Not only did television shows spark Matthews’s interest in engineering, but his curiosity also evolved into a career aspiration after his brother pursued a computer engineering degree. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University A&M College.

Prior to joining Waterford 3, Matthews worked at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a nuclear power plant in Aiken, South Carolina. At Waterford 3, he holds the dual roles of fire protection engineer and chair for the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group.

As a leader of the DIB group, Matthews is passionate about community engagement and amplifying diverse perspectives. “This year the Waterford 3 DIB council is focusing on community engagement through volunteerism,” he explained.

Matthews underscores the role diversity plays in engineering and nuclear as a whole.

“Diversity fosters a broad spectrum of perspectives that are essential for innovation, safety and effective problem-solving. It enhances team dynamics and contributes to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to complex challenges,” he said.

“Grand Gulf has been a pillar in the local community,” Coleman said. “It’s been an honor to grow up here and develop my career.”��

The chemistry department is responsible for protecting the nuclear reactor. As part of his new job, Coleman provides oversight to the group and makes sure everything is managed properly. He is also excited to develop his technicians and grow their proficiency.��

 “I was developed as a young technician. It afforded me the opportunity to become the chemistry superintendent today,” he said. “I want to be able to pass that knowledge and opportunity down and really teach my technicians we can be part of the solution we want to see.”��

 As Grand Gulf approaches its 40th anniversary, Coleman said he was excited to see that the same nuclear plant that gave him his start is still around and running strong to give those same opportunities to the next generation of nuclear workers in the local community.��

 He also mentioned that as a fun fact, he is a proud Dallas Cowboys fan.��

Henderson oversees the nuclear fleet’s drafting support with the focal area of configuration management—ensuring the drawings and plans match with the current physical plant configurations.

His leadership style includes an open-door policy with an emphasis on communication.

“I love interacting with the people I work with,” said Henderson. “Of course, getting our work done is important but sharing things about our life and getting to know each other makes work more meaningful. At the end of the day, we’re all humans and we all have lives outside of work. It allows for a better work mentality just by being an open communicator.”

Henderson, a native of Jackson, Miss., earned his mechanical engineering degree while playing college baseball at Prairie View A&M University. He began working with Entergy Nuclear in 2011 at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, located in Port Gibson, Miss. Prior to working for Entergy, he worked in the oil and gas industry, which allowed him to live in multiple states and even internationally.

In 2017, he transitioned from GGNS to nuclear headquarters in the central design and programs group—earning a supervisor role in 2020 and moving to his current role last December.

Henderson’s favorite part of his role is conducting outreach at Jackson State University for incoming STEM freshman and Tougaloo College for their college-affiliated high school ninth- and tenth 10^th-graders.

“On our visits to Jackson State and Tougaloo, we educate them about the benefits of nuclear power, bring awareness to the nuclear site that we have in our own state and let them know about the multiple career opportunities at Grand Gulf,” Henderson said. “I’m a bit ashamed to admit this, but I didn’t know anything about Grand Gulf growing up. It’s important to expose young people to the benefits of one of the most reliable and clean energy forms, as well as letting them know the options for a great career that are here.”

Henderson recognizes the importance of and champions Entergy’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging program.

“The dynamics changed with our new chief nuclear officer, Kimberly Cook-Nelson, and her emphasis on DIB,” he said. “Her support and inclusion of DIB in our day-to-day activities has helped build respect for minorities and diverse candidates who are working here.”

“By doing that, it has helped the company grow, and we now have diverse perspectives from individuals who are being hired,” Henderson continued. “Outside perspectives are so important to change the normal ways of processes for ones that are better and more effective. If we make people feel belonged and included, they will want to work harder and enjoy coming to work more.”

Learn more about Entergy Nuclear by visiting����and follow on X/Twitter.

“According to the most recent research from the ALICE project, more than 50 percent of Louisiana households are unable to afford a basic household survival budget. This means that families who are struggling to pay rent, utilities and other bills find themselves unable to afford healthy, nutritious meals,” said Patty Riddlebarger, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Entergy. “Entergy is committed to addressing food insecurity in our communities, and we are proud to honor Dr. King by joining with our community partners and Blue Cross for service days statewide.” 

In addition, Entergy Mississippi teamed up with Boss Lady Workforce Transportation in celebration of Dr. King’s legacy and handed out energy efficiency kits to over 400 of our customers designed to lower energy usage and save money on bills.��

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” At Entergy, we believe that by coming together as a community, we can create positive change and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For the eighth year in a row, we are honored to have been named a , Points of Light’s prestigious annual list recognizing the top community-minded companies in the United States. This recognition is a testament to the commitment and passion of our employees who continuously strive to make a difference in the lives of our customers and neighbors in need.

Learn more about how we serve our communities here.

Alexis Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and a member of Entergy’s board of directors, and Heather Murren, founding donor of Howard University’s Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership, wrote “Invest in Black women to drive the economy forward,” a commentary published this month on Fortune.com.

“Providing opportunities for Black women to be better represented in an array of fields expands and enriches our national competitive edge in the global economy,” they wrote.

In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting leaders in our service area who are making a difference in their communities.

In 2014, Dr. Calvin Mackie founded����to give children like his sons, Myles and Mason, more exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The mission of STEM NOLA is to grow future innovators, creators and entrepreneurs through inspiration and engagement.��Entergy has played a key role in bringing STEM NOLA Powered by Entergy to the community, reaching thousands of kids throughout Louisiana and beyond.��The company is honored to support STEM NOLA through our volunteer efforts and donations, with more than��$290,000��invested.��

Committed to Education��
Following graduation from college,��Mackie joined the faculty at Tulane University��where he continued to pursue research related��to heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy efficiency and renewable energy. He was promoted to associate professor with tenure.��

Mackie later served as a visiting professor��in the department of chemical engineering��at the University of Michigan. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi National Honor Societies, and a Lifetime Member of the��.

In 2019, Mackie received the�� Board’s Chair Phoenix Award,��the highest honor presented by CBCF. It recognizes individuals whose extraordinary achievements strengthen communities and improve the lives of individuals and families, nationally and globally.

Entergy is committed��to supporting the local community’s educational programs and to develop a workforce that can support the continued economic development in the communities we serve.��Calvin Mackie is paving the way for future STEM leaders, and we’re honored to partner with him!

Learn more about our commitment to the communities we serve.��

A big part of that commitment involves building and retaining a workforce that reflects the rich��diversity of the communities we serve.��

The company works hard to attract talented, diverse employees through our college recruiting efforts and partnerships with organizations and educational institutions. The​se efforts include partnering with historically black colleges and universities.

Through these partnerships, we’ve contributed more than $7.4 million to historically black colleges and universities in our service territory. But our partnerships go beyond monetary donations. We’ve also established formal mentoring programs, collaborated in research studies and provided intern/co-op opportunities for students.��Here are three examples of how our partnerships with HBCUs are benefiting students, our��communities and our company.

Southern University

In 2018,��Entergy and the Entergy Charitable Foundation announced a��$2 million��commitment to Southern University��in Louisiana.��The grant supports classroom and lab infrastructure improvements, as well as curriculum and faculty professional development for the university’s engineering program.��The grant will also fund the creation of internship and mentoring programs to enhance and strengthen the relationship between Entergy and Southern University.��

Jackson State University

In 2009, Entergy and the Entergy Charitable Foundation donated��$400,000 to Jackson State University��to establish the Entergy Power Systems Laboratory in the��School of Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Entergy also made an additional $100,000 donation to provide scholarships to JSU engineering students.

The Power Systems Laboratory lets students conduct experiments��in power��simulation, power electronics, electrical machines and other subjects related to managing��and modernizing the nation’s energy transmission systems. Students also learn about electric grid infrastructure, energy conservation, renewable energy and��large-scale smart grids. Since that initial grant, the company has hired more than 50 graduates from the JSU engineering program. And in 2017, Entergy reaffirmed its support of JSU’s engineering programs by donating another $150,000.

Alcorn State University

In 2007, Entergy collaborated with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and��Alcorn State University��to develop the only radiation-related program in the state of Mississippi. The NRC and the Health Physics Society recognize the ASU-Entergy alliance as one of the best models��in the country.

Since then, Entergy has invested more than $650,000 to support the university’s radiation technology program. In addition to scholarships, the partnership provides Alcorn students with internship opportunities and offers a mentorship program matching students to technicians and technologists at nearby Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.��Grand��Gulf��employees also visit health physics classes to share their experience with students.

Arthur Ulysses Craig was an electrical engineering pioneer.��Craig was born in Missouri in 1871. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Kansas. In 1895, he became one of the first African-Americans in the country to graduate with a degree in electrical engineering.��

Teaching at Tuskegee

After graduation, Craig began teaching at Tuskegee University (then Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute). He added electrical engineering to the curriculum and ran the electrical engineering department.

In 1898, Craig designed and installed the university’s first electric lighting plant. The plant initially lit up Tuskegee’s chapel – the first building in the county to be fitted with interior electrical lights. His students operated the plant.

Working in Washington, D.C.

Craig moved to Washington, D.C., where he dedicated the next 17 years of his life to educating and improving the lives of African-Americans in the nation’s capital.

He introduced mechanical and architectural drawing in Washington’s African-American schools and helped develop manual training courses for schools in other cities.

He was a founder of Washington’s Colored Social Settlement and was a member of the American Negro Academy, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Masons, National Education Association, and the Teachers’ Association of D.C. He even established public playgrounds throughout the city.

​Making Lasting Contributions

Craig later lived in New York, working as an engineer, draftsman, mechanic, teacher and newspaper editor.

During his life, he studied abroad; pursued graduate courses in ethics, psychology and philosophy; helped design an automobile; and taught at three historically black institutions. He even ran a poultry farm and dairy at one point.​

Craig died in 1959. His contributions to society were not well known until recently and, even today, details of his later life remain unclear. What is clear, however, is his unwavering dedication to improving the education and lives of African-Americans and his commitment to the communities where he worked and lived.

Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and organizational health on��entergy.com.

• Raised in New Orleans, he was sent to finish his education in Paris, France. Rillieux was the son of inventor Vincent Rillieux, who was known for designing a steam-operated press for bailing cotton, and Constance Vivant, a free person of color. He also was the cousin of renowned French impressionist painter Edgar Degas. Following his early education at private schools in Louisiana, and due to his early interest in engineering, his father sent him to France to further his education.
• By the age of 24, he was an instructor in applied mechanics. Rillieux taught applied mechanics at the Ecole Central in Paris. While in France, he published a series of papers on steam engines and steam power. He also began working on the multiple-effect evaporator with vacuum. This invention harnessed the energy of vapors rising from boiling sugar cane syrup and passed those vapors through several chambers, leaving nothing but sugar crystals. He returned to New Orleans in the early 1830s, bringing his invention to Louisiana sugar planters.
• He is recognized as one of the prime architects of the modern sugar industry. Prior to Rillieux’s safer, cheaper and more efficient invention, sugar cane juice was evaporated using the 18th-century Caribbean method known as the Jamaica train, where teams of slaves ladled the boiling juice from one iron sugar kettle to others of decreasing size. The resulting sugar was of low quality, and much sugar cane juice was lost during transfer. However, Rillieux’s evaporator was quickly embraced by Louisiana sugar planters. The industry realized a corresponding boom. Rillieux improved his evaporator over the next 10 years. In 1846, lawyer and sugar planter Judah Benjamin wrote that sugar produced with Rillieux’s invention was outstanding and equal to “the best double-refined sugar of our northern refineries.”
• Due to tensions related to the Civil War, Rillieux returned to Paris, where he lived out his days. The success of his evaporator made him “the most sought-after engineer in Louisiana” according to a contemporary. But Rillieux noticed the increasing tensions around him and deterioration of the status of free people of color as the Civil War approached. It has been speculated that because of those factors, and the declining profitability of the Louisiana sugar industry at that time, Rillieux moved back to Paris. There, he pursued other interests and lived with his wife, Emily Cuckow, until his death in 1894.

Rillieux’s multiple-effect evaporator had lasting, positive effects. In fact, his invention was designated in 2002 as a National Historic Chemical Landmark in a ceremony at Dillard University in New Orleans. The commemorative plaque reads:

Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894) revolutionized sugar processing with the invention of the multiple-effect evaporator under vacuum. Rillieux’s great scientific achievement was his recognition that at reduced pressure the repeated use of latent heat would result in the production of better quality sugar at lower cost. One of the great early innovations in chemical engineering, Rillieux’s invention is widely recognized as the best method for lowering the temperature of all industrial evaporation and for saving large quantities of fuel.

At Entergy, diversity helps us achieve business results. We’re collectively stronger through an inclusive culture. To help support those values, employee-led diversity and inclusion councils operate throughout the company, in addition to several employee resource groups.  

Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and organizational health at entergy.com.

Referred by some as the “Black Edison,” the storied inventor registered nearly 60 patents in his lifetime. In fact, Woods successfully defended his patent for the induction telegraph system against a lawsuit from Thomas Edison.

Woods held various engineering and industrial jobs before establishing a company to develop electrical apparatus.

He filed his first patent for an improved steam boiler furnace.

His second invention, an improved telephone transmitter, combined the telephone and telegraph. It was louder and clearer even from long distances. Alexander Graham Bell bought the patent for this device, and this purchase launched a new phase of Woods’ career as an inventor.

A Streetcar Named Innovation
Bell’s handsome payment gave the Ohio native the freedom to devote himself to his own research. This included the “troller,” a grooved metal wheel that allowed street cars (later known as “trolleys”) to collect electric power from overhead wires.

He also developed the idea for an induction telegraph system, so that trains could avoid accidents by informing each other of their locations.

Then there was his contribution to a metaphor of the same name. Woods developed the concept of a “third rail,” which is still used on subway train platforms in major cities across the country.

Back to the Future
Woods died in 1910. His inventive ideas not only advanced the telecommunications and transportation industries but also transformed our daily lives.

At Entergy, diversity helps us achieve business results. We’re collectively stronger through an inclusive culture. To help support those values, employee-led diversity and inclusion councils operate throughout the company, in addition to several employee resource groups.��

Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and organizational health on entergy.com.