The pursuit of a bachelor’s degree led Malcom X College graduate Derron Strickland to take additional classes at City Colleges of Chicago in order to complete the prerequisites he needed for his degree in psychology. After four years in the Air Force, Derron was returning to school, and, upon the recommendation of advisors at Chicago State University (CSU), found himself at MXC as, in his words, “a non-traditional student, older than my classmates.”

Just the same, the lifelong Chicago resident and Julian L. Percy High School graduate quickly adapted to life at MXC, crediting the always helpful and supportive assistance of multiple departments there – from the Veterans Services Center to the Financial Aid Office and beyond. Graduating from Malcolm X with two associate degrees in 2014, he transferred to CSU where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree in just one year. He graduated with highest honors, was inducted into Psi Chi – the honor society for psychology students –, and was made a President’s Ambassador at the school.

Then it was on to Texas Wesleyan University for Derron where he received a graduate scholarship to study school counseling. While there, he participated in University Day as a presenter on relationship skill building and at the local author fair where his book, Foundations (2009), was previewed. After a semester studying abroad in London, he was inducted into the Texas Wesleyan University Counseling Honor Society before graduating – again – with highest honors.

After graduation, Derron taught courses in AP/IB psychology as well as college transition and has served as a school social counselor intern and an assistant men’s varsity basketball coach. He currently works for Human Resource Development Institute, Inc. as a psychiatric assessor and intake specialist at St. Bernard Hospital where he is part of the mobile crisis team.

Continuing to move ahead on his educational career path, Derron is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in advanced studies of human behavior through Capella University.