Grambling, La. – July 21, 2023 – Beginning August 1, 2023, Dr. Derrick V. Warren will bring his business and technology expertise to Grambling State University (GSU) to serve as Dean of the College of Business. Dr. Warren previously served as Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Programs for Southern University and A&M College of Business.
A Louisiana native, his arrival at Grambling State will signify a return to his roots. With parents that are both graduates of GSU and a host of other alumni among family members – including his uncle Simmie Holland whose name adorns one of the residence halls, Warren will come full circle to the place where he also spent the first early years of his life.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have someone of Dr. Warren’s amazing skill set and experience to lead our college of business,” said Grambling State President Rick Gallot. “His extensive career with IBM and work in higher education speaks volumes about his approach to effective leadership and impact on student success.”
“I am excited about Dr. Warren joining the College of Business as Dean,” said Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “His corporate experience, training, and track record in higher education will be beneficial in taking this great College to the next level. Dr. Warren will lead the College of Business faculty in expanding the training that is offered to students. He has a reputation for making sure students have a set of experiences that equips them with the skills that industries are seeking.”
Growing up in a small town, Bastrop, La., taught Dr. Warren the importance of relationships, results, and resilience. From a young age, his parents, Calvin and Idell Warren, instilled in him the reality that a quality education is extremely important for success.
“In accepting the role of Dean, I am filled with unceasing optimism for the future of the Grambling State University College of Business and thank my predecessor Dr. Donald White for his leadership,” said Warren. “I look forward to infusing technology into our offerings and leveraging industry partnerships that will help not only the College of Business, but every part of Grambling State thrives. Together, we will uphold the institution’s rich legacy while embracing a forward-thinking, inclusive, and interdisciplinary approach to education. I firmly believe that our collective efforts will not only benefit our immediate community but also contribute positively to the global society as we prepare the next generation of business leaders.”
A self-described “Global Life Learner,” Warren drove positive transformation for the Southern University System (SUS) through his roles as Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Programs for the Southern University Baton Rouge College of Business and Academic Director of the LA2BSET (Law.Agriculture/Art.Business.Science.Engineering.Technology) initiative through the SU Law Center. He also served as the IBM – SU System Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for IBM Global University Programs where he led the implementation of the IBM Academic Initiative, IBM Academic Awards, and IBM Skills Academy programs for the university system. This powerful partnership provided technology, research opportunities, and grants and supported the advancement and acceleration of in-demand skills such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Design Thinking, Internet of Things, and Quantum Computing for students, faculty, and key stakeholders of the university.
A technology enthusiast (specifically in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and Data Science), Dr. Warren is passionate about sharing his knowledge with learners especially those from underrepresented communities. He executes this goal through social/digital engagement, technology transformation, strong communication strategies, and innovation.
Prior to his roles with Southern, Dr. Warren spent over 32 years with IBM and was responsible for the overall client satisfaction, financials, and delivery execution of large accounts ranging in size from several hundred million to over a billion dollars in total contract value. While at “Big Blue”, Warren achieved success living abroad leading teams that provided complex technology solutions for corporations in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. He also developed compelling value propositions, created innovative tactical/strategic plans, executed roadmaps for effective execution, resolved complex escalated issues/disputes as well as guided the participation of all IBM Lines of Business. He has published articles in industry magazines and is an accomplished speaker at business symposiums, conferences, and universities globally.
Warren is a cum laude honor graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. He earned an MBA from the University of South Florida in Tampa, and his Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University – Robinson College of Business in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Warren is certified in Online Teaching from Quality Matters, has his Master Teaching Certificate from Georgia State, Blockchain Technologies certification from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate from the University of South Florida and a Careers in Real Estate Certificate from the University of Alabama.
He and his wife (college sweetheart), Anita, currently reside in Baton Rouge, La. They are the proud parents of two sons, the late Derrick II and Dillon; daughter, Dhalyn; and granddaughter Emersyn.