Workforce Development provides short term training for a variety of occupational opportunities and personal enrichment. At Bishop State we offer at least 12 different opportunities for students to gain the hands-on training they need to enter the workforce with entry-level skills.
While it takes many people to create, manage, and run each of these programs, we are excited to introduce you to two of our Workforce Leads - Dewanda Davis and Erica Gilkerson.
DeWanda Davis was born and raised in the charming city of Mobile, AL. She and her wonderful husband share 2 amazing sons.
She attended St. James Catholic & Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic schools during her elementary and middle school years, however; she attended Piney Woods School (outside of Jackson, MS) for high school. Mrs. Davis returned home for college. She attended Bishop State and University of Mobile, pursuing the field of nursing. After working in the field for several years, she realized that she was not as fulfilled and sought a career change. She went back to school to complete a BS in Business Management. She then followed that with a MS in Professional Studies in Education, focusing on Post-Secondary. She has worked in the field of Education for over 17 years, with 10 years being in Adult Education including overseeing the Career Pathways program at Bishop State.
Mrs. Davis is also a member of WIM (Women in Manufacturing), ALAPCAE (Alabama Association for Public Continuing & Adult Education)and she has earned multiple certifications through MSSC (Manufacturing Skills Standard Council).
These days you will find Mrs. Davis fully submerged in the rapidly evolving area of Workforce Development as a Project Lead. She currently oversees the ALDOT Heavy Highway Construction program and the Shipfitting program, in addition to assisting with many other WFD projects from beginning to end.
You can reach Mrs. Davis via email at ddavis@bishop.edu.
Erica is a native to Mobile where she resides with her son, Dexter. She is a graduate of Alma Bryant High School in Irvington, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Judson College, a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Marshall University, and a Masters in Legal Studies from West Virginia University. She is currently pursuing a Certification in Project Management from LSU and her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Liberty University.
Ms. Gilkerson is a member of ALAPCAE (Alabama Association for Public Continuing & Adult Education), where she served as District 8 Representative and President Elect. She has earned multiple certifications through MSSC (Manufacturing Skills Standard Council) and multiple OSHA certifications. She is also a member of the American Psychology Association.
Ms. Gilkerson has worked in higher education since 2005 in multiple settings from financial aid, admissions, recruitment, development, marketing, adult education, instruction, counseling and workforce. She is currently working with the Marine Electrical and Carpentry Programs with Workforce Development and also expanding the Girls Learning About Manufacturing (GLAM) mentorship program, which will kick
off this Fall 2022.
You can reach Ms. Gilkerson via email at egilkerson@bishop.edu.