Simply put, Derek Collins – a senior political science major and legal studies minor from Hattiesburg, Mississippi – is the ideal Potter College of Arts & Letters student.
Collins has been a consistent leader on campus over his four years on the Hill. Notably, he is a member of the Potter College of Arts & Letters Dean’s Council of Students (DCS). He said he has greatly enjoyed his time in DCS. Through his work with the Council, he has served as the Chair of Diversity and Outreach for the organization and student member on the Dean’s Search Committee.
"Serving as the Diversity and Outreach chair put me in the position to welcome and advocate for students representing diverse backgrounds,” said Collins. “Additionally, DCS allowed me to play a pivotal role in the trajectory of the College of Arts and Letters! I was honored to serve on the Dean's Search Committee to select the next Dean for the college, an opportunity afforded to me because of my affiliation with the DCS.”
However, Collins’ campus involvement is not limited to the Potter College of Arts & Letters. He is also a member of the WKU Forensics Team. Collins has won numerous accolades throughout his time in Forensics and said the Potter College of Arts & Letters has assisted in his speech and debate career.
“PCAL coursework has helped me conceptualize why a lot of the things I discuss in Forensics occur,” said Collins.
The Potter College of Arts & Letters also has shaped Collins’ post-graduation aspirations as he looks ahead to the next chapters in his academic and professional life.
