Alcorn State University Career Services hosted its annual Student Leadership Conference in the Rudolph E. Waters Sr. Classroom Building, designed to support student leadership development and preparation for professional environments.
The conference, which took place April 21-22, 2026, was led by keynote speaker Dr. Theresa Horne, Vice President, Community Manager for Chase in Jackson, Miss. Her presentation, titled “Purpose-Driven Leadership in Action”, encouraged students to pursue careers aligned with their passions and values, rather than focusing solely on salary. She emphasized the long-term fulfillment that comes from meaningful work.
“I feel that it was very important to give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Horne. “Coming here to Alcorn State solidifies in my mind how we can give back to the next generation, making sure that they’re prepared, ready and know who they are once they step out of these doors.”
The conference featured a dynamic lineup of speakers who brought diverse perspectives from their experience in corporate leadership roles including Amber Therrell the HR specialist at Mississippi Blood Services, Monica Smith-Wallace the Early Talent Acquisition Manager for Corporate Services at Caterpillar Inc.
Levell Spencer the Global Human Resources Business Partner at Caterpillar Inc. and Dr. Jason Gibson, author and assistant professor at Alcorn State University were also speakers at the event.
“My driving force is centered around helping students develop in their purpose and cultivate their brand,” said Gibson. “Purpose and branding are two essential attributes required to thrive post undergrad. I believe the tools that we are equipping students with are going to be integral to their success leaving Alcorn.”
Additional speakers were entrepreneurs who found solutions to challenges they personally experienced. Rahul Jindal, co-founder of MyCareerCloset, wanted to even the playing field of first impressions by providing students access to affordable clothing. Sterling Mark, founder of Sterling Empowerment, drew from his own experience with housing instability and frequent school transitions. His mission is to prepare students, equipping them with tools and knowledge that he wished he had.
“Having the opportunity to pour knowledge into them that could help them better prepare for the next phase of their life is my purpose,” said Mark. “Seeing the faces of the students receiving the information and watching them leave empowered and rejuvenated is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. I look forward to returning to the rich history here at Alcorn State and keeping the fire alive in them.”
The conference bridged the gap between corporate professionals and entrepreneurs, exposing students to tools that can help them thrive beyond their undergraduate education. The university continues to invest in shaping confident, career-ready scholars who will strive to make an impact in their fields.
