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Outstanding Alumni

Ms. Tifinie Adams (TSU BSAE ’04)

Ms. Tifinie Adams  graduated from Tennessee State University in 2004 with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering. After graduating from Tennessee State, Tifinie obtained her master’s degree in urban planning with a Concentration in Community Development from The University of Louisville. Tifinie spent two years working in Oldham County, Kentucky as a Planning Technician and is now working with the Nashville Metropolitan Planning Department as a Community Planner. Tifinie has led several community planning efforts in and around the Nashville Metropolitan area, helping community stakeholders plan for sustainable growth, development, and preservation.

Ms. Annette Barnes (TSU BSAE ’00)

Ms. Annette Barnes  earned her B.S. degree in architectural engineering from Tennessee State University in 2000. She continued her education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute receiving a Master of Architecture degree in 2003. Ms Barnes is a Registered Architect, and a LEED AP. She is currently employed with Envision Architects in Albany, NY and is project architect for construction administration.  She was recently the recipient of the 2010 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award.

Mr. Mario Beddingfield (TSU BSCE '05 MSCE '08)

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) GALVESTON, Texas (May 30, 2014) -- When Mario Beddingfield's sixth grade science teacher asked him if he had ever thought about becoming an engineer, he replied that he wasn't interested in learning how to drive a train. Luckily for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, curiosity got the better of him and he quickly became captivated with engineering after researching the subject. "I have always been fascinated with the whole construction process, but over time I have found a good niche in water resources," said Beddingfield, a hydraulic engineer in the Hydrology and Hydraulics/Water Control Branch. As the program coordinator for the district's Flood Plain Management Services Program, he oversees water control forecasts and operations for the Wallisville Lake Project and Addicks and Barker reservoirs and dams. The Addicks and Barker flood risk management structures are located in southeast Texas in the San Jacinto River basin approximately 17 miles west of downtown Houston. While both reservoirs are normally dry, when a rain event occurs the gates are closed on the dams to reduce flooding below the reservoirs and protect the Houston metropolitan area from flooding. "These structures have saved taxpayers an estimated $6.74 billion (2013) in potential flood prevention," said Beddingfield. "I enjoy my career because I feel that the work I do prevents families and communities from experiencing the tragedies associated with flooding." Assisting with implementing interim risk reduction measures at the dams to reinforce spillways and repair joints in the water-discharge tunnels, he explains that previous work to fill voids beneath the watercontrol outlet structures, construct a granular filter to capture fine embankment and foundation material and install lighting and emergency generators at the outlet structures have all helped to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding of the downstream areas until a permanent solution can be executed next year. "I enjoy the problem solving aspect of my work," Beddingfield said. "A customer comes to you with a flooding problem and ask you to fix it. It is really rewarding when you can design something that prevents destruction of personal and public property and possibly save lives." Beddingfield knows firsthand the significance structures such as the reservoirs and dams have in communities, serving as a hydrologic and hydraulic technical expert for the Unit Operations Center Crisis Action Team at USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C., during the 2010 Nashville and the 2011 Missouri River floods. "Nashville experienced a record flood that caused billions of dollars in damage and casualties," Beddingfield said. "As bad as things seemed to be, I realized that without the projects and work that we do at the Corps, it would have been a lot worse. It really helps put into perspective the importance of what we do on a daily basis and I was able to see how the Corps handles disasters from a national level." A native of Nashville, Tenn., Beddingfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (2005), a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Tennessee State University (2008) and is a licensed professional engineer. In 2014, he was awarded the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Conference Modern Day Technology Award. Previous to moving to Galveston, he was an adjunct professor for the Civil Engineering Department at Tennessee State University, teaching fluid mechanics, environmental engineering and structural testing labs. In his free time he volunteers to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields within local high schools and colleges and is a huge fan of the Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State Tigers. 

Mr. John Brew (TSU BSCE & MSCE)

Structural Engineer John Brew, P.E., has been named “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE). The award is presented annually to a member of TSPE, aged 35 or younger, who has made significant contributions to the engineering profession and their community during the early years of their career. “We are fortunate to have talented young professionals like John at Gresham Smith,” commented Al Pramuk, chairman and chief executive officer, Gresham Smith. “We are proud that TSPE is honoring the hard work and dedication we see from him every day. John is an exceptional young leader who exemplifies our firm’s commitment to professional and community organizations.” Brew joined the firm in 2004 and has nearly 15 years of structural engineering experience. He has worked with the firm’s Aviation, Transportation, Corporate + Urban Design, Industrial and Healthcare markets on various projects, including the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the award winning TDOT SR-254/Otter Creek ABC Bridge and the on-going Rutherford County Judicial Center. In addition to TSPE, Brew is also a member of the Tennessee Structural Engineers Association and the Tennessee Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He was named “Outstanding Practitioner Advisor” in 2013 and “Outstanding Younger Member in Community Activities” in 2014 by the ASCE Eastern Region and “Young Engineer of the Year” in 2016 by the ASCE Nashville Branch. Brew is a graduate of Tennessee State University where he earned both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering. TSPE is the state society of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). It is a professional association with more than 1,000 members comprised of professional engineers, engineering associates, engineering interns and engineering students. The organization promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering and advocates licensure to enhance the engineering profession and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. TSPE is organized geographically into seven local chapters, while an elected board of directors conducts the business of the society.

Mr. Dave Collins (TSU BSAE ’08)

Mr. Dave Collins  graduated from Tennessee State University in 2008 with a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering. He earned his Master of Science in Structural Engineering from University of Texas at Austin in 2010. Mr. Collins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Tech University in 2005. Mr. Collins is owner at OneRack, LLC of Franklin, TN.

Ms. LaShawna Criswell (TSU BSAE ’03)

Ms. LaShawna Criswell  is a 2003 graduate of Tennessee State University where she earned a B.S. degree in architectural engineering. Ms. Criswell is a field engineer at M.A. Mortenson Co (Minneapolis, MN) and is presently working toward her career goal of becoming a senior project or construction manager, managing multi-million-dollar projects for her company. Ms. Criswell died on July 25, 2013.  

Ms. Erika L. Davis (TSU BSAE ’02)

Ms. Erika L. Davis  graduated from Tennessee State University in 2002 with a B.S. degree of architectural engineering. Ms. Davis is a professional engineer in AL. She is a first Black Woman professional series civil engineer with US Forest Service at Land Between the Lakes NRA (2002), National Forests in Alabama (2006). She is currently the Recreation Heritage Engineering Lands and Minerals Staff Officer for the National Forests in Florida. She passed the PE exam on first attempt (2007) and is the first Black Woman to hold position of Engineer Program Manager within Southern Region of US Forest Service (2009). Erika is an experienced Empowerment Coach, founder and principal coach for Exhale Consulting, LLC.

Mr. Jerome D. Dempsey (TSU BSCE ’92)

Mr. Jerome D. Dempsey  is a 1992 B.S. degree graduate of Tennessee State University in civil engineering.  Mr. Dempsey completed his M.S. degree in civil engineering (public works major) in 1996 at the University of Tennessee.  He is a registered engineer in Tennessee, certified environmental specialist, certified environmental inspector, and certified asbestos inspector.  Mr. Dempsey is president of Dempsey, Dilling and Associates, P.C. Engineering Consultants in Smyrna, TN.

Dr. Cedric Fairbanks (TSU BSCE ’99)

Cedric D. Fairbanks, Ph.D., P.E.,  is a native of Chattanooga, TN who moved to Durham, North Carolina in 2012.  While residing in Durham, NC he has been a Lead Engineer at Duke Energy for 6 years.  Dr. Fairbanks graduated in December 1999 from Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.  After graduation, he worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Department of Army Intern.  In 2002, Dr. Fairbanks attended graduate school at Clemson University, and subsequently received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and holds a PE license in several states.  On January 2, 2020, Dr. Fairbanks was appointed to a five-year term to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors by Governor Roy Cooper.  Cedric resides in Durham with his wife Jessica and their 4-year-old son, Thomas Cedric. He enjoys playing sports with his son and taking family trips around the beautiful state of North Carolina.

Ms. Bridget Hall (TSU BSAE ’05)

Ms. Bridget Hall  graduated from Tennessee State University in 2005 with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering.  In 2009, she earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati where she co-authored This is Uptown: Speculations on Mythological Urbanism with the Neioff Urban Studio in 2008.  In her professional career thus far, she aided in the development of many projects ranging from renovations of small-scale buildings to the design of multi-million-dollar buildings, complexes and master plans and has recently obtained certification as a LEED Green Associate. She is currently overseeing the construction of the first phase of The Banks in Cincinnati, Ohio with Moody-Nolan Inc which includes over 80,000 square feet of retail and 300 luxury apartments and is the largest urban development underway in the country. 

Mr. Don Hardin (TSU BSAE ’90)

Mr. Don Hardin  is a 1990 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S degree in architectural engineering.  Mr. Hardin is licensed as a general contractor in the state of Tennessee, and PMP certified.  In 2001, Mr. Hardin founded The Don Hardin Group and presently presides as president & chief executive officer.  The Don Hardin Group is a construction consulting and project management firm, which specializes in owner’s agent services, located in Nashville, TN.

Ms. Debbi Howard (TSU BSCE ’94)

Ms. Debbi Howard  earned a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Tennessee State University in 1994.  The former Dwight Eisenhower Scholar and Tennessee Road Builders Scholar, in 1998 earned an M.S. degree in civil engineering (Engineering Management specialty) from University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Presently, Ms. Howard with 26 years of experience with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, moved up in rank from a Roadway Specialist, Transportation Specialist, Structural Engineer to her current position as a Transportation Manager. In these roles she served as the Highway Performance Monitoring System Coordinator as well as the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) State Coordinator for the Department.

Dr. Hinton Jones (TSU BSAE ’67)

Dr. Hinton Jones  is a 1967 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering.  Dr. Jones completed a Master of Architecture at Howard University is 1970 and a doctorate in architecture at The University of Michigan in 1987.  Dr. Jones is a licensed and registered architect in Tennessee, and is LEEDs certified.  He is the interim department head and associate professor in the Department of Architectural Engineering and Facilities Engineering at TSU. Dr. Hinton died on August 19, 2013.

Mr. Jimmie Jones (TSU BSCE)

Jimmie Jones was born and raised in Chicago, Il. He is married with two children, Jameson and Charlotte, and has been in Nashville since 2009. The son of a bleeding heart social worker, Jimmie has devoted his life to family, building, and service. Jimmie received B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and Mathematics from Tennessee State University and Lane College, respectfully. Jimmie started his career in construction as a Project Engineer Intern on the HCA Capitol View Project. Upon graduation, Jimmie moved to Atlanta, Ga., and worked as a Project Engineer at Emory Hospital: J Wing Expansion. With a desire to move back to Nashville, he took a position with Turner Construction as an Exterior Skin Engineer on their very first high-rise commercial building in Tennessee. Following that, Jimmie was the Project Engineer for the iHeart Media’s Headquarter Project in Downtown Nashville. With a passion to be more hands-on, Jimmie transitioned into a Project Superintendent role which allows him to direct subcontractors and coordinate work being put in place. He has completed a demolition and renovation project at the AT&T Building or “Batman Building” Lobby and Courtyard. He is currently completing a data center in Franklin, as he awaits the next highrise project. Jimmie is a corporate recruiter and handles relationships with Turner Construction and TSU to create a conduit for more HBCU Engineers to get into construction. Jimmie is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is an advocate for volunteering within social services. He is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Genie Restorations, a 501c3 Nonprofit, dedicated to providing basic and essential home repairs for the underserved.

Ms. Tiffanie Kendrick (TSU BSAE ’02)

Ms. Tiffanie Kendrick  earned her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering at Tennessee State University in 2002 and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Strayer University in 2006.  Tiffanie started her career working for Turner Construction, one of America’s largest Construction companies. During her tenure with the company, she completed over $1Billion USD of new construction nationally and internationally for government and private clients. Currently, Tiffanie consults around the world with numerous governments and other Fortune 500 Companies

Ms. Jean Hopper King (TSU BSAE ’83)

Ms. Jean Hopper King  received her Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from Tennessee State University (TSU) in 1983.  She has worked in the architecture field as well as the construction side of the industry for many years.  She served under US Commerce’s Department as a construction consultant. The past sixteen years Jean has been self employed as a residential and commercial real estate licensed appraiser. Before receiving an engineering degree from TSU, Jean also received a Bachelor of Science degree in clothing & textile in 1974 and a teacher’s certification in 1975 from Tennessee State University.

Mr. Tyrone Lewis (TSU BSAE ’82)

Mr. Tyrone Lewis  is a 1982 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering.  Mr. Lewis is a certified architect in Tennessee.  Mr. Lewis is a former interior space planner with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), based in Memphis, TN, with responsibility for all IRS sites across the US.   Mr. Lewis is also employed in the architectural firm Architectural, Inc. based in Memphis, TN

Mr. Harrison Lockhart (TSU BSAE ’99)

Mr. Harrison Lockhart  graduated from Tennessee State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering. Mr. Lockhart passed the Professional Engineer exam and obtained his Professional License in the State of Tennessee in June 2010. Currently, he is working as an engineer in Government Agency in the Bahamas and has owned business in the Bahamas and applied for Business License in Tennessee

Mr. Jerel McCants (TSU BSAE ’94)

Mr. Jerel McCants  is a 1996 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering. He earned a Master of Architecture from University of South Florida, Tampa in 2001. Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. was established in 2009.  Jerel has been published in various magazines and online journals. His most recent contribution was on the digital magazine called The Manual. Jerel has served on AIA Tampa Bay’s Board and in 2010 received the President’s Award and will be the incoming President in 2021. He is active in community politics serving as the 11^th Congressional District Delegate to the DNC in 2008. His firm won the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce 2015 Small Business of the Year Award and was accepted into the SBA 8(a) Certification Business Development Program.

Mr. Fredrick L. McKissack (TSU BSAE ’64)

Mr. Fredrick L. McKissack  is a 1964 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in civil engineering.  Mr. McKissack worked first as a civil engineer for the city of St. Louis and the U.S. Army.and later owned his own general contracting company in St. Louis.  He devoted his time to the family business, All-Writing Services.  Since the 1980's, he and his wife Patricia (also a TSU Graduate, ’64) have written over a hundred books together.  Most of their titles are biographies and African American histories. Frederick is the researcher of the duo and leaves the writing to his wife.  They work together to refine the manuscript. His collaboration with Patricia McKissack has led to the publication of several award-winning titles, including their 2003 Coretta Scott King Honor Book; Days of Jubilee; Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I A Woman; Jesse Jackson: a Biography; and Frederick Douglas: The Black Lion are just a few of their titles. Mr. McKissack died on April 28, 2013.

Ms. Rhonda D. Mundy (TSU BSCE ’86)

Ms. Rhonda D. Mundy  graduated in 1986 from TSU with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. She retired July 2020 after 34 years with the City of Dayton, Oh., Bureau of Traffic Engineering. Her responsibilities included traffic operations, studies, and pavement marking design. She served the TSU Engineering Alumni Association as Corresponding Secretary, Vice President and President. Ms. Mundy was honored with the Chapter Spirit Award and Think, Work, Serve Award. Under her leadership, the TSUEAA received the 2020 TSUNAA Small Chapter of the Year Award. Ms. Mundy received a M.A. degree in Christian Ministries from United Theological Seminary and is Christian Education Director for Mt. Enon Baptist Church, Dayton, OH. 

Mr. Kenneth Perkins (TSU BSCE)

Civil Engineer Kenneth Perkins, P.E., PTOE has been named Jack B. Humphreys Young Member Award by Tennessee Section of Institute of Transportation Engineers (TSITE). This recognition is given to a TSITE member who has contributed significantly to the Section or the profession over the past few years. Established in 2002, this award recognizes the achievements of members under the age of 35. Currently Kenneth is 2021 President for the Nashville Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Secretary for TSITE. Kenneth also serves on the Tennessee State University Engineering Alumni Association (TSUEAA) board as recording secretary and treasurer. Kenneth is a graduate of Tennessee State University where he earned both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering.

Ms. Kenyona Pierre (TSU BSAE ’07)

Ms. Kenyona Pierre  is a 2007 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering.  Ms Kenyona is currently pursuing a Master of Science in degree in civil engineering (transportation engineering) at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa.

Mr. William A. Radford (TSU BSAE ’04)

Mr. William A. Radford  earned a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering from Tennessee State University in 2004. While at TSU, he became an Officer Candidate of the US NAVY Civil Engineering Corps being honorably discharged with the national defense service medal after approximately 4 years of service. Mr. Radfod went on to operate an independent design-build consulting service for single and multi-family home developers. Currently, he serves as Architectural Design Manager for Lend Lease Americas, providing management for the first-ever privatization of hotels on U.S. Army posts, Privatized Army Lodging – a $450 million dollar transaction, noted as Project Finance's 2009 "North American Real Estate Deal of the Year".

Mrs. Isabelle Revell-Ford (TSU BSCE ’82 and TSU ME Environmental Engineering)

Mrs. Isabelle Revell-Ford  is a 1982 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. She also earned a M.E. degree in Environmental Engineering in 2005 from TSU.   Mrs. Ford early career started with Ga Department of Transportation as a Transportation Engineer. Mrs. Ford retired from the City of Mt Juliet, TN in 2014 where she served as Assistant to the Public Works Director/ City Engineer. Mrs. Ford is the President of Square O Consulting, LLC which provides outreach and technical assistance to minority landowners build wealth. One of my accomplishments was getting “CultureBets” approved by the state of Oklahoma which was a supplemental use for grades K-3^rd.

Ms. Selena Rodgers (TSU BSCE ’04)

Selena Rodgers Dickerson (Class of 2004) is the president of SARCOR, LLC, an engineering design and project management firm, and Selene, LLC, a diverse business solutions company. A Birmingham native, Selena is a graduate of TSU Civil Engineering Program. Selena grew SARCOR from a one-person firm to a team of engineers and management professionals. Now, through Selene, LLC, she seeks to help grow and develop other small businesses and raise awareness that minority firms are more than a minority participation goal. Additionally, Selena owns and operates a commercial real estate development company with properties located in premier parts of Birmingham’s Uptown District. Since graduating TSU, Selena has been of service to all humanity in various capacities ranging from mentoring, serving on boards, volunteering/community service, and advocating for minority-owned businesses to equalize the disparities. In December 2019, she graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Babson College, the #1 school for entrepreneurship in America. Additionally, she is the recipient of several awards, including the Alabama Department of Transportation DBE Consultant of the Year (2017), Summit Media Fusion Creator Award (2018), Birmingham Business Journal’s Entrepreneur Spotlight (2014), and Dr. A.G. Gaston Minority or Woman-Owned Emerging Business of the Year (2013). Selena was also featured on the PBS nationally televised show, Start Up (October 2014). Selena is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also serves in City of Birmingham Planning Commission, State of Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Inner City Capital Connections, Emerging Leaders, REV Birmingham - Board of Directors, City of Birmingham - Small Business Council, Urban Impact - Board of Directors, i3 Academy - Board of Directors and USDOT Southeast Region Women in Transportation Advisory Committee (WITAC).

Mr. Daryl A. Starks (TSU BSAE ’08)

Mr. Starks is presently employed as a project engineer for MBA Structural Engineers, Inc. in Birmingham AL. Mr. Starks is also involved with the ACE Mentorship Program of Birmingham, serving as mentor coordinator, and is a professional member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the National Society of Black Engineers-Alumni Extension (NSBE-AE).

Mr. James Williams, PE (TSU BSCE ’89 and ME Civil ’98)

Mr. James Williams, P.E. , obtained his B.S. degree in civil engineering in 1989 and his M.E. in civil engineering in 1998 from Tennessee State University.  Mr. Williams is the Owner/Principal Engineer of POA&M Structural Engineering, PLC, a consulting firm out of Yorktown, VA.  James' first job after graduation was as a structural engineer with Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) performing shock design analysis of foundations for the Seawolf submarine program.  He would later start a part-time consulting business in 2001 after obtaining his professional engineering license. In 2009, he transitioned to POA&M Structural Engineering full-time after serving as the Engineering Manager of the CVN21 Propulsion Plant Shock Management Group for over six years. He believes his greatest success is being viewed as an engineering professional of unquestionable integrity and an invaluable asset using the tools provided by his university.

Dr. Shimere Williams (TSU BSCE ’02)

Dr. Shimere Williams Sherwood  received a B.S. degree in civil/environmental engineering from TSU in 2002 as well as a Ph.D. in neuro pharmacology from Meharry Medical College. Her doctoral research focused on the role of the dopaminergic-signaling pathway underlying the maintenance phase of long-term potentiation (long-term memory). Shimere serves on the professional staff for the Energy and Environment Subcommittee, where she works on ocean, weather, environmental, energy, and technology issues. Prior to joining the Committee, her path to a career in policy began with a dynamic experience at the National Academy of Sciences. She completed a graduate science and technology policy fellowship with the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research in the Division on Earth and Life Studies.  She then succeeded with the Board on Children, Youth and Families in the Institute of Medicine and Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.

Mr. Eric Wheeler (TSU BSAE ’02)

Mr. Eric Wheeler  is a licensed Structural Engineer and Senior Associate at Thornton Tomasetti. His portfolio includes large scale building renovation/renewal projects across Chicago, such as the redevelopment of Navy Pier and award-winning projects at the University of Chicago. Eric's recent achievement is the new 4-story retail podium at the base of Willis (Sears) Tower. Eric graduated from TSU in 2002 with a BS in Architectural Engineering. He earned a MS in Civil Engineering (Structures) from Purdue University in 2007. Prior to attending Purdue, Eric served as a field engineer in Milwaukee.

Mr. Preston Wilson (TSU BSCE ’02)

Mr. Preston Wilson  is the training manager for FEMA's National Dam Safety Program.  Preston has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tennessee State University.  From 2002 - 2006, he worked for the Federal Highway Administration as a Highway engineer in the Florida Division and Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division.  Preston joined FEMA's Public Assistance program as a Civil Engineer where he assisted communities to recovery from disasters.  Mr. Wilson's current duties include: Developing and delivering dam safety training and technical assistance for dam safety professionals.  Mr. Wilson uses his knowledge of Civil Engineering to interpret policies and regulations to reduce dam risks to the nation.