Derek Wilson serves as the Assistant Director of Programming and Special Work at Arizona State University’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center, where he leads programs, partnerships and strategic initiatives that support the success of military-affiliated students and strengthen connections across ASU and the broader community. His work focuses on expanding student engagement, improving access to resources, building meaningful campus and community partnerships, and creating opportunities that help students thrive academically, professionally and personally.
Before stepping into this role, Derek served as a Success Coach at ASU’s West Valley campus and Luke Air Force Base, where he provided personalized guidance to students as they navigated their academic journeys, connected with university resources and prepared for meaningful career opportunities. His coaching approach is grounded in empowerment, helping students build the confidence, skills and support networks needed to achieve their goals.
Derek previously served as a Student Success Advocate at ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center, supporting the success of more than 20,000 military-affiliated students. In that role, he expanded access to critical resources, led community-building initiatives and helped develop partnerships that strengthened student engagement, belonging and persistence.
A retired U.S. Air Force veteran, Derek brings more than a decade of military leadership experience to his work in higher education. His background in service, advocacy and student support informs his commitment to helping students overcome barriers, navigate complex systems and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Derek earned his Bachelor of Social Work from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude and being recognized as the Outstanding Graduate of the School of Social Work in December 2024. He also holds an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in social work from Glendale Community College and an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force. He is certified as a Peer Support Specialist and Success Coach, with professional strengths that include student advocacy, strategic planning, collaborative leadership and solution-focused problem-solving.
Derek has been recognized with numerous honors, including ASU Pitchfork Awards for Emerging Student Leader and Student Worker of the Year. He is also a Spirit of Service Scholar, a recipient of the Congressman Ed Pastor Civic Leadership Award and a Veteran Scholar. As a student leader, he founded the Student Veterans Organization at Arizona State University and was inducted into several honor societies, including Phi Alpha, Omicron Delta Kappa, Tau Sigma and Sigma Alpha Pi.
Driven by a lifelong commitment to service, education and leadership, Derek is passionate about creating programs and partnerships that empower students, strengthen communities and help military-affiliated learners find belonging, purpose and success at ASU.