Derick's research interests include assessing the impact of study abroad and experiential learning opportunities, monitoring trends in specialized secondary and post-secondary education, specialized partnership programs between schools and universities, partnerships between public schools and their broader communities, and travel-based learning experiences as they relate to all fields, particularly literature.

As WKU’s Director, Regional Campuses since 2021, Derick enjoys traveling throughout southern, central, and western parts of Kentucky connecting Kentuckians to the WKU experience. Derick’s previous roles at WKU were with The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science (2008-2021), WKU Office of International Programs (2007-2008), and WKU Admissions (2004-2007).

Derick is a first-generation college graduate who was shaped by traveling abroad as a WKU undergraduate. Derick has connected this experience to a professional passion, helping connect students to experiential learning and international travel. 

Derick holds the Educational Doctorate from Western Kentucky University, having studied the impact of Gatton Academy study abroad programs on participants’ views of belongingness and personal growth and development. Derick has a BA in English, an MAE in Student Affairs in Higher Education, a graduate certificate in International Student Services, and an MA in English. The English thesis focused on matters of family, Derick's father’s early onset Alzheimer’s disease, and the Kentucky experience in a series of creative non-fiction essays.