Dr. Pitt Derryberry Memorial Fund

William Pitt Rew Derryberry of Bowling Green, KY departed this life Feb 13, 2025 after a brief bout with kidney cancer. Pitt was born June 3, 1970 in Nashville, TN. 

Pitt graduated from Cookeville High School in 1988 and Eckerd College 1992. Subsequently he completed a master’s degree and EdS certificate from Tennessee Tech University, ultimately earning his PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2001.

Pitt began his professorial career at Western Kentucky University in the fall of 2001 and served as Co-Department Head for the Department of Psychology since 2014. Besides teaching, Pitt engaged in numerous research projects primarily dealing with moral development, judgment, and self- understanding. He published over two dozen research papers and over 40 scholarly publications.

While at WKU Pitt also served in other roles such as the university senate, numerous search committees, providing journal edit and review, grant evaluations, and serving as program chair for moral development at the AERA (American Educational Research Association).

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of Pitt’s career was his advising. In 2017 he received the CEBS advising award. Pitt discovered his fervent passion for advising young people when he was an undergrad and stuck with it ever since. It was common for Pitt to be carrying an advising load of over 125 students, generously giving his undivided attention and as much time as it took for each student to figure out the best classes and career path for them.

Pitt was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving as a member of the Vestry and Senior Warden, as well as several discernment committees.

The most important thing in his life was his family. Pitt was a loving, doting husband to Amanda. His pride and joy were Caroline and Will, and he loved cheering them on in soccer and lacrosse. He also coached Caroline’s soccer team for several years as well as Will’s baseball team. He was known as a coach that encouraged and motivated his players not only on the field, but off it as well. He loved seeing his former players through the years and following their journey.  To honor his memory, friends and family members established a memorial fund in his name at WKU. The fund will assist deserving students obtain a higher education. Through this fund, Pitt’s legacy lives on.