The Gatton Academy's Staff

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.

Dr. Derick B. Strode has been director of The Gatton Academy since returning to the program in 2026, having previously worked in Academics at The Gatton Academy from 2008 to 2021, first as Coordinator: Research, Internships, and Scholarships (2008-2012) and then as Assistant Director, Academics (2012-2021). Other previous roles at WKU were with Regional Campuses and Dual Credit as director (2021-2026), WKU Office of International Programs (2007-2008), and WKU Admissions (2004-2007).

Derick is a first-generation college graduate who was shaped by study abroad as an undergraduate. This led to a career passion, helping connect students to experiential learning. Outside of Gatton, Derick serves on the board of directors for Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in Costa Rica, which is a cloud forest destination for researchers, volunteers, and visitors from around the globe.

Derick holds the Educational Doctorate from Western Kentucky University, having studied the impact of Gatton Academy study abroad programs on participants’ views of belongingness, personal growth, and personal development. Derick also 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.