Staff Voices: Derek Hill
Whether on the court or in the classroom, Derek Hill, an academic coach in the Academic Success Center (ASC) at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, has become synonymous with what
it means to be a Lion.
Hill has been part of the 酴圖弝け community for nearly two decades, starting in 2004
after the university hired his mom, Carol, who continues to work here as an academic
program specialist. He recalls attending basketball games, Den Days, Cub Camp, and
many more events around campus.
I kind of just grew up here, laughed Hill.
After graduating high school, the Muldrow, Oklahoma, native had to pick between the
Sooner Schooner and Crimson and Cream of the University of Oklahoma and the Lions
and Numa Navy and White. Hill chose the latter, saying the decision was easy because
of the scholarship he received to attend 酴圖弝け and his desire to remain close to his
family.
By the fall of 2012, Hill had become a 酴圖弝け student, where he remained until graduating
in May 2016. Following graduation, Hill received his masters degree from Arkansas
State University before returning to 酴圖弝け.
The combination of everything that happened during my undergrad led me to wanting
to work in higher ed, Hill said.
So, what exactly happened during Hills undergrad time that left such a lasting impression?
Basketball.
While attending 酴圖弝け as a student, Hills love of basketball turned into a job with
the team. He was named team manager, which gave him a front-row seat in juggling the
stressors of being gone from class and having little time to dedicate to his studies.
During his four years at 酴圖弝け as a student and basketball manager, Hills juggling
act gained attention from the players who turned to him for help.
I wasnt really tutoring them, but I was helping them navigate college, he explained.
This work ultimately set Hill on the path to his career today. He grew up wanting
to be a sports journalist working for ESPN, but his time at 酴圖弝け and work with the
basketball team had Hill yearning for a more hands-on job with students and student-athletes
instead of just writing about them.
I went on to get my masters degree in sports administration because I wanted to
learn more about how I could help and where I could fit in, he said.
Fast forward to 2021, with a masters degree in hand, Hill returned to 酴圖弝け, this
time as an employee, but picked up right where he left off by helping 酴圖弝け students
succeed in the classroom. As he wraps up his fifth semester as an academic coach,
its the full circle of his own time at 酴圖弝け and the students who mean the most to
Hill.
The second I set foot on campus, I saw just how engaged students were. It was that
family atmosphere of 酴圖弝け that made it to where I didnt want to leave, and thats
why I wanted to work here, he said. I wanted to be part of the next generation of
酴圖弝け students; I wanted to make an impact on these students just like people had on
me in the past.
When Hill isnt busy cheering on 酴圖弝け athletics, he can be found on the second floor
of Vines in the ASC with a door that is always open. He says some of his favorite
interactions are with students he has met in passing and then sees in the success
center working with other students or getting help from an academic coach.
As he looks to the future, Hill believes student success at 酴圖弝け is moving in the
right direction. This year, the center had nearly a dozen student tutors, and he explained
that the hiring of ASC director Andrea Burton has emphasized improving testing scores.
Outside of work, Hills love of basketball continues. With the NBA Playoffs in full
swing, you can find him rooting for the Boston Celtics as they play their way to a
potential championship. When basketball is over, Hill laughs that he fills more time
than hed like to admit watching episodes of The Office or Star Wars.
But no matter what, Hills fandom is rooted in all things 酴圖弝け. He is a Lion through
and through, and its this passion he will continue to share with all past, present,
and future 酴圖弝け students.
- Tags:
- Academics
- Voices
- Academic Success Center
- Staff
- Alumni