Mini-Biography

Derek Gordon, a native of Fort Smith, AR, graduated Southside High School before continuing his education at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. His high school endeavors included leadership roles the Physics Club, Quiz Bowl, and KMO.

Derek’s interest in physical elements continued throughout college where he participated in field studies from the salt flats of Oklahoma to hydrology issues along the Amazon in Peru. He graduated in May, 2008, with Bachelors of Arts in Geology.

While a university student, Derek became interested in political ventures catching the eyes of some with the Mortain Blackwell Leadership Institute. Derek participated in a few of the Leadership’s programs. It was because of his involvement in this Reaganesque organization that he was flown to Washington DC where he participated in additional Leadership Institute activities. While in Washington, Derek was introduced to study abroad opportunities in South America. His decided to pursue educational opportunities in Lima the following summer.

While at the University of Arkansas, Derek was a founding member and the founding President of MPPOC. This organization seeks to provide veterans with a campus networking program. The organization caught the eye of a number of political dignitaries. A meeting just after its founding suggested that similar campus activities should be offered not only at Fayetteville but at other Arkansas schools as well. He is also a member of Phi Gamma Delta, Greek fraternity, and Sigma Phi Epsilon – a honorary society for the studies in Earth Sciences. (Continued below)

As Derek’s undergraduate education was coming to an end, he sought additional educational opportunities regarding Constitutionalism through the Scottish Rite. He joined the Masonic Temple and has attained rank as a 32nd degree Mason. He is serving as the Secretary of Sebastian Lodge.

Derek’s interest in global socio and political events has taken him to a variety of countries. From the geological haven of Scotland to the death camps of Poland, from the neutral Swiss to the burgeoning democracy of Peru, Derek’s world-view is broad.* It’s worth noting that he has explored many of the wonderful sights and scenes of the continental states that make up the great United States of America.

After being sent on brief military orders, Derek immediately redirected his focus to academics. As of the late 2008, Derek is pursuing a Masters of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate with an emphasis on the environment at Oklahoma City University.

* Countries studied and visited include but are not limited to: England, Scotland, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, Peru, etc…