An Alabama State University alumnus with strong ties to the university is now taking a lead in its student affairs! Learn more about accomplished alumnus Dr. Derrick Brewster, and how he plans to change operations for the better at ASU in the release by Hazel Scott below!
Two-time Alabama State University graduate, Dr. Derrick Brewster, returns to his alma mater to take the reins as the institution’s new Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Brewster’s hiring was approved on July 6, 2021, by the ASU Board of Trustees.
Brewster, formerly the Associate Dean of Student Services at Troy University, assumed his responsibilities at ASU on July 1.
“I am so blessed and grateful for the opportunity to come back home to The Alabama State University to be a positive resource for our current and future students,” said Brewster, who has more than 20 years of progressive administrative experience in higher education.
ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., said Brewster’s background and accomplishments are ideally suited to lead the division.
“I am pleased to have Dr. Brewster join our leadership team,” said Ross. “Dr. Brewster has a proven record of success in student affairs and enrollment management. He is a highly innovative and student-focused leader. As a two-time alumnus of our beloved University, he embodies the spirit and student experience of O’ Mother Dear. His dedication to his alma mater has remained constant and will only add to his passion to ensure that our students have a great Hornet experience during their time at Alabama State University.”
In his previous position, Brewster worked closely with the senior administration and managed a staff of directors, assistant directors, coordinators and student workers. Prior to serving as the Associate Dean of Student Services, he served as the Assistant Dean, Director of the Trojan Center, Assistant Director of Student Involvement & Leadership and Coordinator of Student Activities, all at Troy.
In this role, the Cuba, Alabama native leads student engagement and wellness initiatives, enrollment management services, and classroom to career initiatives.
“Currently with COVID changes, I consider my vision and goal is to ‘navigate the sea of change’ with a focus on recruitment, retention, campus engagement, community engagement and to shape our students to be great on a daily basis by creating a rich setting for students to learn and grow into individuals ready to compete on a global stage. The ultimate goal with COVID is to make sure our students are able to learn in a safe environment semester to semester. (My objectives include) collaboration with other departments with a focus on what does it mean for our students,” Brewster said.
His first official act is to “meet with my staff, meet with students and LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. (I will) utilize the information that I gain to create departmental goals/objectives for the remainder of 2021 and for 2022.”
During Brewster’s professional career, he has been dedicated to providing educational opportunities to college-aged students with a particular focus on minority students. His numerous collegiate experiences range from providing programs within intramural sports and coordinating events on campus to serving as an administrator on a college campus.
Brewster said these experiences, coupled with his dedication to higher education, have afforded him the opportunity to assist thousands of students in realizing their educational goals and to mentor countless students.
”Working with and for the students is my daily passion. I truly love student engagement, student empowerment, particularly, mentoring opportunities,” he pointed out. “ I enjoy getting in the classroom particularly to meet first semester students, whereby I can establish a meaningful relationship and be a positive resource to those students until they graduate.”
Brewster received both his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from ASU and his master’s from Troy University.
He has won numerous awards and honors, sits on several boards of directors and professional organizations and is an active community leader.
Brewster has strong family ties to ASU – his wife, Michelle, aunt and a host of cousins attended the University.
“I currently have a nephew enrolled in his third year at ASU,” he said.
Brewster and his wife have two children — Omari (22) and Jayla (19).
