Title: Engineer (Retired)
Education: Coursework in Architecture Construction, Texas Southern University (1986); Discipleship Education (1984-1985); Coursework, ECI Program, Architecture, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX (1976); Diploma, Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School (Now Lamar High School) (1975); Diploma, Sidney Lanier Junior High School (Now Lanier Middle School), Houston, TX (1973)
Career History: Environmental Quality Specialist, City of Houston, TX (1987-1991); Retired Construction Engineer; Construction Management Engineer, Leonard H. O Spearman Technology Building, College of Science, Engineering & Technology, Texas Southern University
Bobby J. Wilkerson Jr., a retired Engineer, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of engineering.
A Houston, Texas native, Mr. Wilkerson completed coursework in architecture at Prairie View A&M University and coursework in architecture construction at Texas Southern University. In addition, he earned a Wastewater Engineering Certification from Texas A&M University Extension and served as an airman at the U.S. Navy from 1976 to 1980. Attributing his success to patience, he launched his career as a construction management engineer within the Leonard H. O. Spearman Technology Building and College of Science, Engineering & Technology at Texas Southern University and served as an environmental quality specialist in the city of Houston from 1987 to 1991.
A man of deep faith, having been officially baptized on May 6, 1972, at Saint Philip of Jesus Catholic Church, Mr. Wilkerson ultimately retired as an engineer and has since continued to be active in and around his religion. Through his work, he has volunteered to feed the homeless; worked pro bono for the Catholic League for the Poor of Nigeria Inc. and the Christian League of Houston; and partnered with a charity in a hospital and mental health hospital in Odekpe, Anambra, Nigeria. He has been a member of Council 159 within the Knights of St. Peter Claver at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church since 1972 and a choir member since 2019. He previously served the masses from 1972 to 1974 and has been a delegate in the State Convention and National Convention.
Additionally, he authored a collaboration between Texas Southern University Leonard H. O. Spearman School of Science Engineering and Technology and the Catholic League for the Poor of Nigeria and is currently writing a research proposal for a global initiative between Rice University and Texas Southern University. He has previously had affiliations with the Houston Alumni Association and excelled as president of the Alumni Association for Texas Southern University College of Science, Engineering & Technology—and has been a Third Degree member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. since 2019. In September 2023, he was invited by 1430 AM Catholic Christian
Radio to speak on behalf of his engineering project in Southeastern Nigeria, the Mental Health and Acute Care Hospital. In addition, Mr. Wilkerson is in charge of the engineering project for the Fall Festival in Houston, Texas.
Attributing his success to patience and determination in getting things done, Mr. Wilkerson considers his hero and mentor to be Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, whose speeches he frequently listens to for inspiration. He also values his family relationships and his following of religion.