By MVSU Communications
ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University will host the 27th annual Constance G. Bland Women in Science and Technology (WIST) Conference on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Claude G. Perkins Auditorium inside the William W. Sutton Administration Building and conclude with a luncheon in the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex. This year’s theme is “Empower Her in STEM.”
The free conference, organized by the Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS), aims to inspire middle and high school girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and highlight educational opportunities at MVSU.
The WIST Organization, a student-led group of female STEM majors at MVSU, is a key partner in organizing the event and advocating for women in scientific fields.
“This conference exposes young women to successful professionals across STEM disciplines,” said Dr. Latonya Garner-Jackson, chair of the MCIS department. “We want these students to see that careers in STEM are not only within reach, but deeply rewarding.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Carrie Kirkland, director of the Science and Technology Innovation Center at Hinds Community College’s Utica Campus. A proud Ruleville native, Kirkland is a Mississippi Valley State alumna who earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from MVSU, a master’s in technology education from Jackson State University, and a doctorate in early childhood education from JSU.
Kirkland said her journey in STEM began when she was introduced to MVSU as a rising sixth grader through the CRCM program. Her involvement in TRIO programs—especially Upward Bound—played a transformative role in shaping her interest in technology.
“Mississippi Valley State University has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the computer scientist I am today,” Kirkland said. “From the dedicated faculty to the support of my peers, Valley became my second home.”
She credits the late Dr. Constance G. Bland, the conference’s namesake, as a mentor and “the mother of the Computer Science Department.” Kirkland said Bland taught her to be confident in any room and reminded her that she belonged in the tech world.
In her role at Hinds, Kirkland leads innovation efforts involving virtual reality, fabrication labs, and student engagement. She also manages a Middle School Summer Innovative Camp and previously served as STEM-UP coordinator, launching programs like SSAIL and the College Success Camp.
With over 20 years of experience in technology and 12 years in leadership, Kirkland has worked in roles ranging from K-4 educator to technical writer. She has studied abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, where she interned with Media Groupe International.
A lifelong learner and STEM advocate, Kirkland has presented on digital literacy and assistive technology topics. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society in Technology, the Women in Science and Technology (WIST) Organization, the Black Child Development Institute (Jackson affiliate), and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS).
She is also a proud mother to two daughters, Denijah and Londyn, who follow in her footsteps in technology and engineering.
In addition to the keynote, a diverse lineup of professional women in STEM will present, including:
- Carien Anderson (MVSU graduate), English teacher and athletic coach, Gentry High School, Indianola
- Jacquilyn R. German, community partnership director, NIH-funded Jackson Heart Study, Mississippi State Department of Health
- Glenda Hargrove, RN, care coordinator, Atlanta VA Medical Center
- Dr. F. Koller, associate professor of surgery
- Dr. H. Eubanks (MVSU graduate), Dr. A. Fratesi, Dr. L. Makamson, surgical residents, University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Dr. Erin Jacobs, chiropractor, Greenwood
- Dr. Bhanu Priya Viraka Nellore, assistant professor of chemistry, MVSU
- Hilliary Spivey (MVSU graduate), physician associate, Next Level Urgent Care, Houston, Texas
- Morgan Taylor, conservation educator, MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
- Medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center
Participating schools include:
- Amanda Elzy Jr. High School
- Amanda Elzy High School
- Cleveland Central Middle School
- Gentry High School
- Greenwood High School
- Greenwood Middle School
- Holmes County Career and Technical Center
- Humphreys County High School
- Leflore County Elementary School
- Leflore County Jr. High School
- Leflore Legacy Academy
- Mount Pisgah Middle School
- Restoration Ministries Christian Academy
- Shaw High School
- South Delta Career & Technical Education Center
- West Tallahatchie High School
“We hope this experience builds appreciation for STEM fields and sparks long-term interest in Mississippi Valley State University,” said Garner-Jackson.
