History
DuBois Consultants, Inc
Origin
DuBois Consultants was established in 1988 in Kansas City, Missouri by a group of dedicated educators and professionals who began their journey as tutors at the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center. The Center, a respected community institution, has long provided essential support to students in both remedial and advanced reading, mathematics, and science. In naming the company "DuBois," the founders paid tribute to their shared roots as tutors and community volunteers, as well as to the values of education, empowerment, and service that defined their work.
Our Name
While DuBois Consultants was named in honor of the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center, the deeper inspiration behind our name is Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois – the pioneering African American historian, sociologist, social activist, and Pan-Africanist. As one of the earliest intellectuals to apply structural analysis to social inequality, Dr. Du Bois laid the foundation for modern sociology and civil rights thought. His unwavering commitment to education, justice, and community advancement embodies the values we strive to uphold. At DuBois Consultants, we are dedicated to continuing his legacy by working to strengthen and uplift the communities we serve.
Growth in Wichita
In February 2006, DuBois Consultants established our Wichita, Kansas office. From the outset, the firm built strategic partnerships and a strong network among stakeholders, decision-makers, AEC firms, and construction companies. These relationships enabled our team to secure significant projects across the Wichita region, expanding from public infrastructure into the private sector. The company embraced evolving trends in the AEC industry while staying rooted in its core values of commitment, collaboration, and cooperation. Today, DuBois Consultants remains dedicated to nurturing client relationships and fostering new ones. The firm’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement was recently honored with the 2024 Diversity and Equity Award in Wichita, reflecting its enduring professional and civic impact.
Cervente Sudduth: A New Era
Cervente Sudduth serves as President and CEO of DuBois Consultants, bringing over 30 years of experience in structural engineering and leadership. Though he assumed ownership of the firm in 2021, his journey with DuBois began much earlier. Cervente first joined the company in 1999 as a Structural Engineer when the team was just eight strong. His talent and leadership quickly became evident, leading to his promotion to Project Manager, and later to Structural Department Manager.
After more than a decade of impactful work, Cervente ventured into other areas of the industry, expanding his knowledge and perspective. Yet, his connection to DuBois remained strong. A pivotal lunch conversation with then-President Ajamu Webster sparked discussions about the future of the firm and the possibility of Cervente returning – this time as an owner. After careful consideration, he accepted the invitation, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Since taking the helm, Cervente has challenged both himself and his team to elevate their impact, broaden their capabilities, and expand into new markets, including Energy and Traffic Engineering. His leadership is grounded in a deep loyalty to commitment, collaboration, and cooperation – core values that continue to shape the firm’s future.
Ajamu Webster: A Legacy of Leadership
Ajamu Webster was a founding member of DuBois Consultants and soon after its inception became the sole owner of the firm. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Ajamu earned his degree from Southern University’s College of Sciences and Engineering. Through his leadership at DuBois Consultants and active community engagement, Ajamu became, and remains, a highly respected figure in the Kansas City, MO area.
Throughout his career and continuing today, Ajamu has devoted considerable time and energy to inspiring the next generation of engineers. His outreach work includes tutoring and mentorship through organizations like the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center. With more than 30 years of experience in engineering, Ajamu transformed DuBois Consultants into a thriving and respected minority-owned engineering firm with offices in both Kansas City and Wichita, KS.
As President of DuBois Consultants, Ajamu mentored many young professionals, including a promising engineer named Cervente Sudduth - now the current President of the firm. Thanks to Ajamu Webster’s vision, leadership, and deep-rooted commitment to community, DuBois Consultants continues to deliver quality engineering solutions that support, sustain, and evolve the communities we call home.
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