Alumni Spotlight: Bryce Andrews

Bryce Andrews took a classroom interest and turned it into a career. Now working as a project engineer at Pepper Construction Group, he credits Carmen for the formative experiences and meaningful lessons that laid the foundation for his professional journey. 

During his time at Carmen Southeast, Bryce was actively engaged in campus life, from playing basketball his freshman year, to joining the chess club, Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) mentor program and carpentry program. These activities taught him creativity, discipline and how to find confidence in himself — lessons that have shaped him personally and professionally. 

Bryce’s early interest in his profession was sparked by the Construction Pathway program through Pulaski High School and the ACE mentor program through Carmen. Through these programs he learned what his future might look like and the various opportunities available, ultimately igniting his interest in construction. 

His fondest memories of Carmen include his introduction to film class, where he learned how to dissect and critique films. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and challenging his intellectual skills at chess club. One of the most rewarding parts of Carmen for Bryce was the opportunity to learn from students from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. 

“It showed me that I can learn from people that look different than me,” Bryce said. 

Carmen prepared Bryce for the future challenges of college and professional life by instilling discipline, time management, and important life skills like dressing professionally and how to tie a tie. His transition from high school to college life at Alabama A&M University was made simpler from the preparation and guidance he received from his mentors at Carmen Southeast. 

Several pivotal figures from Carmen remain memorable parts of his journey, including his advisor Mr. Sis. Bryce appreciated his perspective that was similar to his own, and his ability to evoke creativity from his students in a way that was inspiring. Upon graduating in 2021, Bryce received a self-help book about procrastination from Mr. Sis that reignited his passion for reading.

“Mr. Sis made a big impact,” Bryce said. “He was actually an artist, so I was appreciative of his perspective on things, and how he always brought creativity into aspects of his teaching.” 

When it came time for Bryce to begin planning for college, several faculty members went above and beyond to ensure that the students at Carmen Southeast felt supported and prepared for this meaningful stage in their education. His counselor Meara Young and the dean of students and culture, Rashadeem Gray, educated him through the College and Career Readiness Program that helped him explore potential college opportunities. Jennifer Becerra-Valenciano, a post-transition coordinator at Carmen Southeast, assisted him through the FASFA application process, which can be a taunting task for many college students. 

He is profoundly grateful for the faculty members who supported and encouraged him throughout his journey. 

“They were a support system for me,” Bryce said. “They helped me through the college process and steered me to the college readiness program where I made great connections resulting in interviews and opportunities.”

In 2024, Bryce gained valuable experience from his internship with Robins & Morton, where he learned about construction management software for documentation and project tracking, collaborated with superintendents to troubleshoot issues and implement on-site solutions, and participated in safety meetings to promote a safe work environment. 

Bryce graduated from Alabama A&M University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in construction management and went to work at Pepper, where he starts each day out in the field with members of the skilled trades. Together they check progress, answer questions, identify potential issues and coordinate work before the day gets underway. 

Bryce describes his role as the liaison between the project team and trade partners, helping things move smoothly every step of the way and taking pressure off the superintendent of the project. He takes great pride in his role and enjoys meeting with his colleagues every day to discuss projects and operations.

Outside of work Bryce enjoys reading autobiographies and books on philosophy and science. He has a strong interest in sports, movies, and nature and looks forward to exploring the world through traveling.

Advice that Bryce would like to share with younger Carmen students is to relax, be curious and to know that anything is possible. 

“Based on the world we’re in today there are lots of distractions and fear, just know you aren’t in trouble,” Bryce said. “Relax. Don’t put yourself in a box. Be curious. You never know what you could be capable of. Anything is possible.”

The construction of Carmen Southgate, which combined South and Southeast, was exciting news for Bryce. 

“I’m excited for the new campus,” Bryce said. “The world needs more schools, especially good schools like Carmen.”