Alumni Spotlight – Derek A. Houston ’98

Hometown
  • Tamms, IL
What activities were you involved in at IMSA?
  • Black Student Union
  • Served as the swim team manager
  • Baseball
Why did you Choose IMSA?

I chose IMSA because it was different and I was different. I saw it as an opportunity to experience more academically that was not available to me.

College and Area(s) of Study
  • Actuarial Science, B.S.; Statistics, M.S.; Educational Policy Studies, EdM; Educational Policy Studies, PhD – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Current Profession and Company
  • Program Officer, The Spencer Foundation (until December 31); Associate Professor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (January 1, 2022)
What involvement have you had, or currently have, with IMSA such as serving on panels, events, committees, etc.

In my time since IMSA, I have served on panels for the Equity & Inclusion office and participated in reading for Admissions. I currently serve as a founding executive team member of the Black Alumni Association and as an At-Large member of the IMSA Alumni Association.