anita Connors White, Ph.D.

Dean of IMSA Scholars
  • Dr. White attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and received her doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

Justin Alfred

Civil Engineering/Computer Scientist, Lockheed Martin
  • Studied Civil Engineering / Computer Science at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge

Joseph Bertrand ‘20

Associate Engineer, Caterpillar Inc.
  • Studied Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro
    NC

Jaida Bethell (Lewis) '15

Owner: Poised Lips by Jai
Program Coordinator, CVS Health
  • Studied Chemistry at Texas Southern University

Darryl Burrell Jr., P.E.

Project Manager, City of Pearland, Texas Engineering
and Public Works
  • Studied Civil Engineering at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

Dr. Garry J. Kennebrew Jr. ‘04

MAJ, US Army Reserve

Emergency Medicine Physician
-Hospitals of Providence
-University Medical Center of El Paso
  • Studied Biology at Morehouse College, Atlanta

  • Received Doctorate in Medicine from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Ja’Nae McGee

Mechanical Engineer, DOW Chemical Company
  • Studied Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge

Joseph Pollard

Product Security & Penetration Tester, Emerson Electric

  • Studied Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama

Tony Richardson II

Manufacturing Engineer, The Boeing Company
  • Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge

  • Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

  • Pursuing PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Austin Spencer

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Studied Biology-Psychology (dual major) at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama

Jayda Yancey ‘19

Process Chemist, Eli Lilly and Company
  • 2023 Graduate of North Carolina A&T State University

  • Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Indiana University

Contact

Angela Richardson

Supervisor, Information Resource Center
angie@imsa.edu