Derrick Wheatley Named Outstanding Graduate Student

The Alumni Award for Outstanding Graduate Student is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to Gwynedd Mercy University and its Mercy Mission as well as a commitment to academics and personal or professional goals.

Derrick Wheatley is currently an instructor for Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWCC), a large, urban institution that serves a diverse population in Memphis, Tennessee.

Derrick has been an extraordinary leader in higher education, holding a variety of positions including Associate Academic Dean, Business Instructor and Upward Bound Counselor.

These experiences have given him a unique perspective on supporting disadvantaged students. Through his dissertation research and personal experience with First Year Experience programs, Derrick believes that a holistic approach is the key to a student's success.

After successfully defending his dissertation, Derrick was appointed to lead a team in developing an FYE program for SWCC. He was also elected to Faculty Senate. Derrick is a true leader in Mercy and embodies the spirit of Gwynedd Mercy University.