Derek Griffin

For Derek Griffin, Sycamore class of 2020, life was on a clear forward drive. With every play on the football field in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, Derek came a few yards closer to the goal—and his future. He knew his passion and talent for the game would be his ticket to college, and he didn’t give this plan a second thought until he broke his femur on the field during his Junior year of high school.

After months of hard work to get back on two feet again, Derek found the strength to run a completely new route and decided to apply to Indiana State University on his academic merit. Four years later, Derek has changed his major four times while he’s seized the opportunity his undergrad experience has given him to play by his own rules. Along the way Derek has found a new passion in welcoming Sycamores to the campus he loves so much, where he’s served as a member of the Welcome Committee, as a Resident Assistant, and even the President of Pride and Traditions.

Derek’s game plan today? He’s hard at work finishing up his degree in criminology with his eyes set on a master’s and PhD. Derek plans to continue his education with a special focus on student affairs and has his eyes set on one day becoming the President of Indiana State University. That’s a big leap from his days thinking his only way forward was with football, and his experiences drive him to continue inspiring others to never stop reaching for their dreams.

Are you ready to explore everything college has to offer you and your future? There’s no time like today to submit your application to Indiana State University and start a Sycamore story of your very own.