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Deep sea fishing
Keeping my 800g reef tank
Traveling with family and friends

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Prior to 2012, Derrick worked various industries in a management compacity for over 20 years.  During the completion of the undergraduate degree, the desire to work in education ignited.  The desire was ignited by a professor who saw someone who loved helping his classmates and was always there to support them.  Once the MBA was completed, Derrick began to apply for teaching positions but had no luck.  His first position in Education was as Associate Academic Dean (AAD) at Concorde Career College.  As the AAD, Derrick hired, trained, and evaluated a teacher, though he had never been one.  After a year and a half, he had the opportunity at Anthem Career College (ACC) combine his love for leading with teaching.  After six months at ACC, Derrick was promoted to the Director of Education, however, within a year ACC closed.  With the closure of ACC, Derrick was given his first opportunity to teach at LOC as an adjunct business professor.  Currently, Derrick is a professor at Strayer University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Northwest MS Community College, and Bethel University.  The passion that Derrick has for education has transitioned into ensuring that every student whose life Derrick has an opportunity to touch receives what they need to reach their educational goals.

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BBA - Management 2010
MBA - Business Admin 2011
MS - Psychology (Industrial & Organizational Development) 2014
MA - Communication & Leadership 2016
EdD - Leadership in Higher Education (2020)

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I have been with my wife for a total of 18 years.  Father of two young men, grandfather of one.  Love deep sea fishing, traveling, and teaching.