Pre-College Conference Learning Sessions​

2024 Showcase of HBCU College & Career Fair

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Pre-College Conference Learning Sessions

Room (L009-L005)

Briana Wells-Douglass
(moderator)

EEO Program Manager @ Department of Veterans Affairs,
Real Estate Agent @ G Starks Realty

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

Session Title: An HBCU Saved My Life

Speaker: Gabriella Farris, Dynasty Watkins, Roderick Young, Briana Wells-Douglass (Moderator)

Session Detail: This panel discussion highlights the rich experience and unique culture of HBCUs through the eyes of several alumni. Representing several Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country, these alumni will share about their life-changing experiences with a close-knit campus community, culturally enhanced support, lifelong social bonds, post-graduate benefits, and much more.

Briana Wells-Douglass
(moderator)

EEO Program Manager @ Department of Veterans Affairs,
Real Estate Agent @ G Starks Realty

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: An HBCU Saved My Life

Speaker: Trenton M. Findley Jr. (Mr. KSU), Erica C. McPheeters (Miss KSU), Gabriella Farris, Dynasty Watkins, Roderick Young, Latina S. Williams, Briana Wells-Douglass (Moderator)

 

Session Detail: This panel discussion highlights the rich experience and unique culture of HBCUs through the eyes of several alumni. Representing several Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country, these alumni will share about their life-changing experiences with a close-knit campus community, culturally enhanced support, lifelong social bonds, post-graduate benefits, and much more.

Briana Wells-Douglass
(moderator)

EEO Program Manager @ Department of Veterans Affairs,
Real Estate Agent @ G Starks Realty

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: An HBCU Saved My Life

Speaker: Trenton M. Findley Jr. (Mr. KSU), Erica C. McPheeters (Miss KSU), Gabriella Farris, Dynasty Watkins, Roderick Young, Latina S. Williams, Briana Wells-Douglass (Moderator)

Session Detail: This panel discussion highlights the rich experience and unique culture of HBCUs through the eyes of several alumni. Representing several Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country, these alumni will share about their life-changing experiences with a close-knit campus community, culturally enhanced support, lifelong social bonds, post-graduate benefits, and much more.

Petrina Thompson
(moderator)

Youth Service Center - Coordinator, Jefferson County Public Schools

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: An HBCU Saved My Life

Speaker: Speaker: James Moore (Mr. Simmons), Jordan Ponder (Miss Simmons), Kalid B. Williams, Petrina Thompson (Moderator)

Session Detail: This panel discussion highlights the rich experience and unique culture of HBCUs through the eyes of several alumni. Representing several Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country, these alumni will share about their life-changing experiences with a close-knit campus community, culturally enhanced support, lifelong social bonds, post-graduate benefits, and much more.

Petrina Thompson
(moderator)

Youth Service Center - Coordinator, Jefferson County Public Schools

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: An HBCU Saved My Life

Speaker: James Moore (Mr. Simmons), Jordan Ponder (Miss Simmons), Kalid B. Williams, Petrina Thompson (Moderator)

Session Detail: This panel discussion highlights the rich experience and unique culture of HBCUs through the eyes of several alumni. Representing several Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country, these alumni will share about their life-changing experiences with a close-knit campus community, culturally enhanced support, lifelong social bonds, post-graduate benefits, and much more.

Room (L014-L010)

FeLisa Wilson

Director of Admissions @ The Kentucky State University

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

Session Title: The Application & Admissions Process

Speaker: FeLisa Wilson

Session Detail: This session will discuss the applicant process for admissions and enrollment, and all other things about The Kentucky State University.

FeLisa Wilson

Director of Admissions @ The Kentucky State University

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: The Application & Admissions Process

Speaker: FeLisa Wilson

Session Detail: This session will discuss the applicant process for admissions and enrollment, and all other things about The Kentucky State University.

Erica Dunn

Student Support Services Director @ The Kentucky State University

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: Empowering Student Success through TRIO Student Support Services

Speaker: Erica Dunn

Session Detail: Student Support Services are vital for college life. This session introduces these programs and their important impact on student success. Learn how they help students to navigate challenges and support academic achievement from freshman year through graduation.

Louis Milligan

Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development Education @ Kentucky State University

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: Show Me the Money!! STEM

Speaker: Louis Milligan

Session Detail: This session explores the 1890 Land Grant Scholarship Program. Learn about Land Grant universities, the Common Black College Application, and the process for obtaining this funding. Later, hear from current scholarship recipients and Agriculture students as they answer questions about their HBCU experience.

Louis Milligan

Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development Education @ Kentucky State University

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: Show Me the Money!! STEM

Speaker: Louis Milligan

Session Detail: This session explores the 1890 Land Grant Scholarship Program. Learn about Land Grant universities, the Common Black College Application, and the process for obtaining this funding. Later, hear from current scholarship recipients and Agriculture students as they answer questions about their HBCU experience.

Room (L013)

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

No Class held at this time

Jameelah Means

Assistant Registrar @ Kentucky State University

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: Student Success – Navigating the College Experience

Speaker: Jameelah Means

Session Detail: This session offers tips for how to navigate the college experience to ensure a smooth transition after high school. Students will learn about support services on campus that promote both academic and social development.

Jameelah Means

Assistant Registrar @ Kentucky State University

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: Student Success – Navigating the College Experience

Speaker: Jameelah Means

Session Detail: This session offers tips for how to navigate the college experience to ensure a smooth transition after high school. Students will learn about support services on campus that promote both academic and social development.

Hamadi Diop

79R/ Army Recruiter @ Louisville East Army Recruiting Station

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: US Army Reserve & The GI Bill

Speaker: Hamadi Diop & Lavar Quarles

Session Detail: This session will provide information about a part-time branch of the United States Army called the Army Reserve. The Reserve enables students to enlist in the Army part time and receive several benefits, including help with college tuition. Attend this session to learn more about how the Reserve could provide a pathway to college.

Erica Dunn

Student Support Services Director @ The Kentucky State University

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: Empowering Student Success through TRIO Student Support Services

Speaker: Erica Dunn

Session Detail: Student Support Services are vital for college life. This session introduces these programs and their important impact on student success. Learn how they help students to navigate challenges and support academic achievement from freshman year through graduation.

Room (L006)

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

No Class held at this time

Ryon Piphus

Case Manager Supervisor @ Best Life Mental Health

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: Financial Literacy for Beginners

Speaker: Ryon Piphus

Session Detail: Participants in this session will learn basic financial skills and how to manage money effectively. Experience financial empowerment as we discuss the different types of bank accounts and how to make wise financial decisions.

Ryon Piphus

Case Manager Supervisor @ Best Life Mental Health

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: Financial Literacy for Beginners

Speaker: Ryon Piphus

Session Detail: Participants in this session will learn basic financial skills and how to manage money effectively. Experience financial empowerment as we discuss the different types of bank accounts and how to make wise financial decisions.

Dr. Rayna Nelson

Therapist

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: Reclaiming Your Time Time Management & Mental Health

Speaker: Dr. Rayna Nelson

Session Detail: This session will cover strategies for time and stress management, which are essential for college students to maintain healthy minds and bodies. Attendees will walk away equipped with techniques to make college life more meaningful with less stress.

Dr. Rayna Nelson

Therapist

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: Reclaiming Your Time Time Management & Mental Health

Speaker: Dr. Rayna Nelson

Session Detail: This session will cover strategies for time and stress management, which are essential for college students to maintain healthy minds and bodies. Attendees will walk away equipped with techniques to make college life more meaningful with less stress.

Room (L007-L008)

Asa Coleman

Executive Director @ Coleman Preparatory Academy

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

Session Title: HBCUs: The Culture That Reaches

Speaker: Asa Coleman

Session Detail: This session offers a comprehensive overview of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), which provide spaces that foster student excellence in environments that are historically built on belongingness. This session will highlight Kentucky's HBCUs and others in surrounding states, including notable alumni, special programs, and how HBCU attendance could be beneficial to students upon graduation.

Asa Coleman

Executive Director @ Coleman Preparatory Academy

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: HBCUs: The Culture That Reaches

Speaker: Asa Coleman

Session Detail: This session offers a comprehensive overview of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), which provide spaces that foster student excellence in environments that are historically built on belongingness. This session will highlight Kentucky's HBCUs and others in surrounding states, including notable alumni, special programs, and how HBCU attendance could be beneficial to students upon graduation.

Dr. Gloria Murray

Emeritus Professor @ Indiana University Southeast

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: Preparing for The First Year Of College

Speaker: Gloria Murray

Session Detail: Let's make a plan for your move into a successful first year of college! This session highlights the social and study skills needed for college admission and shares the resources available to help students thrive once they arrive on campus. Participants will also learn about the importance of incorporating service-learning opportunities and mentoring into your college journey.

Dr. Gloria Murray

Emeritus Professor @ Indiana University Southeast

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: Preparing for The First Year Of College

Speaker: Gloria Murray

Session Detail: Let's make a plan for your move into a successful first year of college! This session highlights the social and study skills needed for college admission and shares the resources available to help students thrive once they arrive on campus. Participants will also learn about the importance of incorporating service-learning opportunities and mentoring into your college journey.

Clanisha Coleman

Owner/Founder @ Make it Count Consulting

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: How to Find, Apply & Earn Scholarships

Speaker: Clanisha Coleman

Session Detail: This session takes a deep dive into the scholarship application process. Find out where to find scholarships, and how to put your best foot forward when applying for funds.

Clanisha Coleman

Owner/Founder @ Make it Count Consulting

Times: 12:45pm – 1:30pm

Session Title: How to Find, Apply & Earn Scholarships

Speaker: Clanisha Coleman

Session Detail: This session takes a deep dive into the scholarship application process. Find out where to find scholarships, and how to put your best foot forward when applying for funds.

Room (L011-L012)

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

No Class held at this time

Gin Spaulding

Retired Teacher/Author

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: How to Find FREE Money

Speaker: Gin Spaulding

Session Detail: Learn about numerous local and national scholarships that you can apply for and WIN to curb the costs of higher education.

Jennifer Price

Executive Director & Academic Dean @ Governor's Scholars Program

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program

Speaker: Jennifer Price & Dr. James H. Bland III

Session Detail: This session covers the application and selection process for the Governor's Scholars Program, which is a summer residential program for outstanding rising high school seniors in Kentucky.

Maurice White, Ed.D

Faculty Member @ Jefferson Community and Techincal College

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: Facts and Myths About College

Speaker: Maurice White, Ed.D

Session Detail: This session will focus on debunking myths students may have about the college experience while offering students in-depth information about resilience in college. Students will learn more about using mindfulness, the importance of time management, identifying motivation, and creating a productive mindset for college.

Maurice White, Ed.D

Faculty Member @ Jefferson Community and Techincal College

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: Facts and Myths About College

Speaker: Maurice White, Ed.D

Session Detail: This session will focus on debunking myths students may have about the college experience while offering students in-depth information about resilience in college. Students will learn more about using mindfulness, the importance of time management, identifying motivation, and creating a productive mindset for college.

Maurice White, Ed.D

Faculty Member @ Jefferson Community and Techincal College

Times: 12:45pm – 1:30pm

Session Title: Facts and Myths About College

Speaker: Maurice White, Ed.D

Session Detail: This session will focus on debunking myths students may have about the college experience while offering students in-depth information about resilience in college. Students will learn more about using mindfulness, the importance of time management, identifying motivation, and creating a productive mindset for college.

Room (L019-L015)

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

No Class held at this time

Dr. Whitney Lawrence

Professor @ Kentucky State University

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: Crafting Your Story: Mastering the College Essay

Speaker: Dr. Whitney Lawrence & Dr. Phillip Clay Jr.

Session Detail: Learn essential skills and strategies for writing standout college essays. We'll cover how to choose impactful topics, structure essays effectively, and infuse your unique voice into your writing. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear roadmap for creating a compelling and authentic college essay that captures the attention of admissions officers.

Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns

Assistant Professor Education @ Kentucky State University

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: The Art of Obtaining A College Scholarship

Speaker: Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns

Session Detail: This session will provide valuable insights on the scholarship application process. Learn how to find the right scholarship(s), track deadlines, present your best to scholarship committees, and much more.

Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns

Assistant Professor Education @ Kentucky State University

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: The Art of Obtaining A College Scholarship

Speaker: Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns

Session Detail: This session will provide valuable insights on the scholarship application process. Learn how to find the right scholarship(s), track deadlines, present your best to scholarship committees, and much more.

Dr. Phillip Clay Jr.

Chair of the School of Education, Human Development and Consumer Sciences @ Kentucky State University

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: Crafting Your Story: Mastering the College Essay

Speaker: Dr. Whitney Lawrence & Dr. Phillip Clay Jr.

Session Detail: Learn essential skills and strategies for writing standout college essays. We'll cover how to choose impactful topics, structure essays effectively, and infuse your unique voice into your writing. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear roadmap for creating a compelling and authentic college essay that captures the attention of admissions officers.

Dr. Whitney Lawrence

Professor @ Kentucky State University

Times: 12:45pm – 1:30pm

Session Title: Crafting Your Story: Mastering the College Essay

Speaker: Dr. Whitney Lawrence & Dr. Phillip Clay Jr.

Session Detail: Learn essential skills and strategies for writing standout college essays. We'll cover how to choose impactful topics, structure essays effectively, and infuse your unique voice into your writing. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear roadmap for creating a compelling and authentic college essay that captures the attention of admissions officers.

Room (L016)

Amber Spencer

High School Counselor @ Jefferson County Public Schools

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

Session Title: Navigating the Transition from High School to College

Speaker: Amber Spencer

Session Detail: Did you know that academics are just one part of the transition from high school to college? This session will identify the other changes that freshmen navigate, plus offer tips and tools on how to create an atmosphere for success.

Amber Spencer

High School Counselor @ Jefferson County Public Schools

Times: 9:45am – 10:30am

Session Title: Navigating the Transition from High School to College

Speaker: Amber Spencer

Session Detail: Did you know that academics are just one part of the transition from high school to college? This session will identify the other changes that freshmen navigate, plus offer tips and tools on how to create an atmosphere for success.

Damon Coble

Founder /Executive Director @ Minority Mental Health Project

Times: 10:30am – 11:15am

Session Title: Real Talk: Mental Health

Speaker: Damon Cobble

Session Detail: Mental Health believing in you; overcoming barriers to academic success.

Damon Coble

Founder /Executive Director @ Minority Mental Health Project

Times: 11:15am – 12:00pm

Session Title: Real Talk: Mental Health

Speaker: Damon Cobble

Session Detail: Mental Health believing in you; overcoming barriers to academic success.

Dr. Alana Stevenson

Department Chair for General Studies & Associate Professor of Business @ Simmons College of Kentucky

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Session Title: Conversations on Social Media Etiquette

Speaker: Dr. Alana Stevenson

Session Detail: This session will focus on the professional implications of social media behavior for students and early-career professionals, highlighting best practices for creating a positive online presence. It will also cover strategies for avoiding common pitfalls that can negatively impact one’s career and personal brand.

Dr. Alana Stevenson

Department Chair for General Studies & Associate Professor of Business @ Simmons College of Kentucky

Times: 12:45pm – 1:30pm

Session Title: Conversations on Social Media Etiquette

Speaker: Dr. Alana Stevenson

Session Detail: This session will focus on the professional implications of social media behavior for students and early-career professionals, highlighting best practices for creating a positive online presence. It will also cover strategies for avoiding common pitfalls that can negatively impact one’s career and personal brand.

Room (L017)

Times: 9:00am – 9:45am

No Class held at this time

Alexandra Landenwich

Teen Librarian @ Louisville Free Public Library

Times: 9:45am

Session Title: ACT Prep

Speaker: Alexandra Landenwich & Avery Werner

Session Detail: What is the ACT? Why is it important? How can I approach the test to achieve higher scores?

If you're unsure, then this ACT prep session is for you! Perfect for first time and repeat test takers, this session will provide the tools to take the ACT confidently. Recommended for Grades 7-12.

Alexandra Landenwich

Teen Librarian @ Louisville Free Public Library

Times: 11:15am

Session Title: ACT Prep

Speaker: Alexandra Landenwich & Avery Werner

Session Detail: What is the ACT? Why is it important? How can I approach the test to achieve higher scores?

If you're unsure, then this ACT prep session is for you! Perfect for first time and repeat test takers, this session will provide the tools to take the ACT confidently. Recommended for Grades 7-12.

Times: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

No Class held at this time

Times: 12:45pm – 1:30pm

No Class held at this time

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